Dinosaurs Around the World: The Great Outdoors is back at South Coast Botanic Garden on the Palos Verdes Peninsula, running from Nov. 7, 2026 through Jan. 31, 2027. After a popular first run last winter, the exhibit returns with 11 life-sized dinosaurs spread across the garden’s 87 acres, including 3 new species and a dinosaur guests can actually climb.

The best part for locals: the exhibit is included with general garden admission. That makes it one of the easiest winter outings in the South Bay, whether that means a morning walk with the grandkids, a weekend plan with friends, or a reason to finally get out and explore the garden again.

About this guide: Local Anchor is a South Bay community media platform covering local events, restaurants, and things to do since 2017. We update this list regularly based on firsthand experience and community input.

Dinosaurs Around the World at a Glance
What Is Dinosaurs Around the World: The Great Outdoors?
What Is New in 2026
Guided Tours and the Pangea Express
Tickets and General Admission
Hours, Parking, and Getting There
Tips for Visiting
Frequently Asked Questions

Dinosaurs Around the World at a Glance

Event: Dinosaurs Around the World: The Great Outdoors
Dates: Nov. 7, 2026 through Jan. 31, 2027
Location: South Coast Botanic Garden, 26300 Crenshaw Boulevard, Palos Verdes Peninsula, CA 90274
Hours: Daily, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. (last entry at 4:30 p.m.)
Cost: Included with general garden admission; guided tours are an additional fee
Parking: Free onsite lot
Phone: (424) 452-0920

What Is Dinosaurs Around the World: The Great Outdoors?

Dinosaurs Around the World is an outdoor exhibit that turns South Coast Botanic Garden into a road trip through Pangea, the supercontinent that existed when all of Earth’s landmasses were joined together. Guests follow bright, vintage-style billboards and wayfinding signs through the garden to learn which dinosaurs lived where, how they got there, and when they walked the earth.

This year’s lineup includes 10 life-sized animatronic dinosaurs that move with quiet, graceful motions, and some even make noise. An 11th dinosaur is stationary and climbable, built for photos.

Because the exhibit is set among the garden’s plant collections, it also connects the dinosaurs to the plant life of their time. Some prehistoric plant relatives are growing right in the garden, which adds a layer of learning for curious visitors of every age.

The Fan Favorite Returns

The Tyrannosaurus rex is back for 2026, so anyone who snapped a photo with it last year can go for a side by side comparison.

What Is New in 2026

The garden added several new experiences for the exhibit’s second year.

3 New Dinosaurs

Look for the Europasaurus, the Irritator, and the Parasaurolophus, all new to the garden this season.

A Climbable Dinosaur

The stationary Parasaurolophus is open for climbing, making it the go-to photo spot of the exhibit.

3 Ways to Tour

The Pangea Express is back, joined by a new guided Walking Tour and a Mobility Ride designed for guests with limited mobility.

A Take-Home Field Guide

New exhibit merchandise includes a field guide that doubles as a map and an in-depth guide to the dinosaurs and the story of Pangea.

Guided Tours and the Pangea Express

Visitors can explore the dinosaur trail on their own with general admission. For a deeper experience, the garden offers 3 guided tour options. Non-member tour prices are listed in addition to general admission.

Trail Tour: Walking with Giants

A guide leads the group along the entire route, introducing each of the 11 dinosaurs with fun facts about prehistoric periods, ancient plant life, and how much the planet has changed. The tour stops for photos and includes a chance to climb the Parasaurolophus. It works well for all ages.

Times: Mondays and Wednesdays at 3:30 p.m.; weekends and select holidays at 10:30 a.m. and 2:30 p.m.
Price: $15 for members; $18 plus general admission for non-members

The Pangea Express

The premium option is a safari-style ride with a tour guide, stopping once along the way. It includes interactive moments, a photo with one of the dinosaurs, and a take-home keepsake. The vehicle holds up to 6 guests, and the tour is recommended for ages 4 and up.

Times: Weekends and select holidays, hourly from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Price: $20 for members; $23 plus general admission for non-members

The Pangea Express: Mobility Tour

This shorter, non-stop ride is designed for guests with limited mobility. A guide shares stories about the dinosaurs, Pangea, and prehistoric plant connections along the way. The vehicle fits 1 wheelchair user and 3 additional guests. Call (424) 452-0920 to book.

