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How I Accidentally Fell Into Troll Hunting in California
I wasn’t planning to go troll hunting in California, but isn’t that how the best trips begin? One unexpected moment, one little spark of curiosity and suddenly you’re chasing something you didn’t even know existed.
On vacation in California, I visited a magical Danish city and went on a tour that pointed out where a troll sculpture was located, so I went to see it. I was mesmerized by the thoughtful details the artist gave his creation.
Then I started seeing Thomas Dambo’s troll installations popping up all over social media, and it made me wonder if I could go troll-hunting in California, too. What began as simple curiosity quickly turned into a full-on adventure. In this guide, I’ll show you how to go troll hunting in California, from tracking down these larger-than-life sculptures to planning your route and the best times to visit to help you make the most of your own adventure.
What Are The Dambo Trolls And Why Is Everyone Obsessed With Them?
If you’ve never heard of them before, Dambo trolls aren’t your typical roadside attraction. They’re larger-than-life wooden sculptures created by Danish artist Thomas Dambo, built entirely from recycled materials and designed to feel like they’ve been quietly living in nature all along.
But what makes them so special isn’t just their size or craftsmanship, it’s their personality. Each troll has its own story, expression and sense of place. Some feel playful, others wise and all of them seem to blend naturally into their surroundings in a way that makes discovering them feel a little bit like finding a secret.
And that’s really what troll hunting is all about.
Where Can I Find The Dambo Trolls in California?
Before we jump into the list, keep in mind that some trolls are permanent displays, while others travel from place to place and are only in a certain location for a limited time.
Troll Locations in Southern California
1) South Coast Botanic Garden (Non-Permanent Display)
📍26300 Crenshaw Blvd, Palos Verdes Peninsula, CA 90274
When I heard that 12 Dambo trolls were coming to the South Coast Botanic Gardens for a limited time, I knew I had to go. While Palos Verdes is located in Southern California, it’s only roughly a 6-hour drive from San Francisco and Sacramento.
Let me say, this wasn’t just a visit, it was an experience.
Walking through the gorgeous gardens was joyful, but I also felt like I was stepping into a real-life treasure hunt. Around every corner, tucked into the landscape, there was another troll waiting to be discovered.
It was so much fun to see how each troll was playfully posed. As I mentioned earlier, each Dambo troll is crafted from reclaimed wood, with intricate details that give it a lifelike expression with curious eyes, oversized hands, and wild hair.
Sprinkled throughout the gardens, they invite you to explore and reconnect with your sense of childlike wonder. It was great getting to see the kids’ faces when they found another troll, and talking to the adults who were also excited to be on a quest to find the next one, as we all exchanged information about which direction to take to find it.
Important Planning Tips for Visiting the Trolls
- This is a limited-time exhibit → Since this is not a permanent display at this location, the trolls are only at the gardens from March through October 2026 (there was a different set of trolls here a few years ago, so I am hoping that in another year or two, we’ll have another opportunity to see more trolls)
- Plan for at least 2-3 hours → There is a lot to explore and you don’t want to rush
- Wear comfortable shoes → You’ll be walking quite a bit as the gardens cover 87 acres and the ground is uneven
- Check for timed entry tickets and purchase them online → Especially during peak seasons
What Makes This Location So Special
- You get to see multiple trolls in one location → Not just one quick stop
- It feels like a scavenger hunt → You’re actively searching and not just observing
- The garden setting makes it magical → The gardens themselves are gorgeous, which makes for an unforgettable experience
- These 12 trolls are part of the “Trolls: A Field Study” exhibit → They traveled from North Carolina to California and who knows where these trolls will travel to next
2) Solvang: Meet Lulu Hyggelig (Permanent Display)
📍California Nature Art Museum- 1511 Mission Drive, Solvang, CA
My very first troll encounter happened completely by accident and honestly, I don’t think I could have planned a better introduction. I was on a trolley tour through Solvang, just enjoying the day, when the guide casually mentioned that a giant troll was tucked away in one of the local museums. It caught my attention right away, but I still wasn’t quite prepared for what I was about to see.
Then I met Lulu Hyggelig!
She was even more incredible in person than I imagined. The craftsmanship of building her into the room in the museum where she is located, the textures and tiny details woven into every inch, was pure perfection. Standing there, taking it all in, I remember thinking… how did I not know about these trolls before now?
That moment was it for me. That was the spark.
What started as a random stop in Solvang turned into the beginning of something way more fun than I ever imagined because once you find one troll, you can’t help but wonder where the next one is hiding.
Thinking back, it makes sense that a Danish town should have a troll sculpture made by a Danish artist, quite literally built into the room in the museum and looking like she’s holding the roof up.
