I just looove this beauuutiful peaceful meditation garden overlooking the ocean. What a breathtaking view! It's my special zen place for grounding, reflecting and to reset. There's an opportunity to sit on one of the many stone benches provided throughout the luscious well-maintained garden for meditation. I always enjoy the walking paths while listening to the birds and the koi pond while listening to the water flowing. But on a few occasions, I wish other visitors can also be in that meditative state or mode and remember to keep their conversations to a minimum once they come through the gate. This will help to maintain the tranquil environment. The meditation garden is not meant for social gatherings. Please respect those visitors who are truly there to practice mindfulness...Namaste. A definite MUST-SEE for the Yelp Community!! read more

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A beautiful garden with exotic flowers, succulents, and plants overlooking Encinitas beach--what a perfect spot to visit whether you want to quietly meditate or just simply enjoy the scenery! The view is breathtaking and magically erases any stress you may have. If you're interested in taking a medication class, they have one on Wednesdays at 12pm. Stop by for a visit. You'll thank me later. read more

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Walk in is welcome. A piece of gem along hwy 1. Find your corner and meditate!, but can be a bit hard during weekend crowds here. The tranquil koi pond, the ocean overlook and breeze on your hair and face, the lush foliage and grown trees, the corner nooks of peace, all available here. You want to escape the hustle and bustle of touristy towns along hwy1... come here, but preferably weekday so you can peacefully meditate without the crowd. read more

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Perfect way to remove yourself from the grind for an hour or so and just soak up all the lovely nature. This was my first time coming here and I really enjoyed the variety of plants and views throughout the entire garden. Places like this are such a great way to remember how lucky we are to live in beautiful Southern California. Nothing like admiring a gorgeous garden with a backdrop of the ocean and surfing! read more

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Visited the beautiful gardens here while in Encinitas, and appreciated the stunning ocean views. The gardens are lush; I felt like I had been transported to a tropical rainforest. The benches perched at the top with sweeping views of the ocean are perfect for meditating and disconnecting. So glad I visited this little slice of paradise. Free entry, free street parking. They do accept donations. read more

Self Realization Fellowship Hermitage & Meditation Gardens - Meditation Centers Near Me - Encinitas, California

This is a beautiful & peaceful place that's built to walk around & enjoy the gardens with the ocean views. It's free to enter with street parking. There's also a gift shop down the street that has beautiful artwork, gifts, and furniture. I highly recommend checking this spot out. read more

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I was in Encinitas and looking for things to do and came across this location. Pros: -Free! They do accept donations and have donation boxes (also a QR code if you want to donate and don't have cash) -lots of benches scattered around in the shade and in the direct sunlight -well-maintained. Plants, fish, etc all looked healthy. -great view of the ocean and surfers Cons: -n/a Other: -street parking -no food or drinks allowed inside- leave them in your vehicle -there are some stairs to get to the top. Railing was only on one side. -some people were reading, meditating, taking photos, or just enjoying the views :) Overall, excellent place to visit if you're in the area! read more

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This place is pure magic!! The most beautiful views - plants, coy fish ponds, and the ocean - it's truly an oasis. It's the perfect place to go and do some reflecting/prayer/meditation or just be one with nature. I took my little one and she loved it. Free entry (donations accepted). There's a place at the entrance to park strollers (lots of stairs). Will definitely come back! read more

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Most people--like me--have driven by the temple a thousand times but have never checked out the gardens. Or the million dollar view. It's free to enter. There's no excuse for not stopping by. The entrance is on the north side of the property, just a block or so off the 101. There is plenty of free street parking. The attendant at the front gate will remind you to please speak quietly inside the gardens. There are plenty of people who are, in fact, meditating inside. Most visitors, but sadly not all, were very quiet. Is it that hard to speak quietly (or even say nothing) for a few minutes? For some people, yes. The gardens are immaculate. There are even a few small ponds, one of which has beautiful koi. There are small stone benches everywhere, for resting, meditating, contemplating, whatever. The ocean views are incomparable. You are near the edge of the cliff and all you can see, is the gorgeous ocean spread out before you. For beautiful gardens and spectacular ocean views, check this place out. read more

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What a beautiful place! I parked down the street. This is located at a dead end near a hill. I went in the morning before it got too busy to really enjoy. It is so relaxing and I love the koi and goldfish and the amazing views of the ocean. What a place to gather your thoughts and unwind. read more

