There is a humongous tree in Santa Barbara that you need to see ... IRL (in real life)! It's the Moreton Bay Fig Tree originally from Australia. It was from a cutting given to a girl who and planted it on 201 State St. in 1876. She moved a year later and her friend dug up and transplanted it here. It's been here at Chapala St. & Montecito St. ever since. In 1970, this tree was designated a California Historical Landmark (No. 837) & later was listed on the California Register of Big Trees. I heard it is the largest Moreton Bay Fig Tree in the Continental U.S.! "Ficus macrophylla, commonly known as the Moreton Bay Fig or Australian Banyan, is a large evergreen banyan tree of the mulberry and fig family Moraceae. It is native to eastern Australia." - Wikipedia Fun Fact: In 1984-85, the homeless people who were registered to vote had attempted to establish this tree as their mailing address. They even put up a mailbox near the tree, but the Post Office refused to deliver mail to a tree. (This was from a Huell Howser interview with Dan Condon, City Arborist for Santa Barbara in 2001) The circumference of the tree was 42 feet around its base, 80 feet tall and had a branch spread of 176 feet in 2001. I wonder what the statistics are today! I saw it in 2020 when it was not as overgrown as it is today. There was no chain link fence, just the smaller black one that is still there. However, there is now a tall chain link fence around the perimeter. It is very overgrown and in serious need of a trimming. A lot of the branches have grown to the ground. This tree is now around 150 years old. I hope it continues to endure and remain healthy for years to come! read more

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How could a tree possibly have so many five star reviews?? Well it is a very beautiful tree. Historic and stately. Took away a star for the location, it's in the middle of busy roads. But that's not the trees fault :( read more

Moreton Bay Fig Tree Park - Cousin included for size reference - Parks Near Me - Santa Barbara, California

5/27/24 Did not know about this place Moreton Fig Tree Park) until we saw a postcard of it at Stearns Wharf--looking back, I should've taken a picture of that postcard as comparison. Upon arrival, I was disappointed to see that it is completely fenced off-probably to deter a homeless encampment from having this park as its permanent residence. It wouldn't been a cute little place to have a quick picnic under the massive umbrella that is the huge fig tree. This was a quick stop just to check it out. We went in to park (free for the 1st 70 minutes, odd number?) and left as soon as I was done taking photos. I am still sad that it's fenced off but what else could the city do to deter overnight "camping"? read more

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Super large fig tree. Only thing now is that it's surrounded by fences. There's a ton of history behind this true and the tree itself is absolutely massive. Cool find! read more

Moreton Bay Fig Tree Park - Parks Near Me - Santa Barbara, California

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This Moretan Bay Fig is a landmark in Santa Barbara, it's so enormous that it can be seen along the 101 freeway. The tree is also referred as Australian Banyan tree, this particular one is almost 150 years old! Following my fellow Yelpers here, I was surprised the tree isn't surrounded by businesses, it is well protected and fenced from people engraving the beautiful roots. Interesting to know that this particular "fig" tree doesn't produce palatable fruit like the black mission or white Genoa fig. It is considered an extremely invasive plant. If you are in the area, this tree is a great photo stop for amusement! Be sure to watch out for cars/traffic from both directions. read more

Moreton Bay Fig Tree Park - Magnificent fig tree! - Parks Near Me - Santa Barbara, California

We visited Santa Barbara recently and stopped by the Moreton Bay Fig tree, we are glad we did, the tree is enormous and very interesting. It is easy to find free parking along the street nearby. read more

This tree is breath-taking with how huge it is! It's fenced off so that's a bit of an eye sore, and you can't really park anywhere to take a look, but if you're able to pull over, that's the best way to have a look read more

Moreton Bay Fig Tree Park - Parks Near Me - Santa Barbara, California

Beautiful tree! It just gets beautiful as it ages... it's really big! We went during the time where they had to put up a fence due construction I believe. So we couldn't get any closer :( But we could still see it! read more

Moreton Bay Fig Tree Park - Fig Tree - Parks Near Me - Santa Barbara, California

If a tree has Yelp reviews and they are good, I had to check it out. This tree is HUGE and its a great photo opportunity. There is easy parking in the surrounding neighborhoods but we walked from the Pier which was not bad at all. read more

