Self-Realization Fellowship Retreat

San Diego


Yogi Paramahansa Yogananda founded his center here in 1937, and the town has been a magnet for holistic healers and natural-lifestyle seekers ever since. The gold lotus domes of the hermitage – conspicuous on South Coast Hwy 101 – mark the southern end of Encinitas and the turn-out for Swami’s Beach, a powerful reef break surfed by territorial locals. The fellowship’s compact but lovely Meditation Garden has wonderful ocean vistas, a stream and a koi pond.

If you’re interested in more detailed exploration of meditation and the religion’s principles, visit the website.


Lonely Planet's must-see attractions

Nearby San Diego attractions

1. San Elijo State Beach

0.78 MILES

A little north of Cardiff State Beach, San Elijo State Beach has good winter waves and $10 parking all day Monday to Thursday, $12 all day Friday through…

2. San Diego Botanic Garden

1.41 MILES

This 37-acre garden has a large collection of California native plants as well as flora of different regions of the world, including Australia and Central…

3. San Elijo Lagoon

2.04 MILES

One of the town's main draws is this 979-acre ecological preserve popular with bird-watchers for its herons, coots, terns, ducks, egrets and more than 250…

4. Lux Art Institute

2.2 MILES

A few miles east of central Encinitas, this institute lets spectators be present at the creation of art. A changing lineup of artists in residence take…

5. Cardiff State Beach

2.41 MILES

Just south of Cardiff-by-the-Sea, the surf break on the reef here is mostly popular with longboarders, but it gets very good at low tide with a big north…

6. Cedros Design District

3.3 MILES

A cluster of furniture, interior and design shops, plus a few restaurants, entertainment venues and galleries.

7. Batiquitos Lagoon

3.7 MILES

One of the last remaining tidal wetlands in California, Batiquitos Lagoon separates Carlsbad from Encinitas. A self-guided tour lets you explore area…

8. Seagrove Park

5.4 MILES

At the end of 15th St, this park abuts the beach and overlooks the ocean. This little stretch of well-groomed lawn is a community hub and perfect for a…