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The Self-Realization Fellowship Meditation Garden near Cardiff is one of the most serene and beautiful places in North County. Tucked above the ocean, this garden feels like a hidden sanctuary where time slows down the moment you walk in. The grounds are impeccably maintained, with lush landscaping, koi ponds, winding paths, and plenty of benches perfectly placed for quiet reflection or meditation. The ocean views are breathtaking, and the sound of the waves combined with the peaceful atmosphere makes this an ideal spot to reset your mind and spirit. Everyone is respectful of the quiet, which really enhances the experience. It's free to enter (donations encouraged), and while it's not a huge space, it's the kind of place where you naturally want to linger. Best visited on a weekday or early in the morning if you want extra solitude. Whether you're looking to meditate, journal, or simply enjoy a calm moment overlooking the Pacific, this garden is truly special and well worth the visit. A must-see if you're in the Cardiff/Encinitas area. read more

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It was my first time visiting in March 2025. Street parking is nearby so somewhat convenient if you can get a spot otherwise you may have to walk a little bit. I thought the gardens were going to be quite large and majestic. Boy was I fooled. They are small and pretty but not as nice as many others. I've been to all over the West Coast. Especially in the San Diego area. Upon arrival you were greeted by a security guard who gives you the rules, including no loud talking, no cell phone conversations, no speakerphone conversation, conversations, etc. There is a donation box if you want to leave a donation to help them out. I walked through in about 10 to 15 minutes and only because I was going slow taking my time and avoiding the hundreds of other people there . You can make it through in under five minutes if you just walk in, ignore everybody and everything else. There are some great views of the ocean and there are some beautiful plants and flowers and some Koi in the pond, but that is about it. There is a bathroom and I think there was a drinking fountain as well. read more

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Small botanical garden with ocean views, koi pond, and plenty of benches to sit and relax. Weekends are crowded and not quiet, but weekdays feel like a real escape. Street parking, free to enter, donations accepted. Definitely worth stopping by if you're in the area. read more

Self Realization Fellowship Hermitage & Meditation Gardens - Meditation Centers Near Me - Encinitas, California

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Wow! An absolutely tranquil and gorgeous garden to walk around, sit on a bench and meditate, and/or enjoy the amazing view of the Pacific Ocean. Although it is free to enter, they accept donations. We were greeted by a friendly docent that shared the rules of the garden and then we were on our way to explore. read more

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This is a must stop if you are in Encinitas located right next to the beach. Beautiful historic garden to sit for meditation while listening to crashing waves, flowing streams, birds singing, while gentle winds breezing through your hair. Environment is so calm and peaceful putting you at zen. I can spend hours maybe stay all day, but had to meet up some friends later. The grounds itself was impeccable with exotic plants, Koi fish pond, tiny waterfalls, and ravishing views overlooking the ocean. Free admission and parking is a plus! Advising to visit on a slower day, so you can embrace it all at your own pace without the background noise. Will be definitely returning when we take another visit in Encinitas. read more

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This place is so beautiful and peaceful! It is such a nice addition to the community and it's free and open to all. Can come here and enjoy the flowers, beautiful views of the ocean, and the peaceful grounds. A stunning spot to meditate, enjoy nature, and get outside. A must-visit and a stunning slice of paradise! read more

Lovely garden! Plenty of places to sit and enjoy the scenery. I went on a Thursday and it was very quiet and peaceful. Hope other days are the same. Can't believe this is free! read more

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I have been many times here and will continue to stop by every time visiting Encinitas,perfect place to relax,refresh your mind and forget about life problems for a moment read more

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This is one of the best free activities in SD! Depending on time of going, parking can be a hassle (street parking). The area is quite small and the paths are narrow so when crowded it can be a little difficult to get around. Regardless, the potential troubles are worth it because the incredibly well maintained eclectic gardens with the amazing ocean view is always worth it. I also believe they update the landscapes every once in a while, which makes visiting every time excited and new! If you're able to go at an off time, it really is great for meditation as they offer various nooks with benches to sit and reflect. Never had a bad visit, how can I when it's free!! read more

I love this place; I have been coming on-and-off for years to meditate and practice my breathing. There's something calming about this garden, even though it's so close to the hustle and bustle of Coast Highway. It's an oasis that transports you away from the city, no matter the time of day. Parking is not great but can be found along the street and even at the transit center. Drinks are not allowed on the grounds but there's picnic tables out front you can leave them on. The entry is free, so you can come and go with ease. When I worked overnights, I would spend mornings unwinding here and grab breakfast in town. I highly recommend this spot if you want to clear your head and calm your soul. Pros: - ambience and tranquility - koi ponds! - location (near other activities!) - views (over a cliff along the ocean) Cons: - none really read more

