A Hidden Secret in Encinitas

The Self-Realization Fellowship Retreat has one of the most beautiful meditation gardens in Southern California. Adjacent to the Fellowship Retreat, the pathways winding around and up to the cliffs is peaceful the moment you start your walk. Various meditation sitting areas are throughout the gardens and easy to find a seat to take a moment to reflect and meditate. For those who want a glimpse of the coastline, surfers and sunset can enjoy this at the top of the bluff.

Paramahansa Yogananda planted many of the tress and shrubs himself. Along with the beautiful varieties of flowering plants and trees, there is a series of ponds connected by miniature waterfalls, the home of colorful and exotic fish; flower-lined garden pathways.

As a word to the wise, don’t plan to climb down the cliffs from the mediation gardens. There is a pathway just south at Swami’s Park. It is a popular local surfing area with some of the best surf in North County.

The SFR Retreat and Meditation Gardens are open to visitors Tuesday-Saturday from 9am to 5pm. Sunday, 11am-5pm (Closed Monday.) If you time it right you can see the sun setting at 4:45pm.

This retreat is located at 215 K Street, Encinitas, CA.  (map)   Phone number is 760-753-2888.