Fantastical Fig Trees

Giant Fig Trees on La Mesa Drive

In a land of redwoods and sequoias, it's a bit unexpected that a residential street tucked in one of LA's toniest Westside neighborhoods is home to some of the most impressive-looking trees in California. They go by the name of Moreton Bay fig—or, if you want to be technical, Ficus macrophylla—and are related to the Ficus benjamina trees that line so many Los Angeles streets. But unlike your run-of-the-mill ficus, Moreton Bay fig trees are positively primordial in appearance. The trees—lining a half-mile parkway between the street and the sidewalk—were apparently mistaken for magnolias when originally planted nearly a hundred years ago. They've since grown to proportions original landscapers could hardly have imagined. Their long, snaking roots can reach as high as an adult's chest and are pretty irresistible to daredevil kids who will no doubt want to hop up and walk along these nature-made balance beams. Fortunately, the residents of this quiet street don't seem to mind, so the half-mile stroll along La Mesa Drive can easily become a means of whiling away a good part of the afternoon, pondering what can become of an unassuming little sapling with the passage of time.

SWEET TIP: Treat yourselves to freshly made ice cream at Sweet Rose Creamery in the nearby Brentwood Country Mart.

Start at the intersection of La Mesa Dr. on the northwest side of San Vicente Blvd. in Santa Monica (map); note that it is called 19th Street on the southeast side of San Vicente. Follow La Mesa Dr. to where it ends at 26th St. before walking back to your starting point. Dog-friendly!

Trending Stories NorCal

View all Stories
  1. Field of Light at Sensorio in Paso Robles

    Light This Way

    Hidden in the bucolic hills of Paso Robles lies one of the greatest light shows on earth. The lighted art exhibition, Sensorio, is as if the rainbow magic of the aurora borealis was plucked from the sky and planted in the fields.

    View
  2. Surfboards and tents for shade are set up on the beach at Cull Canyon Regional Recreation Area in the Swim Lagoon Area

    Switchbacks and Swimming Holes

    Hike hard, play hard! This 7-mile out-and-back in Cull Canyon Regional Recreation Area is a great workout with payoff vistas and a relaxing post-hike picnic and dip in the water.

    View
  3. Hike the Rainbow

    Catch all the colors of a rainbow at Calero County Park on this 10-mile hike currently showcasing the season’s best blooms.

    View
  4. Hike Purisima Creek Open Space Preserve

    Purisima Charisma

    Hundred-foot redwoods, a shaded canyon, and views overlooking Half Moon Bay. This 10-mile loop hike in Purisima Creek Redwoods Open Space Preserve is a roller-coaster of uphill and downhill along with easygoing stretches through some of the Bay Area’s most beautiful landscape.

    View

Trending Stories SoCal

View all Stories
  1. People on a guided horseback tour with Central Coast Trailrides at Santa Margarita Ranch near Paso Robles

    Saddle Up with Central Coast Trailrides

    Untouched and sweeping, the mountainous scenery and deep valleys of Santa Margarita near Paso Robles are just begging to be explored. So saddle up for a scenic adventure with Central Coast Trailrides (CCT) at the 14,000-acre Santa Margarita Ranch.

    View
  2. A woman on a hiking trail with huge open space and yellow flowers around her at Wildwood Park in Thousand Oaks

    Going Wildwood

    Consider this your invitation to get a little untamed. In just one walk through Wildwood Park in Thousand Oaks, you can chase the sound of a cascading waterfall, duck into a shadowy cave, and soak in big hillside vistas. The mostly flat 4.25-mile loop makes wild feel wonderfully accessible.

    View
  3. Two people fly fishing on the Truckee River with guides from Reno Fly Shop

    Zen and the Art of Fly Fishing

    Learning to fly fish is one of the most fun and beautiful ways to connect with nature, family, friends, and yourself. It’s also a great way to truly experience the magic of a place. Make that place Reno Tahoe, where a fly fishing adventure with Reno Fly Shop is like being planted in a plein air painting of dreamy outdoors.

    View
  4. A woman on the overlook deck overlooking the Truckee River at Oxbow Nature Study Area in Reno

    This Way to Oxbow and Dickerson Road

    Just west of downtown Reno—tucked right alongside the Truckee River—is a nature haven for wildlife spotting and waterside relaxing. The 22-acre Oxbow Nature Study Area is ideal for those seeking solitude and a short hike. Afterwards, explore the creative hub of Dickerson Road.

    View