Self Realization Fellowship Hermitage & Meditation Gardens - This big unique flower growing by its lonesome really caught my eye... even in the shade, it's so bright! - Meditation Centers Near Me - Encinitas, California

My wife and I visited both the Hermitage and the Meditation Gardens. What an incredible place! We booked a visit to the Hermitage months ago. There are tours I think about twice a month, always on a Sunday. The home was built in 1937 and beautifully decorated with Asian and Western decor and art pieces--- a really stunning, well perserved home. From the home's backyard there is an amazing view of the coastline extending down to La Jolla. The Meditation Gardens are gorgeous: the setting is on a cliff overlooking the ocean with koi ponds and such beauiiful and exotic flowers around every corner. And yes, people were meditating, understandably so in such a great setting. The Hermitage and Gardens are truly a unique gem and well worth visiting. read more

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This was arguably my favorite part of my SD trip. Vibes here are immaculate. So much nice nature paired with the backdrop of the calm Pacific Ocean. This is a nature lovers paradise. Stayed for 2 hours and didn't get bored at all. I do love me some nature though! read more

Self Realization Fellowship Hermitage & Meditation Gardens - Meditation Centers Near Me - Encinitas, California

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Such a nice place to come to for meditation, journaling & enjoying the fresh air + foliage! This tranquil garden can put anyone at ease & completely free to visit. read more

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Been coming here for years and it's just gorgeous, never gets old. Well maintained and stunning views. So peaceful- love to take my kids here, seems to chill them out lol. Some complain about security guards but they've always been very kind to us. Yes, parking is super limited but we don't mind parking far away on a side street since there's lots to do/see in the area anyway. read more

Absolutely gorgeous space, we had a beautiful day here. Peaceful and serene, the landscaping is beautiful. A great place to be mindful and taking the surroundings. I've taken family and friends here as well and we have always enjoyed it. I'm so glad that places like this are open to the public! read more

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Amazing, such a peaceful beautiful spot. Yogananda created such a beautiful spot and when visiting you can feel the peacefulness from his presence. Love this spot and community. read more

Self Realization Fellowship Hermitage & Meditation Gardens - Meditation Centers Near Me - Encinitas, California

I love this garden, which is hidden away in on an oceafront street in North San Diego County. It is near a large "Golden Lotus" structure that marks the area, so when you see that, you know you are very near this special garden! There is street parking only when you come to visit the garden. However, at the time of my visit on a sunny Saturday morning, there was no issue in finding a close parking space. There is a pleasant guard up front who advises all who enter the garden that it is first nd foremost a MEDITATION garden. Therefore, there should be NO talking on a cell phone while strolling about. Children should be kept quiet if at all possible and should NOT be allowed to run around the grounds---there are playgrounds nearby for that. During my visi, I observed one woman and her little girl laying on their bellies trying to GRAB at the tails of the Koi. The security guard quickly put a stop to that senseless activity. The guard stated the very oils in their grabbing hands could harm the precious Koi! What kind of message is that Mother sending to her daughter? read more

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I love this place! The flowers, the gardens and the people are all wonderful. If you're in Encinitas, California be sure to visit.

Absolutely beautiful! If you are in Encinitas, it is well worth the visit on a beautiful day. Parking is on the street. The entrance is at the main building. The gatekeepers are very nice. They just ask that you turn the volume of your phone off, as it is a quite place to meditate. The are also restrooms for visitors. The garden is immaculately kept with plenty of shade and seats to sit and enjoy. It an easy walk through for all ages. The gardens are free but there are donation boxes throughout if you wish to donate for the upkeep of the gardens. You can spend as much time as you want. My friend and I got lucky and got a parking spot a short distance from the entrance. The weekday (Wednesday) and the time we went (about 2:00 PM) was not crowded at all. We spent about and hour and a half strolling and enjoying. read more

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Beautiful place to meditate and overlook the Pacific Ocean. A quiet place to sit and read on a stone bench among a large assortment of plants. Hear the waves crashing in the distance as you see surfers and paddle boarders navigate the ocean. Best part, the experience is free. read more

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It's so beautiful and serene here with ocean views, lots of different flowers, many benches scattered around, and a little pond with koi fish. I've been to the one in LA which is much bigger, but this one was special because it sits right on a cliff looking out to the vast ocean. This is a meditation garden, so it's a place to pass through and mediate for 10-20 minutes or however long you need. They have a rule to not be on your phone. While it's open to everyone I'd suggest talking softly and taking young children to the gardens at Balboa Park instead. read more