There are some Stanger Thjngs happening with this beautiful Fig tree but I love it! If you're bike riding or walking up to Stearns Wharf on State St. It's worth stopping by. As soon as you see the train tracks facing the ocean, turn right and walk pass the train station and it's located near the highway. This area is not lit so it's best to visit in the daytime and would not go at night since it's away from people. read more

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The Moreton Bay Fig Tree is definitely one of the largest trees I've ever seen! This is a good quick tourist spot to take a picture or two and then leave. It's located right behind the Amtrak/Greyhound station. I came in the early-mid afternoon and the lighting was just right with beautiful, clear blue skies peaking through the massive branches. Luckily, the day I visited, no bugs or natural scents from the tree. read more

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Who would've known that one singular tree carried so much history? I don't have the specific facts but do know that it's the largest fig tree in the US. It's a flourishing and super majestic specimen that is certainly worth a closer look. I've always been intrigued by this neat, large tree and have recalled driving by it over the years. It's adjacent to the Santa Barbara Amtrak station and is close enough to the 101 freeway that you can see it if you tilt your head. The base is enormous with myriad roots and branches jutting out. It provides a nice shade coverage and appears to be very healthy. It's not in the safest part of town and isn't lit at night, so I'd recommend viewing it during daylight hours only. As of late, a chain link fence has been erected around it, likely to curb any unsavory activity. In my opinion, it's a beautiful tree that should be enjoyed from afar. It's certainly worth a look. read more

Moreton Bay Fig Tree Park - Parks Near Me - Santa Barbara, California

It takes only few minutes to checkout the tree. It is planted in accessible road. It is a big historical tree. It is nice to take photos and check it off your list. read more

Moreton Bay Fig Tree Park - Parks Near Me - Santa Barbara, California

Currently the tree is closed off by a chain link fence, so it's not very picturesque. This is a massive fig tree adjacent to the Santa Barbara Train Station. There's not much to do immediately around the tree as it's mostly parking lots. read more

3/31/17 This tree is soooo big! I mean there's nothing bad to say about this tree lol. It's along a very open street right next to the greyhound terminal. There's plenty of street parking and I was really thankful for that! read more

Moreton Bay Fig Tree Park - Gigantic tree! - Parks Near Me - Santa Barbara, California

The Moreton Bay Fig Tree is located off of Montecito Street in Santa Barbara. It is supposedly regarded as the largest fig tree in the US. The history goes as a seaman offering a seedling of the Australian Moreton Bay Fig tree to a local girl back in 1876; she planted the seed initially on 201 Street. However, when this girl moved away, her friend transplanted the tree on the corner of Montecito and Chapala streets, a few blocks away from the ocean. In 1970, the tree was officially designated as a historical landmark, deeded to the city of Santa Barbara. It's a nice large tree and quite beautiful to look at. A great little pit-stop if you're in the SB area :D +largest fig tree in the US :D read more

Moreton Bay Fig Tree Park - Parks Near Me - Santa Barbara, California

Oh my goodness! The tree is huge! The roots are as tall as a person, but be careful for insects. Take plenty of photos because it's a really cool site to see. There's plenty of street parking and its very easy to find. read more

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Love this spot n tree . So impressive .Every time we visit Santa Barbara we stop by . Gorgeous ! read more

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It's worth the short photo opt and history lesson for 2 historical locations in one. See the Fig Tree and right next to it is the retired Southern Pacific Santa Barbara SP142 Train. The tree is magnificent and there is a plaque to read the history and the story. As you walk around the tree you will see the Train. Plenty of parking on the street. read more

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The tree is located in a somewhat peaceful spot that only sees bustling activity when a train is coming or going. The tree is iconic, a symbol of Santa Barbara. Much like the lost cannon, it is a random historical accident that forever holds a place in the hearts and minds of the people of Santa Barbara. It's supposedly the biggest fig tree of its kind in North America. I don't know how or who is going to track that sort of thing. read more

Moreton Bay Fig Tree Park - Parks Near Me - Santa Barbara, California

Love the tree. Make sure to set your phone to panorama to capture the whole tree. It is so big & so nice. Love it read more

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I had heard about this fig tree and convinced my husband to walk over with me. Sadly, when we arrived we noticed I'm there was a fence around it, so we were not able to see it closer. There's a sign on the gate that indicates that the tree has root rotting. I hope they are able to save it. It's a beautiful tree that has a lot of history and it's beautiful to look at. read more

