SRF Temple

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Best hidden secrets? San Diego Botanic Garden and the "SRF" Temple Meditation Garden.


Here are examples of two places that you won't read a lot about anywhere else. Both gardens can't be fully appreciated with a camera. They are both beautiful and special places to San Diegans.

Now: San Diego Botanic Garden

San Diego Botanic Garden (230 Quail Gardens Drive, Encinitas) - Free Admission on the 1st Tuesday of each month! Quail Botanical Gardens is an urban oasis in one of San Diego's cities located in the North County. This plant and sanctuary is operated its own foundation which is a nonprofit organization. Its many volunteers work tirelessly to preserve rare and threatened plant species.

Particular attention is paid to educating youngsters about the many plant species that thrive in San Diego County. Children enjoy their very own section of the Gardens in the Seeds of Wonder Children's Garden.

Adult patrons of the Quail Botanical Gardens can browse the large collection of palms, bamboo, fruit trees, succulents, cycads, and tropical flowering trees and plants through a series of trails. Most of the plant and tree collection are grouped according to their climates and others, like the bamboo, are grouped in demonstration gardens. The bamboo collection is so extensive that it is the largest one of its kind in the Northern Hemsiphere. U.S. If you are looking for a particular type of plant or tree do not hesitate to ask one of the friendly volunteers who will be happy to point you in the right direction. If you love visiting gardens, put this on your list. It is a special place that doesn't get the 'press' it should.

For more information: San Diego Botanic Garden

Self-Realization Fellowship Meditation Gardens (215 "K" Street & Highway 101, Encinitas) - Take a short 10 minute drive west of the Quail Botanical Gardens off of the 101 and experience the beauty of a garden located on a cliff looking over the Pacific Ocean. The SRF garden is a partof the SRF Temple but the meditation garden is accessible to the public.

You do not need to meditate on the grounds, of course, but there is something magical about this quiet spot high above the vastness of the ocean. It is a treasure and if you find your way on Highway 101, it is worth a stop-in. The gardens are open to the public Tuesday-Sunday. When you visit the gardens, please do your part by not talking and turning off your cell phones. The quiet will allow you to actually hear the ocean.

The SRF is not a new building-it has been around since 1937. The temple and gardens were founded and designed by Paramahansa Yogananda (1893-1952) who brought the teachings of Indian meditation to the U.S. The beach located just below the temple is known as Swami's, naturally.

For more information: SRF Gardens