Tall Palm Trees in California

We lived in Southern California for ten years. So we feel confident in taking you for a (virtual) stroll on some California scenic paths. To see where tall palms abound. Where they're as ubiquitous as surfing & celebrities. Discovering where & how they'll be uplifting for you!

Palm View Taken From a Pathway Along the San Diego River

One of California's Tall Fan Palms - But Not THE Tallest.
Have You Figured Out How They Got One of Their Nicknames?

Of the tall palm trees in California, this Fan Palm (W.filifera) was the one native to areas near streams & natural springs. It's also found naturally by canyon arroyos with intermittent water flow.

Fundamentally, yes it's tall. It can end up anywhere from 50 ft./15m tall, to getting up to 70 ft./21m. How fast does the California Fan Palm get to these heights?

• As a youthful sprout it grows pretty slowly while getting it's trunk girth on.
• Once it's concentrating on starting to grow upward, it speeds up moderately. But still doesn't have the fastest rate of all tall palm trees in California.

So we see, they're not the towering giants we see on Hollywood streets or in films. There's another tall California palm that has that distinction.

THAT FAMED SO-CAL TALL PALM

That regular player in the Southern California skyscape is commonly called the Mexican Fan Palm. Scientifically it's Washingtonia robusta. That it! The tall, skinny palm tree you've noted in California.

This tall drink of water among palms features an impressive growth rate.

• First as a little tyke, it seems to be relatively slow. 
• But be patient - once it gets to its "teens" it sprouts up quickly.

The Tallest Palms in Cali, Lined Up Along a Residential Street

ANOTHER TALL SOCAL PALM

There's another tall palm tree in California you'll commonly sight. Called the Canary Island Date Palm. Or scientifically: Phoenix canariensis. As the names suggest, it's originally domestic to the Canary Islands. This majestic non-native is well adapted to Californian culture & climate.

It's a Date Palm in California, but not the delish dates you'd think of. Technically you could eat the fruits, but you'd make an awful face. Then spit it out!

Yuck! He picked the wrong date fruit to try!!

The Canary Island Date Palm has pinnate fronds, rather than the palmate fronds on tall palm trees in California we've already mentioned. If you're wondering about the difference, our Palm Frond Info has your differentiation tips.

It does get pretty tall, yet more slowly than you'd probably hope. Up to 90 ft./27m maximum, with optimal conditions. Its imperial look comes from the wide, round crown. In Tucson, we see them regularly. We have to crane our neck to see all of it!

Canary Island Date Palm in a Garden

Now, let's imagine stepping out of a beach-front bungalow amidst a cluster of these flowing palms. The calming hum of the nearby ocean brings serenity to the soul. Think about all the places you'll go.

Los Angeles View Toward the East, at Crenshaw near Leimert - Many are Aging Now

Lots of Cool Towns in Southern California are near the beach. For instance, small town Capitola with 2 Gorgeous Beaches. We loved it there!

Exquisite beaches are right out the door, or within 1/2 mile drive or so. Think of driving the iconic Pacific Coast Highway. We've done that many times! It takes you through many great little beach towns where you'll catch scenes of these wonderful soaring palms.

A Great Drive on the PCH! Tall Palms Seen Along Beachside Parking Area in Santa Barbara.

You'll get Vibes of That Rich, Famed Appeal. Surrounded by LA, it's central to all you'd want to see & do. Including these lofty palms.

As for palms, the City Takes Them Seriously! Residential streets are known for them all around. Walking around there, you'll be enveloped by these palmy towering greens. You can Search Many Places to Stay, from budget to highest end!

Several beaches are near Beverly Hills. Including Venice Beach.

Tall Palms Along the Walkway at Venice Beach.Click to Stay Around Here!
Image Credit: Nicki Mannix

Beverly Hills is a picture-perfect setting. Though it's not on the beach (10 miles away), Beverly Hills - get that meaning? It sits amidst hills where you'll see stunning views of the Pacific!

Have you dreamed of being there? You can do it!

The Beverly Hills Hotel is a Deluxe Stay for Seeing Tall Palms. On Sunset Blvd.

Plus local sandy beaches also have full-grown palms scattered behind beach blankets. You'll think you've walked onto a Film Set, as these elegant giants become part of your day.

Tall Palms Front Santa Monica Beach - View It From Palisades Park

Having lived just south of there, in Imperial Beach, we can't help but suggest that gorgeous City of San Diego. So many great places here! You won't be disappointed.

San Diego has picturesque neighborhoods, with palms scattered all over the place! We've always loved Del Mar (have won a few nice $$ at their famed race track!), Carlsbad Village (we'd visit there pretty often), and  Leucadia. We recommend checking out the authentic, quirky Vibe of Hillcrest to Flashy La Jolla.

Enter North Park! Another SD Neighborhood With Character.
For Quirky Restaurants & Friendly People.

PERFECT VIEW FOR THE SUNSET

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

Don't forget Point Loma for more stunning views at a Fabulous National Monument. The ocean & 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

Homeowners, do you have landscape space for these Tallest of All Palms, like those in California?

If so, don't feel left out! Cultivate this Cali aura in your garden by planting a towering palm. Yet, bringing these soaring palms to life needs Smart Landscape Planning.

Remember these tall palms want full sun. Plus your placement of California types of tall palms could need trimming of old fronds. Depending on your taste. That's a cost as well. Or you might try your own physical effort for Pruning High-Up Fronds.

Do You Think This Home's Landscape Fits Well With These Tall Palms?