Dog Walking Hours

ATTN: If you are a member, please sign in before purchasing tickets. Your discount will apply once your tickets have been added to the cart. Please be sure to add your human tickets to the cart, not just your dog ticket. 

You are purchasing a dog-walking ticket! On a select Sunday of the month, the Garden allows our Garden visitors to bring their four-legged best friends into our beautiful 87 acres. Whether you're bringing your pups with you or not, please be aware that there will be dogs in the Garden during this time.

Please review the Garden visit rules before you attend, which can be found here.

To provide the highest quality service, South Coast Botanic Garden saves information related to your ticket purchase. South Coast Botanic Garden will never keep any credit card information. 

Come meet our tropical butterflies in their enclosed habitat!

This add-on ticket allows entry into the butterfly pavilion. Please check the day and time of your SOAR Add-On selection to make sure it is coordinated with your General Admission ticket.

Your SOAR ticket time is the time you enter the pavilion. You can arrive at the host and nectar garden up to 10 minutes early to ensure you see the native butterflies and caterpillars outside of the pavilion. 

Dogtoberfest

We are welcoming our furry, four-leggged friends to enjoy Dogtoberfest every Saturday and Sunday beginning October 10, 2026 through November 1, 2026.

This year’s Dogtoberfest features exciting new additions, including a larger band with dancers, more Oktoberfest-inspired competitions, an expanded VIP Beer Tasting experience for a VIP Dog ticket. Guests can indulge in Bavarian-inspired food and beer for purchase from Dottie’s at the Koi Pond, have their pup compete in dog races, and capture the moment at our stunning photo opp. With even more festive décor and increased community seating, the Garden’s Upper Meadow will transform into a cheerful biergarten atmosphere that welcomes pups and people alike. 

ATTN: If you are a Member, please sign in before purchasing tickets. Your discount will apply once your tickets have been added to the cart. Please add your human tickets to the cart, not just your dog ticket. 

Dogtoberfest VIP Add-On

Back by pup-ular demand, Dogtoberfest is returning to the Garden for its third year this October—and it’s bigger, better and barkier than ever! Inspired by the beloved Bavarian tradition of Oktoberfest, this one-of-a-kind event brings together dogs and their humans for a festive celebration filled with live music, beer and plenty of tail-wagging fun every Saturday and Sunday from October 10 through November 1.

This year’s Dogtoberfest features exciting new additions, including a larger band with dancers, more Oktoberfest-inspired competitions, an expanded VIP Beer Tasting experience for a VIP Dog ticket. Guests can indulge in Bavarian-inspired food and beer for purchase from Dottie’s at the Koi Pond, have their pup compete in dog races, and capture the moment at our stunning photo opp. With even more festive décor and increased community seating, the Garden’s Upper Meadow will transform into a cheerful biergarten atmosphere that welcomes pups and people alike.

Whether you’re coming for the brats, the brews or the barks, Dogtoberfest is the perfect way to celebrate fall—Garden style. Prost!

UPGRADE YOUR GA TICKET AND GO VIP: Enhance your experience with our VIP tickets include:

• 4 FREE beer tastings (root beer option available for non-alcohol drinkers) placed along our Pup Crawl
• 1 FREE beer
• Boarding for The Bierhound Express, which allows you access to a VIP Express Lane at Dottie’s at the Koi Pond
• Access to a VIP Bar
• Make-and-take pretzel necklace 
• Priority selection for our Oktoberfest-inspired competitions

**NEW THIS YEAR**: Enhance your DOG’s experience wth our new VIP Dog ticket, which includes:

• 1 FREE dog beer tasting 
• 1 FREE dog treat
• Access to the VIP Top Dog Zone featuring splash pads and doggie pools
• Picture of your dog at the event

Sunset Series Modern Country Night

Kick up your boots for a night of '90s and modern country hits with Zach Michael Band with Chelsea Sanchez. Sing along to favorites like "Friends in Low Places," "Man! I Feel Like a Woman!," and "Body Like a Back Road," delivered with authentic style and feel-good charm. Don't miss this crowd-pleasing country party.

If you would like General Admission, please select 5:30 p.m. for General Admission.

