self realization fellowship hermitage & meditation gardens

No words to express the spiritual power of the gardens and the monastery. It was a beautiful retreat weekend. Heaven on earth!

The little natural nooks & crannies, koi fish, trees, flowers and the glorious view of the Pacific Ocean!

This review is only for the gardens. We are local, so often go to there for the beautiful views of the ocean, local plantings, koi ponds, to relax. A lovely place to take out of town guests and as it is basically right downtown and a great place to go before or after enjoying a meal along the 101.Busier on the weekends of course so I like to go during the week. I just called to check on the hours, Closed on Mondays, Open Tues - Sat from 9 to 5 and Sunday from 11 - 5.

If you want glorious views of the Pacific Ocean from a hushed and vibrant garden, you must seek out this location. There are many places to be isolated and meditate and others to view the scenery. Open from 9-5, this is a perfect place to reflect on God's creation.

This is one of the coolest places in Encinitas. It's gorgeously landscaped, has an incredible ocean view of Swamis and is wonderfully peaceful. Make sure to drop a little donation in one of the brown boxes.

Walk through and just feel calm. Great place to destress and enjoy life. Even when many people it is quiet and serene.

The beauty, serenity and delightful surprises in so many different places were so refreshing. There are several areas inviting one to stay and meditate with the ocean or the ponds with waterfalls providing nature's music. The Koi ponds were a visual delight!

Beautiful grounds, scenery and spirit. A must do if you are in Encinitas. Beautiful and serene any time of year.

A must-see& experience for all who love a peaceful, tranquil break from the goings on around town. The grounds are enchanting, well-kept, manicured, and yet not sterile. A place for meditation, reflection, reading, and observing. Go at sunset for a spectacular view.

I could spend half of a day here! Wonderful old plantings on both sides of a wandering path with shaded ponds filled with large koi flowing through the middle. Beautiful views out over the water, and many benches to sit and meditate or just sit. Every trip to San Diego must include a half day here...

well kept beautiful grounds with stunning views. not a big place and if you want to meditate go early in the morning.

This is our little sanctuary in Encinitas. When you want some quiet time and killer view, come here for a visit.

This is the shrine of Swamiji and an amazing paradise overlooking Pacific Ocean. This where Parmahansa Yogananda lived and wrote his beautiful books including "Autobiography of a Yogi". On Sundays the shrine is open to public and you can actually visit the living area and sitting area of Yogananda. The garden surrounding his abode is beautiful and a great place to meditate. The view from the backyard is a serene beauty and a great place to watch sunset. The surfers beach that you can see below is also named Swami Beach. On your way to San Diego from Los Angeles, this could be a great stopover for some self realization.

These gardens lived up to my expectations; beautiful, clean, scenic & peaceful. There are several small ponds with huge koy fish. Security reminds patrons to keep quiet and you'll probably spot a few people meditating and relaxing on benches discreetly tucked away off the main path. As you reach the highest point of the gardens, there are cactus plants that frame your view of the Pacific ocean. A great vantage point to see the surfers at Swami's Point.I actually liked this garden better than the San Diego Botanical Gardens.

Having the Self Realization Fellowship in the area is a real bonus. Even if you are not very involved - a visit to the Meditation Gardens always fills me with stillness and gratitude .The Gardens are a place to go quietly, as people meditate there - there is a tremendous look out over the ocean.Beautiful Koi ponds. It is nice to leave a donation for the garden's upkeep.