Moreton Bay Fig Tree Park - Fig tree - Parks Near Me - Santa Barbara, California

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Who reviews a tree? Honestly? Well, it's seriously one big tree! In fact, this big tree is considered by most people (& Wikipedia) to be the largest Ficus Macrophylla (aka Moreton Bay Fig) in the U.S. It's also listed as one of Santa Barbara's historic tourist attractions. So, if you like trees ... big trees ... take about 20 minutes to check it out. The Moreton Bay Fig Tree is in a park on the "other side" of the PCH about a block from the Santa Barbara Amtrak Station. Since most of us don't travel by train, you'll find street parking for 90 minutes on Montecito. The park surrounding the tree isn't anything special. There was a gang of retirees hangin' out when we went at sunset on a Friday. * The tree was designated as a historic landmark in 1970 * The land was donated to Santa Barbara in 1976 * It is considered a "landmark" by Santa Barbara * It is officially listed in the California Register of Big Trees * In July 1997, it was 80 ft tall; 41 1/2 ft circumference; & crown of 176 ft According to a plaque on site, this is the story of Moreton Bay Fig Tree. "In 1876, a visiting sailor presented the seedling of this Moreton Bay Fig (ficus macrophylla) to a local girl who planted it at 201 State Street. When the girl moved away a year later, her friend Adeline Crabb relocated the sapling to its current location (at the corner of Montecito St. and Chapala St.)." read more

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Who would review a fig tree? Well, if it's the Moreton Bay Fig Tree, you'd be crazy not to! First of all, it's GINORMOUS & incredibly beautiful! Secondly, the branches & roots snaking all over the grounds are both spooky - perfect for Halloween - and also mesmerizing as you stand in the shade, looking up at the fig blossoms or fruits & breathe in the nice, crisp, clean air Situated in a very well-manicured park where the Train Station is located, this lovely tree is easy to find & you'll definitely want to spend a while enjoying nature & the longevity of this lively tree You. Must. See. This. Fig. Tree! read more

Great photo op! Went here to take some abstract photos - this tree is massive! I got more than I hoped to photograph, which is always a good day. read more

Who knew that a fig tree can be so big? This is a great place to stop for photos for locals and tourists. Technically, you're not supposed to cross the "line" but there's not much supervision out there - you could climb the roots, but do so at your own risk! There's figs everywhere, especially those that have fallen down from the tree. Parking is easy (there's free parking along the street). read more

Really big tree! No lie - this is the biggest fig tree I've ever seen. And I'll add that I'm an amateur arborist and connoisseur of really big trees. Would highly recommend this fine specimen. read more

Moreton Bay Fig Tree Park - Really big tree - Parks Near Me - Santa Barbara, California

It's fun to travel to Santa Barbara on Amtrak's Coast Starlight. The first scenic attraction coming into town is right off the left window and just before the Train stops at the Station. That of course would be the Moreton Bay Fig Tree and you can't miss it. It's massive and gorgeous, and has so far defied my attempt to take of good picture that does it justice. And when my visit to Santa Barbara has been complete and I'm waiting for the Train to take me home, I've enjoyed walking over to the Fig Tree and just hanging out. The Moreton Bay Fig Tree is believed to be the largest Ficus macrophylla in the US of A. A seaman, visiting Santa Barbara In 1876, presented a seedling of an Australian Moreton Bay Fig tree to a local girl who planted it at 201 State Street. After the girl moved away a year later, her girlfriend, Adeline Crabb, transplanted the tree to the corner of Montecito and Chapala streets on land then owned by the Southern Pacific Transportation Company. The tree was officially designated as a historic landmark in 1970, and the property was deeded to the City of Santa Barbara in 1976. The tree has since been placed on the California Register of Big Trees. read more

You have to see this tree to believe it - it's gi-normous! Amazing trunk system and branches. Located a few blocks from the pier, it's by Amtrak and a cute little train station. There is plenty of street parking around it, and the park would be a nice place to have a picnic. Plus, you get some great pictures, so when you tell people you saw a tree and they go, 'So?' you can show them pictures and wow them. Make sure to get people in the picture for a sense of proportion. read more

Moreton Bay Fig Tree Park - Parks Near Me - Santa Barbara, California

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It's a tree..... That looks like..... The Whomping Willow! http://www.yelp.com/biz_photos/moreton-bay-fig-tree-santa-barbara?select=zEs6a49oWfDH1kRdz-ZhuQ#BjmZM2x6xuYRN7bLHLvwng How awesome is that?! If you're not familiar with the Harry Potter series, you might not think this tree is as awesome. If that's the case, you should still go and admire it's incredible size anyway. The widest spread of branches is 198 feet -- so mind blowing, and really hard to photograph. I'm still cursing myself for leaving my wide-angle lens at home! read more

