This review is for the Malibu location. It tagged the wrong location. Get ready to get your zen on. Beautiful, peaceful grounds. Pleasant helpful staff. A gift to yourself to attend. Had to make reservations. Entry from 1-2p on the day I attended. I believe there are 2 entry times a day. Check website. Was open until 4:30. I spent just under 2 hours enjoying the grounds. Many little nooks to sit and leave the world behind. You don't need to know how to meditate to enjoy this place. If you sit and enjoy and be fully present in the moment...you are meditating. Gift shop, small unique museum of the founders things/history.

It was mostly, pretty quiet and people were respecting the space for meditation. Not too many selfie-takers. The trickling and flowing water created soothing sounds, the ocean breeze could be felt in certain areas, and there were shaded spaces to sit quietly and reflect. Small space, but well maintained. Some of the tropical climbers are incredibly huge! It doesn't take long to just walk through the entire garden. You can spend 15 minutes there or sit for hours and enjoy.

This is one of the best places to meditate on the west coast. The gardens are peaceful, beautiful, and serene. There are pond with waterfalls cascading down between them. Swimming in all the ponds are huge Koi. Meditation benches are set up all over the gardens. The monks of SRF take care of the plantings, blessing them and the grounds with their sweet vibration. I love this place so much that I come back every year.

Just the most perfect day to spend here. I'm happy to see the place so busy. The gates are open and someone warm will greet you. The place is free but donations are welcomed. You can spend as much time as you want. The koi fish are all nice and fat, the views spectacular with plenty of benches all around. The ground's are perfectly manicured.

A small Garden but a very well maintained garden that sits atop the coastline.. My wife and I really enjoyed how beautiful this place was not a huge garden but a truly beautiful place where you can walk around and see the different parts of the garden with a variety of different types of plants and flowers beautifully put together..be sure to keep your voices low out of respect for the people who use the place for actual meditation its very much appreciated and encouraged.. take your camera plenty of photo opportunities you'll gonna want to advantage of.. and like always please go by the leave no trace policy and leave it better than you found it...

Beautiful peaceful free cliffside garden with wonderful plants and trees, lots of shade and numerous benches located throughout to rest and appreciate the spectacular natural beauty

In a very rare spot in san diego this well maintained garden on top of a hill facing the beach offer a beautiful tour between the different plants, the view and the niceness of the lady at the door. A quite place to sit, enjoy and meditate even if you are not adept of meditation

What a beautiful experience! Peaceful and gorgeous with some of the best views! If I lived here I would be there at least once a weak to take in the beauty, calm my mind, and acknowledge my gratitude for being able to visit such a lovely place!

This place was amazing very beautiful very well-kept I wish that being a meditation Garden kids weren't allowed to be all loud and screaming and running around. It is a meditation Garden not a zoo. I was able to utilize this area to write my book while I was on vacation there. The gate manager was very friendly as well. I would definitely would like to look into taking the whole retreat experience next time I'm in that part of town.

This place is very special in my heart and I feel deeply connected. The gardens are beautiful and this is such a lovely place to come to capture breath taking views and tranquil atmosphere.

Love going here. The mediation gardens are a pleasure to eye. Love the flowers, the Koi ponds, and of course the beautiful view of the ocean. So relaxing to the mind, the heart & Spirit.

Lovely tranquil gardens. Free to the public. Small setting so no large group visits. Please be mindful this is a quiet space. Photos from through the seasons

Beautiful koi pond and outlook to the beach. Lots of places to rest and relax. The walk has some stairs but isn't too strenuous, and the view of the ocean is beautiful. There's quite a lot of street parking, but traffic can affect that.

Founded by Parmahansa Yogananda in 1939. He was accredited for bringing philosophies of meditation and yoga to the Western world. If you want to read more history of his go online. It has always been one of my favorite places to go as the meditation garden is one of the most beautiful in Southern California to be found on the Pacific Ocean.

I almost don’t want to review this spot because I don’t want more people to come… It’s a gorgeous location that is peaceful and calm, perfect for meditation. Even if you’re not someone who usually meditates, you will find a sense of relaxation in the views and the nature. If you’re coming in from out of town, you should find time for this spot. You will not be disappointed.

Explore these well maintained gardens overlooking the ocean. It is very peaceful, please be quiet to respect others that go there to mediate. Enjoy!

Such a peaceful sanctuary where you can feel positive energy- being next to the ocean and beautiful flowers makes this a special place to visit.

The Self-Realization Fellowship Hermitage & Meditation Gardens is a true gem nestled along the coast in Encinitas. From the moment you step in, you're greeted with an overwhelming sense of tranquility and beauty. The meticulously manicured gardens are a testament to nature's splendor and those who designed this place. You'll find an array of vibrant flowers and lush greenery that soothes the soul. The water features are particularly captivating. The gentle sound of running water, combined with the serene ambiance, makes for a meditative experience like no other. As you meander through the gardens, the views of the vast ocean are simply breathtaking. The azure waters stretching to the horizon provide a perfect backdrop to this haven of peace. For those planning a visit, I'd recommend coming during the early morning or late afternoon. Not only will you avoid the midday crowds, but the soft lighting during these times truly accentuates the garden's beauty. Whether you're seeking a place for introspection or simply a scenic spot to unwind, the Self-Realization Fellowship Hermitage & Meditation Gardens is a must-visit.

ABSOLUTELY STUNNING! This is a *true* “hidden gem.” The Meditation Gardens are free and open to the public. Quiet, shaded pathways with jaw-dropping coastal views. Don’t hesitate - just go. The scenery and gardens are astonishing!!

We were looking for some places to explore along the northern coast of San Diego and I'm so glad I stumbled across this on Google Maps. I saw the tag and decided to click on it. The photos posted are what drew me here. There is FREE street parking and the garden is FREE as well. They appreciate donations to help maintain the gardens. So I encourage everyone who visits to leave a donation. The gardens are so well maintained and absolutely beautiful. It's set up on a cliff with breathtaking views of the ocean. I highly recommend stopping by for a peaceful stroll or even a bit of silent meditation.

If you are seeking to hear nature, see nature and feel the presence of the almighty this hidden gem of a place offers the Tranquility, Peace, Relaxation of a magical indescribable presence. Breath taking and majestic all at the same time Be sure to take your shoes off and get grounded on this sacred place. Amazingly refreshing, worth the stop on your way to San Diego or coming back from San Diego.! Don't miss it!

Beautiful gardens overlooking the ocean. Lots of great plant specimens and little nooks to sit and contemplate life. Nice, free place to go to unwind.

The most incredible experience! Side street parking was easy in (don't stop for coffee 1st no drinks allowed) and out. Such a beautiful place the flowers and greenery and trees are magnificent and I have never seen koi so big and happy looking!! My 1st time on the pacific hearing the water crash against the cliffs once I reached the top of the walkway to the ocean it was overwhelming and I was so thankful for the empty bench to sit and meditate on the sounds and visuals it was quite breathtaking to experience and I am so thankful to the friend that was local to that area and took me there on the little window of time I had before I had to be at the airport.

Very peaceful and beautiful garden. Great view of the ocean. I recommend doing meditation in the garden. Also do visit the Chapel. It is open from 12 to 4 weekdays I believe. J St. Auxiliary Chapel

I can't believe that anytime I mention this place, no one knows what I am. It is the perfect place to go to unwind, relax, meditate, or just enjoy the beauty of San Diego. This meditation garden is free to the public within certain hours. Breathtaking views of the ocean, great vegetation, and even some coy fish swimming around. This has chill vibes and is 100% worth the drive.