San Diego Palm Trees
The Species, History, and Their Neighborhood Charm

Some puzzle over San Diego palm trees.

Often, we see people asking: are there palm trees in San Diego? We know that palms are all around.

We lived in Southern California, in San Diego County, for over ten years. Eight of those years we lived just south of the city, in Imperial Beach. They grew all around our town, and nearly everywhere we travelled in the county, we viewed San Diego palm trees.

We always suggest the City of San Diego (SD) for your California vacations. To see these tropical desert palms, and the fabulous neighborhoods

Please check our TOC to find just what you want to know!

Why are Palm Trees Common in San Diego?

Yes, palm trees are commonplace throughout San Diego.

That's because the San Diego area contains USDA Hardiness Zones from 10-11a. Where palms mostly grow.

Note three shades of green. Mountainous areas with cooler temps.
The orangey pinkish areas are higher elevations: Zone 9b. Where cold hardy palms may grow.

A Mediterranean climate is often named as the SD environment when thinking of growing San Diego palm trees.

People think of palms growing in humid tropics. But Palms Do Grow in Deserts>

The SD climate is coastal desert. Without the high temperatures of inland deserts. But as with all deserts: low yearly rainfall. San Diego local NBC affiliate Channel-7 found annual rainfall averages 9.79in/24.9cm.

Isn't there a song: It Never Rains in Southern California? Yep!

What Palms are Native in San Diego?

There is only one palm native to California, historically growing within the San Diego County area.

They'd be found near rivers and springs, intermittent arroyos, and eastern fault areas. It's Washingtonia filifera, the Desert Fan Palm.

But they weren't the City of San Diego's first palm trees. Another famed one began SD's love of palm trees.

Palm Canyon in Southern California filled with Native Desert Fan Palms

What is the Oldest Palm Tree in San Diego?

Let's now go back into history to see how palms got to the City of San Diego.

The plants in San Diego before the 1800s aren't like you'd see today.

Before Europeans arrived, the San Diego area was mostly grassland. We've taken many drives along South Coast (101) & Pacific Coast Highways, when we lived in SD. Some grasslands still remain along that scenic route.

Native Grassland & Trees Along the Road to Julian.

Back then, Chaparral, Sage & Prickly Pear Cactus grew in coastal areas. There was one native pine, The Torrey. You can see them off Interstate-5 Exit-26A, & drive west.

Yuccas grow in San Clemente Canyon (historic home of Onap, a Kumeyaay village). Go into the mountains around Julian, you'd find Ponderosa Pine, Sycamore, Oaks & some Cypress.

But San Diego Palm Trees?

Who Brought Palm Trees to San Diego?

In 1769 a Spanish military expedition arrived in (now) San Diego.

Missionary priests came along, led by a Franciscan, Father Serra. Arriving safely, they all gathered for a thankful celebration in what's today's Presidio Park.

Historic Memorial in Old Town San Diego

It's said during this event, Father Serra planted the first of the San Diego Palm Trees. And a second one adjacent to that original. (Who actually planted it & its species isn't confirmed!)

More palms grew, from seeds of these two. Scattering through the SD area.

Through the years local people loved these first two San Diego palm trees. In 1869, the populous began safekeeping them as a popular landmark. In 1887 they built a picket fence around these original palms.

Around 1915 a tempestuous storm hit Southern California. High winds toppled over the 2nd of these palms. Stunned locals then named the first: Serra Palm. And they wanted to better protect it. In 1929 a citizen's donation funded better fencing. 

By 1950 this Serra Palm was beginning to suffer. From the insults of senescence (as old age is called in the botany world), more bad weather, and/or human interference.

Especially affected by high winds, like The Santa Anas, the Serra Palm needed help to continue surviving. In 1941 public sentiment resulted in providing supporting cables.

Now locally famous, the Serra Palm was honored by the City on September 2, 1950. In a ceremony they installed a plaque. Now on the California Register of Historical Resources. The Serra was then upwards of 80ft./24+m tall. But sadly it began suffering nutritionally.

On June 6, 1957 it was cut down. Some Parts of the Palm were given to interested citizens.

Even though this tale is legendary, these known facts do confirm these earliest palms did grow. And were the first palm trees in San Diego.

Located on the edge of the Old Town neighborhood, it's also been called the Old Town Palm.

Fact References: Trent, H. & Seymour, J. (n.d.). Examining California’s first palm tree: The Serra Palm. San Diego History Center.

NO. 67 SERRA PALM - Site of the palm planted in 1769 by Padre Junípero Serra when he arrived at [what's now] San Diego. Here the four divisions of the Portolá Expedition met on July 1, 1769. The famous 'El Camino Real, most celebrated trail in California, begins here.

Record From CA Office of Historic Preservation: ohp.parks.ca.gov/?page_id=21478

San Diego Neighborhoods to Visit & See Palms

So many great places here!

You won't be disappointed. San Diego has picturesque neighborhoods, with character.

Historical Moonlight Beach Palm Essay Wins an Award

Recommended SD Palm experience.

From the City of San Diego, head north on Interstate-5. Exit at 41B & head west to Moonlight Beach in Encinitas, SD County. First see the panorama at the Moonlight Beach Overlook.

To the north spot Moonlight Beach with its historical palm planted right in the sand.

This Canary Island Palm at Moonlight Beach is about 60ft./18m tall. Now around 50 years old.

It's been the centerpiece for local postcards. But recently it's been given heritage recognition, with placement on the Encinitas Protected Special Trees list.

All thanks to a Moonlight Beach neighborhood high school student. Tanner McConlogue, who wrote an essay nominating the palm for Encinitas Heritage Recognition.

They say it's hard to find unless you've heard about it. For all our SD years, dropping in at Encinitas, we never knew it was there! This beach is a fabulous spot to get Pacific coast sunset views with a palm.

Reference: Henry, B. (2023, Aug. 5). Moonlight Beach palm tree wins heritage status in Encinitas. The San Diego Times Union.

Honored historical palm standing tall on the beach as the sun sets.

More Palms to See in San Diego Neighborhoods

We recommend checking out the authentic, quirky Vibe of Hillcrest to Flashy La Jolla.

Enter North Park! Another SD neighborhood for friendly restaurants & people.

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Thrilling Viewpoints at Point Loma

Don't forget Point Loma, with great restaurants & stunning views at the National Monument.

Overlooking the ocean, San Diego Bay & the city! And so much more, I can't even begin to describe it without running out of room!

San Diego Bay From a Viewpoint at Cabrillo National Monument at the Very End of Point Loma

Perfect San Diego Sunset View

How about a palmy sunset over the ocean?

We'd suggest watching the horizon as evening turns to night from Sunset Cliffs, just south of Ocean Beach. Get that pic of silhouetted tall palm trees against bewitching hues as the sun sets.

One Overlook at Sunset Cliffs in OB

FAQs for Palm Trees in San Diego

Takeaways for San Diego Palm trees

We palm lovers are often fascinated by the tall palm trees in California. Looking way up at them. Getting the feel of warmth, relaxation, and that unique SoCal charm.

San Diego, California's palm trees are distinctive for much more than SoCal's appeal.

• They have a historic story all their own.
• They add to the tropical local flavor, even while being in a desert.
• They are beloved by residents, and those who visit, seeing palms in atypical neighborhoods. 
• They entice you to try them in your own landscape.

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