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. Afternoon on the Island

    What is it about tiny islands in the middle of lakes? There’s something that just draws you in. It’s even more fun when getting there is half the adventure because you have to reach it by canoe, kayak, paddleboat, or a ranger-guided boat tour!

    View
  2. Sponsored

    Chase Fall Colors & Family Fun in Reno Tahoe

    Ready to Reno? We’re so with you! Reno Tahoe is the ultimate urban basecamp for gathering family and friends for all kinds of fall fun and festivities.

    View
  3. This Is Paradise

    Granite mountain-scape, superb sunset views, crystal lakes, and shoreline campsites … the trip to Paradise Lake in Tahoe National Forest lives up to its idyllic name.

    View
  4. Aloha from California

    Say Aloha without leaving California with a 7-mile out-and-back hiking adventure to Lake Aloha in El Dorado National Forest. You can also camp here, a premier place for stargazing.

    View

Trending Stories SoCal

View all Stories
  1. Walking the Los Angeles River Trail Through Frogtown

    Frogtown Strutter’s Stroll

    Don’t go dismissing the Los Angeles River as merely a 51-mile concrete channel. It’s a genuine urban artery that links real neighborhoods, and its riverside bike/ped paths endear i

    View
  2. Coming Up Roses

    Looking to spice up your hiking life? Give your partner a rose—Mount Rose! The 10-mile out-and-back peak hike goes up to one of the grandest views in all of Lake Tahoe. Get ready f

    View
  3. Underground Garden

    Looking to escape the summer heat? Head to Fresno and discover its cool secret: the Forestiere Underground Gardens–an enchanting garden and architecture oasis like no other.

    View
  4. Sequoia Re-opens Crystal Cave

    Step inside Sequoia & Kings Canyon National Park's hidden world by visiting the newly re-opened Crystal Cave—the only cave in the parks open to the public. Closed for four years, this rare marble karst cavern is welcoming visitors once again, but only through the summer season!

    View