Self-Realization Fellowship Lake Shrine Los Angeles
A serene lakeside spiritual center in Los Angeles, offering meditation gardens, a windmill chapel, and a peaceful escape.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Fewer crowds, more peace
Self-Realization Fellowship Lake Shrine Los Angeles
Best Time
Fewer crowds, more peace
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A serene lakeside spiritual center in Los Angeles, offering meditation gardens, a windmill chapel, and a peaceful escape.
"This hidden gem is a true oasis of calm, perfect for destressing and disconnecting from the city."
🎯 Reserve Your Spot
Book your visit online in advance, as they limit visitor numbers to maintain tranquility. :ticket:
👟 Comfortable Walking Shoes
You'll be doing a lot of walking through the gardens, so wear comfy shoes! :athletic_shoe:
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
The Serene Lake and Gardens
Main grounds
Wander through lush gardens surrounding a peaceful lake, dotted with koi fish and diverse flora. A true oasis of calm.
Gandhi's Memorial
Hilltop temple area
See a portion of Mahatma Gandhi's ashes, a poignant reminder of peace and spiritual leadership.
Windmill Chapel
Overlooking the lake
A charming, iconic windmill-shaped chapel offering picturesque views and a unique architectural element.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Embrace Tranquility: Plan Your Visit
A Spiritual Oasis in the City
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🎯 Reserve Your Spot
Book your visit online in advance, as they limit visitor numbers to maintain tranquility. :ticket:
👟 Comfortable Walking Shoes
You'll be doing a lot of walking through the gardens, so wear comfy shoes!
🧘♀️ Embrace the Calm
This is a place for quiet reflection. Silence your phone and soak in the peaceful atmosphere. :iphone:
💧 Stay Hydrated
Especially on warmer days, bring water as you explore the beautiful grounds.
Tips
from all over the internet
🎯 Reserve Your Spot
Book your visit online in advance, as they limit visitor numbers to maintain tranquility. :ticket:
👟 Comfortable Walking Shoes
You'll be doing a lot of walking through the gardens, so wear comfy shoes!
🧘♀️ Embrace the Calm
This is a place for quiet reflection. Silence your phone and soak in the peaceful atmosphere. :iphone:
💧 Stay Hydrated
Especially on warmer days, bring water as you explore the beautiful grounds.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors consistently praise the Self-Realization Fellowship Lake Shrine for its profound tranquility and beauty, calling it a true 'hidden gem' and a perfect escape from city life. Many appreciate the peaceful gardens, the serene lake, and the spiritual significance of the site, including Gandhi's memorial. Some note that advance reservations are beneficial due to visitor limits.
"From coastline nature-vibe to Fine dinings.
Los Angeles has the luxury of Rodeo and the tranquility of coastal nature. It has the bustle of downtown and Hollywood, and the harmony of Malibu and Palisades. This melting pot is a mixture of various races, cultures, and extreme collisions. It is colorful and beautiful.
This place, I was hesitating to come because it is a little far away from me. But, this is one of the best places I had been in the world.
Tranquility does heal! The harmony that is beyond the human world has magically healing power. The light reflects those naughty sparkling on the river while the ducks are just sliding on its surface, I was so moved that I was watching all this happened in my eyes. The leaves of bamboo swings in the wind at the same time, I can hear not far away the springs making beautiful sound.
And The ripples on the lake were as dazzling as jewels under the sunlight. Just as I was intoxicated by this, two ducks paddled across the lake. They seemed like creatures from another world. They were so innocent and cute.
I had a fxxking great afternoon dating with myself here! One of my best days. Wow. A great great place. Entrance fee is free too."
Aitana Blose
"It’s a beautiful zen garden! You need reservation. They have limited hours. If you get there late, the gates are closed.
We were visiting LA for one day. They let us in. We did not visit inside the temples.
They have group meditation if one is interested."
Elham Alizadeh
"One of my favorite places to visit. Been coming here for years. It’s such a peaceful place that centers you and is a great place to come relax and meditate. The lake is great, the walk around it is wonderful and the whole vibe is serene. You need to make a reservation before you come so make sure you do that a day or two in advance."
Michael Sandler
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The Lake Shrine is located at 17190 Sunset Blvd, Pacific Palisades, CA 90272. It's accessible by car, with parking available on-site. Public transportation options are limited, so driving is often the most convenient.
