This place is just super chill. No matter how many times we have visited we still always find new and inspirational rocks.

Way more than 5 stars needed! Dave was working in this spectacular garden when we walked by and we had the pleasure to explore it and learn about some of the succulents and the origin and artistry of the over 10,000 painted rocks. Upon admiring one particular plant, Dave took his shovel and shared a shoot for me to take home! The mural in the background is a wonderful addition! Thanks, Dave for sharing your time today! read more

Gosh, everybody... I can't tell you how much joy visiting this very special rock garden was for me . I've been trying to get here for a couple of years and finally made it and it was worth it. The community that takes care of this large rock garden is amazing. Somebody is raking the ground daily. So many beautiful, heartfelt messages . They've got a military section a college section a pet section. And many many more. I even found an adorable sibling section.. I recommend if you go to leave a donation in their donation box. This little space on earth is amazing. read more

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It's a beautiful garden with many many beautiful messages and talented Rock artists. Inspiring to see the messages! Thank you, Dave! read more

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Dave has done an amazing job of creating a beautiful little public garden near Moonlight State Beach. It is always fun to see what new stuff has been added. Dave even allows you to paint your own rock and place it in the garden. He is often around for a chat while weeding, raking, and basically keeping the magic happening! Next time you are walking down B Street (Encinitas Boulevard) on the way to the beach, stop by and spend a little time enjoying the artwork! You can't miss the garden located between 2nd and 3rd. read more

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What a cool place, spawned from one man's vision to make a patch of weeds on a small hillside next to Moonlight Beach into something the community could enjoy. It's quite a story. Once Dave Dean finally got it cleaned up, artist Candace Jesse Jessup painted a thank you to him on a rock and placed it there. This token of appreciation, thanks to Dave, blossomed into the attraction it is today: thousands of painted rocks from people all over. Dave's Rock Garden is inspiring, beautiful, and fun. And it's right next to Moonlight Beach, making it a perfect diversion for a few minutes. Next time I'm there, I'll add a rock to the garden as a thank you to Dave and all the other artists who've created this small oasis. read more

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What a super cool place! I found this rock garden accidentally - I was out for a walk and then literally came upon it. It is HUGE! I've never seen anything like it. I believe Dave must have been there, as there was music playing and a gentleman walking around. I would have said "hello" but was running late. Definitely worth a visit. It's incredible. I even sent photos to one of my friends who paints rocks, too! 2021: 9/100 read more

Dave's Rock Garden - Parklets Near Me - Encinitas, California

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Very beautiful rock garden. Owner Dave was amazing ,sharing stories about the garden he made. Please donate him when visiting his garden. Super cool man. read more

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I needed to get out of my apartment and do / see something creative, so with a little quick Google search, I was able to find Dave's Rock Garden via Hidden San Diego website (https://hiddensandiego.net/things-to-do/places/daves-rock-garden). According to Hidden San Diego website, here is the background: "Frustrated with an empty lot next to his house that was constantly filled with trash, Encinitas resident Dave Dean decided to take matters into his own hands. Since 2015, Dean has worked tirelessly to transform this coastal plot of land from a neglected dirt lot into a work of art. It first started with Dave picking up trash and pulling out the weeds from the ground. Then he began planting succulents and adding artistic details, mostly painted rocks--which is largely the theme today. Once the garden really started popping off, the city took notice. It wasn't long before they issued him with a cease and desist order. This wouldn't be the first time in which our city tried to destroy a person's positive impact through art. But thankfully this one is a success story." I visited Dave's Rock Garden in July 2020 (4 months after Pandemic started). The place is beautiful and definitely picture friendly!! I probably spent an hour or so there. ENJOY!! Pictures: https://www.yelp.com/user_local_photos?select=2LMmS7v_PoZQcnBzFsvxQw&userid=NvUeb5G_mSSxgKhEE_Hueg https://www.yelp.com/user_local_photos?select=3w7FkE2eKNoJI-yl61YNlg&userid=NvUeb5G_mSSxgKhEE_Hueg https://www.yelp.com/user_local_photos?select=H-_0LH-BcmblUhDVOpKTSA&userid=NvUeb5G_mSSxgKhEE_Hueg https://www.yelp.com/user_local_photos?select=FDJLrV5LZeWLJLoy105EKQ&userid=NvUeb5G_mSSxgKhEE_Hueg https://www.yelp.com/user_local_photos?select=9MsC9SLcxjHtl3s3kDt1qA&userid=NvUeb5G_mSSxgKhEE_Hueg https://www.yelp.com/user_local_photos?select=U4QLYEXCx4X7xv0vTwz5Jg&userid=NvUeb5G_mSSxgKhEE_Hueg https://www.yelp.com/user_local_photos?select=xnJSgwOtJVVJDM4_QFPrSA&userid=NvUeb5G_mSSxgKhEE_Hueg https://www.yelp.com/user_local_photos?select=fSjc8fZPCPD3KvyjIZ7JAQ&userid=NvUeb5G_mSSxgKhEE_Hueg read more

Your garden is absolutely outstanding and Amazing!! I'm Angi from Oceanside, and 2yrs. Ago I also cleaned out a city side strip area that sits on wisconsin Street directly across from the 101CAFE. It was growing and doing quite well until "somebody complained" and on Apr. 1st, city came and removed all the painted rocks and decor ! I am heartbroken! I often checked in with all surrounding businesses and people used to drive by and walk by and thank me for what I was doing( even got handed a $100 bill one day! ) but now it's gone and I could really use any advise or tips on what I can do. I have a petition of over 170+/- signatures supporting my efforts but would like to meet with you. Help! read more

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Cute little garden right by D Street Viewpoint! Visited it before going to the beach, it's free to walk into! It was a nice little unique place! Very artsy. read more

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Having a drink with dave and dave at the VFW 416, nice guys! This is a great bar for what did you say great bar for a personalities, says Dave! read more

A stones throw (see what I did there) from Moonlight Beach, this adorable little garden makes an already lovely walk ever so much more charming. If you'd like to see a small and beautiful collection of the cooperation and artistry of humans, this is a worthwhile stop on your way to the beach, dining or ice cream. It's free to peruse, though you can also Venmo the or drop a cash donation into a lock box. A really sweet labor of love just to bring a smile to those passing by. read more

If you love art and rocks and love to paint rocks then you shouldn't miss this rock garden near the beach. There are some beginner rocks and some really nice professionally painted rocks showing the various talents of the locals. I left behind a small rock I had painted and I hope it brings joy to the visitors. read more

Dave's Rock Garden - Volkswagen collection 2021 - Parklets Near Me - Encinitas, California

I loved this place! I brought my parents down to the area expecting to stop here for five minutes and then continue on to the botanical garden, but we stayed here so long we never made it to the botanical garden. Dave's Rock Garden is this unadvertised hidden oasis of rocks. Each rock is painted, glazed, and placed by Dave. Dave even supplies paint and brushes so anyone who visits can decorate a rock and leave it for him to glaze and place in the garden. It might all seem random, but there definitely are themes (like an area that's all college teams) and lots of the rocks are very impressively painted. There are some real works of art here that you find as you wander around looking at the rocks. This place screams SoCal and is perfect for a little 30 minute side trip. We got to meet Dave as well and he seems like such a happy and wonderful person. He's not paid to do any of this and shells out his own money for the paint, but it seems like he's so content with the garden and that makes me happy too. read more

Dave's Rock Garden - Parklets Near Me - Encinitas, California

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Squeeeeeee!!!! We finally added a rock. We live no where near this place but every time we came to the area we drove by and kept saying we have to add a rock. Today, we remembered and finally added a Halloween rock. I love that a town came together and protected this place from being taken out. It is so special to see a growing piece of art that you can come back time and time again and always see something new. We didn't notice till we walked through, but, you can even paint your own rock there if the inspiration hits:) Such a cool idea and I can't wait to come back and add my next rock :) read more

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Beyond expectations- this place is very special and contemplative......left a few beautifully painted rocks in the garden also for many memories to cherish read more

I had read about this unique garden, but when I visited in person it far exceeded my expectations, and I was delighted to chat with Dave while I was there in late February 2022. The plants were beautifully arranged, and it is clear that Dave has terrific design sense. And the rocks were such fun, and so many were on display! This garden is a treasure and I highly recommend spending some time there next time you're in Encinitas. read more

Dave's Rock Garden - View from the southwest. - Parklets Near Me - Encinitas, California

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If you're spending the day at or near Moonlight Beach you must stop in to see the amazing collection of rocks, all Individually painted and personalized, most done by drop in visitors to Dave's Garden. If you're lucky you'll meet Dave Dean, a wonderful soul, who created the space and has been inspiring visitors Now for many years. He cleared the old brush and nurtured the Garden, which , among the hundreds of rocks, you will find many beautiful varieties of succulents. Such a Gem! read more