About
If you’re looking for a peaceful place to take a pause, I found the Meditation Gardens in Encinitas, California to be the perfect spot. With gorgeous ocean views and a zen experience, I strolled through nature and breathed in the peace.
This amazing garden offers tranquil beauty and a spiritual sanctuary like nowhere else in North County San Diego. While wandering through I enjoyed a stunning array of flora, nooks to meditate, ocean observation, and beautiful pathways to Koi ponds.
Along with lovely varieties of flowering plants and tropical trees, I noticed there are also a variety of succulents and cacti to enjoy. And a series of ponds connected by miniature waterfalls filled with exotic fish.
With plenty of benches located throughout to overlook the magnificent Pacific Ocean, I sat for a moment and contemplated.
I’d say this garden is a wonderful place where you can meditate, relax or just take a beat and soak it all in. A truly peaceful place in a chaotic world!
Interesting Facts
As part of the Self-Realization Fellowship Hermitage and Retreat, the Meditation Gardens were founded in 1937 by Paramahansa Yogananda, which offers a retreat center that can be found on the property to this day.
In fact, while Paramahansa Yogananda was here he planted many of the trees and shrubs himself in this quiet refuge.
And on the grounds of the gardens, you will find a tree that is over 75 years old, called a Ming Tree.
I noticed this incredible tree and discovered that it is actually a Monterrey Pine that was shaped and cultivated like a Bonsai Tree. And to honor the beautiful Japanese art form with Chinese origins of shaping trees, they renamed it a Ming Tree.
Getting There
The Meditation Gardens are easy to find and are located directly adjacent to the Self-Realization Fellowship Hermitage and Retreat. So make sure to follow the map to the retreat center, and remember you can enter anywhere there is an opening.
Cost
This California zen spot is free of charge.
Helpful Tips
- I recommend that you download a plant identification app as there is some very interesting flora on the grounds.
- I discovered, there is no entrance main entrance to this hidden gem so you can find your way in at any point.
- Dogs and kids are welcome.