Times: Thursdays at 10:30 a.m. and 3:30 p.m.; weekends and select holidays at 12:30 p.m.
Price: $12 for members; $15 plus general admission for non-members

Tickets and General Admission

Dinosaurs Around the World is free with general garden admission, and garden members get in free. The garden uses timed daily admission tickets, and advance purchase is required for garden entry on weekends.

Published general admission rates:

Foundation members: Free
Adults: $15
Seniors (62 and over): $11
Students (with ID): $11
Children (5 to 12): $5
Children (4 and under): Free

Visitors under 18 must be accompanied by an adult. Tickets and tour reservations are available through the ticketing calendar on the South Coast Botanic Garden website.

Hours, Parking, and Getting There

South Coast Botanic Garden is open daily from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., with last entry at 4:30 p.m. The garden is open 364 days a year and closed on Christmas Day.

Parking is free in the onsite lot at 26300 Crenshaw Boulevard. The garden sits on the Palos Verdes Peninsula, an easy drive from Torrance, Redondo Beach, Rolling Hills Estates, and the rest of the South Bay.

Tips for Visiting

Book weekends early. Advance tickets are required on weekends, and Pangea Express rides only hold 6 guests at a time.

Go early or late. Morning light is great for photos, and weekday afternoons tend to be calmer.

Wear comfortable shoes. The dinosaurs are spread across the garden’s 87 acres, so plan for a good amount of walking if you are not booking a ride.

Plan the photo stop. The climbable Parasaurolophus is the signature photo op, so have the camera ready.

Make a day of it. Pair the visit with lunch in nearby Torrance or Rolling Hills Estates, or a sunset stop along the Palos Verdes coastline.

Plan Your Visit

Dinosaurs Around the World: The Great Outdoors runs through Jan. 31, 2027, which makes it a great pick for holiday visitors, winter break plans, or a simple weekend outing close to home. Reserve tickets and tours at southcoastbotanicgarden.org, and share your dino photos with the Local Anchor community.

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About Local Anchor

Local Anchor is a South Bay community media platform covering local events, restaurants, things to do, and community stories since 2017. Our team lives, works, and plays across the South Bay and surrounding areas, including Manhattan Beach, Hermosa Beach, Redondo Beach, Torrance, El Segundo, Palos Verdes, Lawndale, Hawthorne, Carson, and San Pedro. We update this guide regularly based on firsthand experience, community input, and ongoing coverage of the region.

Frequently Asked Questions

When is Dinosaurs Around the World at South Coast Botanic Garden?

The exhibit runs from Nov. 7, 2026 through Jan. 31, 2027 at South Coast Botanic Garden on the Palos Verdes Peninsula.

Is the dinosaur exhibit included with admission?

Yes. Dinosaurs Around the World is free with general garden admission. Guided tours, including the Pangea Express, cost extra.

How much does South Coast Botanic Garden cost?

Published rates are $15 for adults, $11 for seniors 62 and over and students with ID, $5 for children 5 to 12, and free for children 4 and under and garden members.

Are the dinosaurs animatronic?

Yes. 10 of the 11 dinosaurs are life-sized animatronics that move, and some make sounds. The 11th, a Parasaurolophus, is stationary and climbable.

What dinosaurs are in the exhibit this year?

The Tyrannosaurus rex returns, joined by 3 new species: the Europasaurus, the Irritator, and the Parasaurolophus.

Can you climb on the dinosaurs?

Guests can climb the stationary Parasaurolophus for photos. The animatronic dinosaurs are for viewing only.

Do I need tickets in advance?

Advance purchase is required for garden entry on weekends. Booking ahead is also smart for tours, since group sizes are small.

What is the Pangea Express?

It is a guided, safari-style ride through the dinosaur exhibit with a photo stop and a take-home keepsake. It runs hourly on weekends and select holidays from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. and is recommended for ages 4 and up.

Is the dinosaur exhibit accessible for guests with limited mobility?

Yes. The Pangea Express Mobility Tour is a non-stop ride with room for 1 wheelchair user and 3 additional guests. Call (424) 452-0920 to book.

Is parking free at South Coast Botanic Garden?

Yes. Free parking is available daily in the garden’s onsite lot at 26300 Crenshaw Boulevard.

What are South Coast Botanic Garden’s hours?

The garden is open daily from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., with last entry at 4:30 p.m. It is closed on Christmas Day.

DISCLOSURE: Event schedules are subject to change. Please contact the event host or venue to confirm event details.

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