Why go VIP? Upgrade and get early entry, premium seating, access to SOAR and the VIP bar, plus a ticket for a FREE Hard Butterfly Palmer (non-alcoholic also available). Note: on Smog City Brewing Company nights, guests will receive a complimentary beer instead.

Please note: No outside food or beverage is allowed in the Garden during the Sunset Series.

Timeline:
5:00 p.m. - Doors Open for VIP Ticket Holders
5:30 p.m. - Doors Open for General Admission
6 - 6:45 p.m. - First Music Session
7:15 -8 p.m. - Second Music Session

Butterfly Feeding Experience

Want an even more unique SOAR experience? For an additional $6, you can feed the butterflies! Every guest with a Butterfly Feeding Experience ticket will be given a "lollipop" to use while in the pavilion to help attract the butterflies for the most optimum and immersive experience. One lollipop per ticket.

Thomas Dambo’s TROLLS: A Field Study

Prepare for a GIANT dose of wonder!  Your General Garden Admission now includes Thomas Dambo’s TROLLS: A Field Study, a whimsical expedition featuring 12 large Trolls crafted entirely from reclaimed wood. These gentle, globe-trotting giants have ventured to our corner of the world on an important mission: to observe humankind’s delightful quirks—what makes you wonderfully, uniquely you?

Their visit to South Coast Botanic Garden transforms our 87 acres into a playful, storybook landscape, where guests can wander beside these charismatic creatures and discover them tucked into immersive locations across the grounds. Step into their world, see the Garden through their curious eyes, and let the Trolls add you to their ongoing study of humanity!

Please review the Garden visit rules before you attend, which can be found here.

To provide the highest quality service, South Coast Botanic Garden saves information related to your ticket purchase. South Coast Botanic Garden will never keep any credit card information.

Thomas Dambo’s TROLLS: A Field Study

Prepare for a GIANT dose of wonder!  Your General Garden Admission now includes Thomas Dambo’s TROLLS: A Field Study, a whimsical expedition featuring 12 large Trolls crafted entirely from reclaimed wood. These gentle, globe-trotting giants have ventured to our corner of the world on an important mission: to observe humankind’s delightful quirks—what makes you wonderfully, uniquely you?

Their visit to South Coast Botanic Garden transforms our 87 acres into a playful, storybook landscape, where guests can wander beside these charismatic creatures and discover them tucked into immersive locations across the grounds. Step into their world, see the Garden through their curious eyes, and let the Trolls add you to their ongoing study of humanity!

Please review the Garden visit rules before you attend, which can be found here.

To provide the highest quality service, South Coast Botanic Garden saves information related to your ticket purchase. South Coast Botanic Garden will never keep any credit card information.

Nature Waves: Sound Bathing at South Coast Botanic Garden

Join us this spring for a deeply restorative sound healing experience set within our tranquil Botanic Garden. Surrounded by nature, gentle vibrations from singing bowls, gongs, and chimes will guide you into a profound state of calm and balance as the garden itself becomes part of the experience. Led by Andrea Morales, a certified sound healer, this immersive session gently supports relaxation and renewal, helping you slow down, release tension, and reconnect to the wonders of nature. Through sound and stillness, you’ll leave feeling grounded, refreshed, and deeply restored. After the sound bath, guests are invited to enjoy a complimentary matcha while continuing to explore the Garden at their own pace. 

**Please note that this experience takes place on the grass—guests must bring their own yoga mat, blanket, or anything comfortable to lie on.

Members please login before adding tickets to your cart to receive your member discount.

Price: $42 for Members and $45 for Non-members

To provide the highest quality service, South Coast Botanic Garden saves information related to your ticket purchase. South Coast Botanic Garden will never keep any credit card information.

Macrame Workshop: Knot Your Bottle

Get knotty with us in this hands-on macrame workshop where guests will learn a few essential knots while weaving recycled cotton rope into a stylish, crossbody water bottle holder. Designed to fit a variety of bottle sizes, this functional piece is perfect for garden strolls, hikes, or everyday use—and makes a fun, creative experience to enjoy with friends. Each guest will also receive a reusable stainless steel 24oz South Coast Botanic Garden water bottle to take home, along with a refreshing Botanical Berry & Coconut Water beverage. Perfect for a group outing, a casual get-together, or a creative day with friends, guests will leave with a finished creation, a new water bottle, and the foundational skills to keep exploring macrame on their own.

