Fantastical Fig Trees

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!