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When you think about the store of the Moreton Bay Fig Tree, you think oh wow what a romantic story. We came here to see the tree since it was on the way to our final destination. The tree is nice and big, except there's not much else around here. It's nice to think about the overall picture of how the tree got here but that's about it.:P You will not be missing much if you don't make it out to see this. read more

It's NOT where Yelp map directed me to. It's right behind the old Pullman railcar at the station. Really impressive, even when I saw it, which was at sundown. It's got a plaque with a neat little story about its original planting and the little girl who took care of it and moved it to its current location. read more

Moreton Bay Fig Tree Park - Sunset - Parks Near Me - Santa Barbara, California

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Imagine a tree that was planted in 1876 and is STILL THRIVING !!!!!!! Imagine the roots to this tree, and you have the Moreton Bay Fig Tree in Santa Barbara. I have been coming to this tree ever since I was a little girl, and the fact that I'm going to turn 60 this week is a testament that I have been watching this tree continue to grow for many, many years !! I actually hadn't seen this tree in quite awhile, and since my husband had never seen it (until now), it brought back many family memories for me while my hubby can now start making his own memories. It is the largest tree I know of, well, perhaps not the tallest as with the Sequoias or Redwoods, but perhaps the largest fig tree I know of. Next time you're in Santa Barbara, go take a look !! read more

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An awesome landmark to stop by and take a photo, or two, with. You'll find this behemoth of a tree near the Amtrak Station. Definitely worth 10 mins of your time. Don't forget to check out one of the original railroad cars right next door! read more

Moreton Bay Fig Tree Park - Parks Near Me - Santa Barbara, California

This is a must stop on your way back up or down the 101 freeway. It's right at the Amtrak station by a suburb so it was a bit odd to see such a grandiose tree standing in the middle. There is a dedicated parking lot for the tree (and probably for Amtrak too). It's 75 min free even but you need to take a ticket. The tree is so unassuming and wonderful. It's roots were nearly 5 feet tall. My boyfriend was literally like, "I did not drive 2.5 hrs to see a stinkin tree" but once we arrived, he was so impressed. Although there's a low chain surrounding the tree, I assumed we could get up and close. No one stopped us and there were no signs anywhere. When is fig season?? I'd be willing to come back just to taste the figs! But people, this is nature. Please resist the urge to vandalize the tree! It's such a pity to see names knifed all over this beautiful artifact of nature. read more

Moreton Bay Fig Tree Park - So little compared to the tree - Parks Near Me - Santa Barbara, California

Moreton Bay Fig Tree is spectacular - a must see! The tree is located conveniently next to the Santa Barbara Amtrak station! read more

Moreton Bay Fig Tree Park - Moreton Bay Fig Tree is spectacular! Must see if you're going to the Santa Barbara Amtrak train station. Tree next to the train station. - Parks Near Me - Santa Barbara, California

OMG, few days ago we got lost in the city and found this huge, beautiful, tree. It is so interesting I will recommend definitely everyone who visits Santa Barbara to see this gigantic tree. It is amazing !!! read more

Moreton Bay Fig Tree Park - This is so huge and beautiful tree!!! - Parks Near Me - Santa Barbara, California

Historical Bay Fig tree next to the Amtrak station in Santa Barbara. Happened to be driving around and decided to check it out. My boyfriend's parents were enamored by the large size of this tree. Super cool to check out if you're a nature freak like me =) One of nature's true beauty. read more

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Really, really incredible tree/thing to see. It sounds boring, a TREE, for goodness sake. But if you're in Santa Barbara, or even NEARBY, then go see this tree. It's so cool! It's absolutely huge and makes you feel tiny. I promise you've never seen anything like it. You can't imagine the sheer size of it until you're standing right next to it. read more

And it's only just a tree. But that's why it's even more exiting to be outside, don't have to spend anything and still have a lot of fun. Yes it's just a tree but a huge one. We spent at least 20 min here climbing up the roots and branches. The roots can be a wall for you. Taking pictures and going literally back to the roots can be very calming. So switch off your phone, get your hands dirty and see how high you can climb. read more