Members please login before adding tickets to your cart to receive your member discount.

Price: $43 for Members, $46 for Non-members

To provide the highest quality service, South Coast Botanic Garden saves information related to your ticket purchase. South Coast Botanic Garden will never keep any credit card information.

Thomas Dambo’s TROLLS: A Field Study

Grab your walking stick and join us for a Troll Trek - a whimsical and wonderful walking tour! This ticket includes an exclusive guided tour of Thomas Dambo’s TROLLS: A Field Study as well as General Admission. On this 40-minute romp through the wilder side of our Garden, you’ll follow your Tour Guide to discover and meet the Twelvelings as they collect data for their Field Study.

Garden Members receive free General Admission and a discount on Troll Trek tickets. All discounts will be applied after you've selected your tickets and clicked "Add to Cart." Please make sure you are logged in BEFORE adding the tickets to your cart, or the Member discount will not apply. 

Accessibility Notes:
Troll Treks are guided walking tours that explore remote and rugged areas of the Garden. The route includes uneven terrain, narrow paths and slopes. The Trek requires the ability to walk and stand for the duration of the experience.

Guests who are unable to navigate the walking route may participate in the Troll Trek Mobility Ride. This option can accommodate guests using wheelchairs and other mobility devices. Please visit our Accessibility page for details and availability.

Experience Instructions:
We recommend arriving at least 30 minutes prior to your scheduled Troll Trek time to allow for parking, entry and possible busy conditions upon arrival. Your ticket time indicates when your guided experience begins. Late arrivals are unable to be accommodated.

Cancellation Policy:
Due to the limited availability and run of the Troll Trek experience, tickets are non-refundable. 

Please review the Garden visit rules before you attend, which can be found here.

To provide the highest quality service, South Coast Botanic Garden saves information related to your ticket purchase. South Coast Botanic Garden will never keep any credit card information. 

Field Guide: Trolls Edition 

This 16-page booklet includes a map of Thomas Dambo’s Trolls: A Field Study, along with information about each troll featured in the exhibit and fun facts about the trees used to create their hair. Guests can also join the study by completing the fill-in field guide page. Best of all, it makes a wonderful keepsake from your visit to the exhibit and the Garden. 

Add it to your cart today and pick it up on the day of your visit! 

Please note, this is a merchandise item and sales tax will be included. The Field Guide: Trolls Edition is non-refundable, and the cost of the Field Guide is not applicable towards the redemption of a membership on site.  

SOAR Tropical Butterflies and Garden Admission

To provide the highest quality service, South Coast Botanic Garden saves information related to your ticket purchase. South Coast Botanic Garden will never keep any credit card information. 

Butterfly Feeding Experience

Want an even more unique SOAR experience? For an additional $6, you can feed the butterflies! Every guest with a Butterfly Feeding Experience ticket will be given a "lollipop" to use while in the pavilion to help attract the butterflies for the most optimum and immersive experience. One lollipop per ticket.

Tiny Troll Trek

The Tiny Troll Trek is a playful, family-friendly experience designed for our youngest troll hunters
and their grown-ups. This shorter guided adventure includes a meet & greet with four trolls,
interactive activities that encourage family participation, and one Field Guide for every
registered guest. After the guided portion, families are welcome to continue exploring and
searching for the remaining trolls at their own pace.

Behind The Wings

Have you ever wondered how butterflies get to the SOAR Pavilion? Join one of our knowledgeable SOAR Guides to go Behind the Wings! As honorary “Staff for the Day,” we’ll show you each step in the process, from how shipments arrive at the Garden to how they are transported to our pavilion and every step in between. Included in this experience is exclusive access to our Staff Only processing center, known as the Emergence Chamber, plus the opportunity to name a chrysalis and add your picture to the “Behind the Wings” photo board! This tour is recommended for guests aged 6 and up.

Please note that access to the Emergence Chamber requires stepping up one large step. If you have accessibility concerns or need accommodations, please contact us prior to your visit.