What to KnowSOARSouth Coast Botanic GardenPalos Verdes Peninsula$7 member; “Up to $27 for non-members” (includes garden admission)May 1-Sept. 30, 2026
It’s a bigger and littler stretch of the year at South Coast Botanic Garden, thanks to the powerful and playful presence of Thomas Dambo’s beloved TROLLS and the wee winged critters set to make their May Day debut at the flowery spot.
And when we say “wee winged critters,” we are paying ethereal homage to the real and remarkable butterflies set to “SOAR” at the Palo Verdes Peninsula garden from May 1 through Sept. 30.
The limited-time experience has become a seasonal favorite at the 87-acre destination, which is known for its native flora, stately Moreton Bay Fig Trees, and exquisite roses, as well as all of those rambling, stretch-a-leg pathways.
This year, there’s a TROLL-y twist to the butterflies arrival: A dozen sweet sculptures, all depicting character-filled TROLLS, are on display throughout the garden.
Those won’t be part of the “SOAR” fun, but you can call upon the made-from-reclaimed-wood whimsies after visiting with the tropical butterflies.
The experience, which is winging into its 6th year, has a few intriguing areas to call upon, including the Emergence Chamber, “… where you may just see a butterfly emerge from its pupa!”
And the Butterfly Lollipop Feeding Experience, which is available for an additional fee, may inspire the superstars of “SOAR” to approach you for some quick and tasty sustenance (you’ll be holding a delicious, butterfly-beckoning goodie, mmm).
Prepare to encounter “hundreds of butterflies” while roaming the “SOAR” pavilion, then make time to step beyond the airy enclosure for a look at the charming TROLLS dotting the garden.
Mythical storybook creatures and real-world butterflies rarely team-up in the same place, so consider this summer a prime and sweet time to enjoy both, at one location, in pretty Palos Verdes Peninsula.
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