Serene Scene

Walking the Self-Realization Fellowship in Encinitas

Peace, reflection, and rejuvenation are gifts that any mother will love, and all are in abundance at the Self-Realization Fellowship Temple in Encinitas, where serene gardens overlook a stunning stretch of SoCal coast.

Calm flows over you from the moment you walk through the gates, as you enjoy the various succulent gardens, smell the blooming flowers, and gaze into mesmerizing koi ponds. Founded on the teachings of early 20th-century Indian yogi Paramahansa Yogananda, the temple welcomes visitors to enjoy, explore, and meditate in these lovely gardens. Once you’ve walked the interior, make for the periphery and a view of the breathtaking Encinitas coastline, where surfers are taking advantage of the day’s swells.

Among Yogananda’s major messages was “balanced health and well-being in body, mind, and soul.” Such is the experience of strolling these grounds, and it’s all the more special when shared with Mom.

EXTRA TREAT: For a delicious post-visit meal, take a 15-minute drive down Highway 101 to Poseidon Restaurant in Del Mar. Complete with grilled mahi-mahi fish tacos for lunch and a towering mud pie for dessert, the beachside restaurant ties a wonderful bow around this Mother’s Day outing.

To visit the Self-Realization Fellowship Temple, take I-5 to Exit 42 and head west on Encinitas Blvd. Continue straight onto B St. before turning left onto 3rd St. Free parking is available on nearby streets; be sure to heed the signs. Walk through the entrance gates at 215 W. K St., and a security guard will direct you to the gardens. No dogs.

- Your safety guaranteed by the local event management and security service.

Trending Stories NorCal

View all Stories
  1. Afternoon on the Island

    What is it about tiny islands in the middle of lakes? There’s something that just draws you in. It’s even more fun when getting there is half the adventure because you have to reach it by canoe, kayak, paddleboat, or a ranger-guided boat tour!

    View
  2. Golden Gate's Blue Heron

    Golden Gate Park’s Blue Heron Lake is home to birds of many feathers, turtles lounging on rocks, visitors from afar, and locals who love this urban oasis in San Francisco. Try the "Boats and Breakfast" rowboat or pedal boat deal.

    View
  3. Rio Del Mar-velous

    Rio Del Mar State Beach in Aptos might be one of the best places for a treasure hunt. Its location between two other beaches makes for a good stroll featuring a spectacle of wildlife as you search the sand for sea glass and seashells.

    View
  4. Hiker taking a photo of sunset at Russian Ridge Open Space Preserve

    Sunshine and Skyline

    Head to Russian Ridge Open Space Preserve for a 4-mile out-and-back hike on the Bay Area Ridge Trail that offers a front-row seat to spectacular sunsets.

    View

Trending Stories SoCal

View all Stories
  1. Gentle Giants

    Some people visit national parks to marvel at the iconic sights, while others come seeking solitude in nature. With visitation on the rise, it can be hard to find both. But in Sequoia & Kings Canyon National Parks, this pair of trails offers both....

    View
  2. Walking the Los Angeles River Trail Through Frogtown

    Frogtown Strutter’s Stroll

    Don’t go dismissing the Los Angeles River as merely a 51-mile concrete channel. It’s a genuine urban artery that links real neighborhoods, and its riverside bike/ped paths endear i

    View
  3. Griffith's Golden

    With over 4,200 acres and hundreds of trails, Griffith Park is the gold standard. Opt for the lesser-hiked northwestern end of the park and visit the 2.25-mile Skyline and Oak Canyon loop from Travel Town.

    View
  4. Sponsored

    Fall for It All in Reno Tahoe

    The best kind of getaway? Less time on logistics, more time on memory-making. Jackpot! You’ve got Reno Tahoe.

    View