Yes, there is parking available at the Self-Realization Fellowship Lake Shrine. However, it can fill up quickly, especially on weekends. Arriving early is recommended.
Yes, ride-sharing services like Uber and Lyft are a good option if you prefer not to drive. They can drop you off directly at the entrance.
The grounds are generally accessible, but some areas may have inclines. It's advisable to check with the venue directly for specific accessibility information.
The Lake Shrine is situated near Pacific Coast Highway, making it relatively easy to find. Using a GPS or map app is recommended for precise directions.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Admission to the Self-Realization Fellowship Lake Shrine is free, but advance reservations are often recommended, especially for weekend visits, as they limit visitor numbers to maintain a peaceful environment.
The Lake Shrine is typically open daily from 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM. It's always a good idea to check their official website for the most up-to-date hours before your visit.
Yes, you can attend Sunday morning services. It's a great way to experience the spiritual aspect of the fellowship.
No, there is no entrance fee to explore the beautiful gardens of the Lake Shrine. It's a donation-based center.
While not always mandatory, booking a time slot in advance is highly recommended to guarantee entry, particularly during peak times, as they manage visitor flow.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
You can stroll through the meditation gardens, admire the lake and its wildlife, visit the windmill chapel, and reflect at Gandhi's memorial. It's a place for quiet contemplation.
The Self-Realization Fellowship is a spiritual organization focused on meditation and yoga, founded by Paramahansa Yogananda. While it has spiritual teachings, it's open to people of all faiths and backgrounds.
Photography is generally allowed in most areas, but it's important to be respectful of others seeking quiet reflection. Avoid intrusive photography, especially during services.
While not always formally advertised, you might find opportunities to learn more about the history and teachings. Check their website or inquire upon arrival.
The atmosphere is exceptionally peaceful and serene, designed for meditation and de-stressing. Many visitors describe it as a true escape from the city.
📸 📸 Photography
The windmill chapel, the koi pond, the various garden paths, and the Gandhi memorial offer beautiful photographic opportunities. The reflections on the lake are also stunning.
Drone photography is generally not permitted at spiritual centers like the Lake Shrine to maintain peace and respect for visitors. Always check their specific policies.
Early morning or late afternoon offers the best natural light for photography, creating a soft, golden glow over the gardens and lake.
Be mindful of other visitors and avoid taking photos that intrude on their personal space or spiritual experience. Respect any designated 'no photo' areas.
While personal cameras are fine, professional equipment might require special permission. It's best to inquire with the Lake Shrine administration beforehand.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
It's a great opportunity to teach kids about nature and the importance of peaceful environments. Keep in mind that it's a spiritual center, so encourage children to use their 'inside voices' and be respectful of others. The open spaces allow for gentle exploration, and the visual beauty of the gardens can be captivating for younger visitors. Consider visiting during less crowded times to ensure a more relaxed experience for everyone.
🧘♀️ Solo Travelers & Spiritual Seekers
+1Many visitors find solace and a sense of connection here, making it a meaningful stop on their travels. The ability to book time slots helps ensure a personal and unhurried experience, allowing you to fully absorb the peaceful energy of the grounds.
📸 Photographers & Nature Lovers
The diverse flora and the peaceful wildlife, including the koi fish, add to the visual appeal. Visiting during the golden hours of early morning or late afternoon will enhance your photography with beautiful natural light. Remember to be respectful of the serene environment and other visitors while capturing the beauty of this unique location.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Legacy of Paramahansa Yogananda
+1Yogananda envisioned the Lake Shrine as a place of peace and spiritual upliftment, a sanctuary where people from all walks of life could find solace and connect with their inner selves. The serene environment, with its beautiful gardens and tranquil lake, was intentionally designed to foster meditation and contemplation.
Visitors often feel inspired by Yogananda's wisdom, finding the grounds to be a place that truly embodies his message of self-realization and universal harmony. The presence of Gandhi's ashes further enhances the site's aura of peace and spiritual significance.
Experiencing the Tranquility: A Visitor's Guide
Key attractions include the charming windmill chapel, offering picturesque views, and the significant Gandhi Memorial, housing a portion of the Mahatma's ashes. These elements contribute to the site's unique spiritual and historical appeal.
Many find that simply sitting by the lake or walking the grounds provides a deeply calming and rejuvenating experience. To best appreciate the tranquility, it's recommended to visit during weekday mornings when crowds are minimal. Advance reservations are also advised, as the center manages visitor numbers to preserve the serene atmosphere.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit