Paramahansa Yogananda established the Self-Realization Fellowship Ashram Center in Encinitas in 1937. Here, at the Hermitage where he lived for many years, he wrote his Autobiography of a Yogi, widely regarded today as a modern spiritual classic. The Ashram Center and nearby Temple are located on the Pacific Coast, 100 miles south of Los Angeles and 25 miles north of San Diego.

The Hermitage is generally open on Sundays, 2-5 p.m., except in inclement weather. The meditation gardens, which include a small waterfall and koi pond, are open to the public 9 a.m.-5 p.m., Tuesday through Saturday, and 11 a.m.- 5 p.m. on Sundays.