Tips for Visiting Lulu Hyggelig
- Don’t skip the museum → It’s easy to overlook as you can see the troll from the window, but the museum was only $5.00 when we went, it’s quick to walk through and there are some great displays of artwork
- Pair it with a day in Solvang → Bakeries, wine tasting and that charming Danish vibe make it worth lingering
Troll Location in Northern California
3) Filoli Historic House & Garden: A Hidden Gem With a Whimsical Twist
📍86 Cañada Rd, Woodside, CA 94062
Filoli Gardens is just a 35-minute drive south of San Francisco. By the time I made it the gorgeous Filoli Gardens, I already knew I loved troll hunting, but this stop felt completely different in the best way.
Filoli is known for its elegance with manicured gardens and a grand estate from the 1910’s. Finding a larger-than-life wooden troll tucked into this setting felt a little unexpected, but that’s exactly what made it so special.
It’s quieter here and it’s less about the hunt and more about the experience.
Then I met Rose Wonders!
Rose Wonders is a gigantic troll nestled in the redwood grove on the Filoli property. The grandness of the giant redwoods set a nice backdrop for Rose. I also noticed something special as I wandered along the forest path to visit the troll, which was the multitude of colorful birdhouses. This bit of whimsy guided me along my walk to see the troll and signifies the importance of natural surroundings.
Tips for Visiting the Troll at Filoli
- Go early or on a weekday if possible → It’s a popular spot, and quieter moments make it even more enjoyable. My daughter and I made this our first stop before exploring the gardens or the house when we visited. There was only one other family when we arrived, but we passed a lot of people making their way to the troll on our way back.
- Plan for at least 2-3 hours → There is a lot to explore and you don’t want to rush
- There is a Cafe at Filoli → It’s worth visiting, especially if you make a half-day out or day out of your visit
- Great add-on to a San Francisco trip → Easy to pair with nearby stops in the city
Is It Worth Visiting All 3 Troll Locations in California? (My Honest Take)
My short answer is Yes, but maybe not for the reason you think.
You won’t find three identical experiences. Each location feels completely different and that’s actually what makes troll hunting in California so fun. One feels like a surprise discovery, another like a full-on adventure and the last a peaceful moment.
All the troll locations are within a 7.5- to 8-hour drive of each other if you don’t stop. I enjoyed seeing all of them on my road trip, but if I had to pick just one, the South Coast Botanic Gardens offers the most immersive experience. But here’s the thing, my very first troll in Solvang might still be my favorite because it was quite literally built into the room in the museum. And the troll at Filoli is the largest troll I’ve ever seen!
Do you need to visit all three? Not necessarily. But if you love unique experiences, hidden gems and trips that feel a little different from the usual, seeing all three turns into something more than just sightseeing.
Tips for Planning Your California Troll Hunting Adventure
If you’re feeling inspired to go troll hunting in California, the good news is that it’s actually pretty easy to turn this into a fun and memorable trip.
Map Out Your Route
- Make it a road trip → Southern California → Solvang → Bay Area or go the opposite direction from north to south
- Break it into weekend trips → Easy and low-stress
Time Your Visit Right
- I went to see the troll in Solvang just after Christmas, while the town was still decorated. While the town was busy, we were able to see the troll without any problems. Since it is located inside, you can go year-round.
- The South Coast Garden is beautiful any time of year, but spring is when the blooms really come to life and that’s when I visited. Keep in mind that those trolls are not on permanent display and will leave South Coast Garden at the end of October 2026.
- Filoli is especially stunning in spring, with its rose garden peaking in early summer, making those seasons ideal to visit. That said, there’s almost always something in bloom no matter when you go.
Dress for Comfort
- Wear comfortable walking shoes, especially since the ground is uneven at the South Coast Botanic Garden and Filoli.
- Layers for changing weather
- Camera or phone storage
Why Troll hunting brings out pure joy (especially in midlife)
Maybe it’s the surprise or the way it encourages you to really take in your surroundings. It’s playful and whimsical without being childish and somehow it reconnects you with a sense of wonder we don’t always make time for.
For me, it wasn’t just about finding the trolls, it was about how it made me feel while I was searching for them.
Final Thoughts on Troll Hunting in California
If you’re looking for something a little different and something that feels like a mix between a hidden gem, a scavenger hunt and a joy-filled day out, this is it.
Troll hunting in California is about saying yes to something unexpected and creating memories that are fun and meaningful.
If you are looking to find more trolls on your vacation to another state, check out the Dambo Trolls website to find even more fun trolls.