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My husband found out about this meditation garden while doing research on things to do in the San Diego area. It was located right in Encinitas, the town we were staying in, so it was an easy place to stop by and to check out. He meditates regularly so this was a really nice place to spend time in. For those wondering what a meditation garden is .... It's any natural space that allows you to disconnect. Certain elements like a winding path, for example, or the gentle trickle of water naturally invite visitors to slow down. Meditation gardens invites you to be still, reflect and dream, and be quiet. As we walked into the property, a nice lady greeted us and asked us if we had ever visited before. We said no, so she gave us some guidelines like speaking softly (since many people inside the garden we actually there meditating) and silencing cell phones. The place was a beautiful oasis of greenery, trees, flowers, beautiful paths, small ponds and comfortable benches. There were beautiful views of the Ocean from many advantage points. Just a beautiful and serene place! It's free to get in. Check the websites for current garden hours. read more

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Who would have known this little bit of heaven was hidden a few blocks away from the hub bub of Encinitas. I went with my friends and was warned that I may have to hand over my phone. When we got there, we were told the Gardens were to the right and that we needed to silence our phones and keep our voices down. One of the first things you see is the vastness of the ocean from the view. There are benches where some people were talking in low tones, sketching or just taking in the sounds with their eyes closed. Very few people seemed to speak unless necessary. There is also a koi pond with many huge koi to stare out. Please don't feed or throw money in! As soon as I met up with my friends in Santa Monica, I told them about this place and they will be sure to visit for that space away from city life. I'll definitely be back to just take in the serenity the garden offers. read more

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This is a great place to visit. Whether you are from San Diego or out of town. This place allow you to meditate, relax, and let go of your worries. The serenity of the ocean sounds, the pond like river, or the large amount of nature around you. These all allow you to be one with the earth and air. If it is 69 degrees or more, wear shorts, and sandals. This will allow those that like to " Ground " An easier way to do it. Have your cell phone charged, because you will be taking a lot of pictures. If you can, bring a camera for better resolution. There are great opportunities for ocean, and flower pictures. Sorry, I did not know the name of the flowers I posted. read more

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Still a favorite place of mine to visit. It was closed for a while during the pandemic. The security guard in the front will remind you.. phones on silent and please refrain from talking loud etc. it's a very peaceful place. Only place I can actually meditate as long as it's not crowded. I like to go on weekdays in the early morning, or mid afternoon. Never had an issue with street parking. I plan on going more often just to relax, relate, release. read more

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The crest jewel of Encinitas. Beautiful gardens. The highlight of my recent trip to SoCal was coming here for meditation & mantra in the gardens that are on a cliff over the Pacific Ocean. Stunning and beautiful. Tranquil. A boon to Encinitas. read more

Self Realization Fellowship Hermitage & Meditation Gardens - Meditation Centers Near Me - Encinitas, California

Go quietly and meditate in a gorgeous garden with a view of the Pacific Ocean from high on the clifftop. Many steps, no wheelchair accessibility/ read more

What a lovely setting. The view from the temple gardens is incomparable. While you are in and enjoying the area, stop into the gift shop adjacent to the temple . This space reflects the beauty and sensibilities of The Self Realization Fellowship itself: thoughtful, beautiful and meaningful. The variety both of items and books is really visually exciting. So much to see. This is one gift shop I will visit again! read more

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Beautiful gorgeous garden. For parking, I parked along the street and strolled over to the entrance. At the entrance, there are bathrooms. There are welcoming and super sweet gatekeepers. You can go up the stairs to the garden, see the beauty of the flowers, and the ocean. This is a wonderful and scenic place to stroll around, relax, medidate, watch the beach waves, admire the koi ponds, journal, or pray. This is not the place for talking on the phone or talking with groups. If you need a place to think with beautiful scenery around you, this is the place to go to. This was on my list a while to go to, and when I finally had a free day, I was so glad I decided to venture out and come here. They are entirely donation funded. The garden is connected to the Self Realization Fellowship, which is an international religious organization founded in 1920 by Paramahansa Yogananda to disseminate the universal teachings of Kriya Yoga, a sacred spiritual science originating millenniums ago in India. Their website contains more information: https://www.encinitastemple.org/. read more

Possibly the most peaceful place in San Diego and it's FREE! Such a beautiful spot to walk around, explore and enjoy Mother Nature. You can't beat the views of the beautiful ocean - especially on a sunny day with clear blue skies. My husband and I came here during our mini-moon in Encinitas. I'm so glad we did. It's free to the public and a great spot for tourists - and locals! :) I saw people meditating and spotted huge koi fish in ponds. read more

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