Encinitas Gardens at the Self Realization Fellowship

Founded in 1937 by meditation and yoga master Parmahansa Yogananda; little Encinitas became home and temple to one of the world’s most beloved spiritual emissaries. Today, the gardens overlook the famous surf break known as Swami’s, which in Sanskrit means Enlightened, named in honor of Yogananda. It was on the garden’s bluff where Yogananda wrote “Autobiography of a Yogi”-a modern classic in the spiritual library of thought and practice.

The gardens have been built up over the past sixty years with meandering pathways, ponds with koi fish, and nooks to duck out of sight and enjoy the sun and a quiet moment. The area is dense with greenery and an impressive landscape that isn’t necessarily large, but certainly lush.

It is a beautiful day to go and wander there, stare out at the waves, get a smoothie at Swami’s CafÃ?© and pay homage to one of Encinitas’s finest little spots. The air is fresh and sweet, and all kinds of people congregate whether it is to surf, meditate, or catch a sunset-there is an undeniable beauty and harmony up on that bluff.

The gardens are located directly on the coast highway just before you get to Cardiff By The Sea. It’s open to the public
9 a.m.-5 p.m., Tuesday through Saturday, and 11 a.m.- 5 p.m. on Sundays.

Namaste.