Swami's
Swami's
was originally known as Noonan's Point, for James Noonan, who bought
the property in 1887 for $1,000. In 1937 a hermitage was built for
Paramahansa Yogananda, followed by the construction of a Golden
Lotus Temple, and finally, the Self-Realization Fellowship, which
currently stands on the site adjacent to the park.
As
the world-class waves along the point became popular for surfing,
enthusiasts began to refer to the spot as “Swami's” and the name
stuck. Swami's is now recognized as the official name of the park.
The park has beautiful bluff-top views of the Pacific and the beach,
down a long flight of stairs, is rocky (especially north of the
stairs) with excellent tidepools. It is immortalized in the famous
Beach Boys song, Surfing USA.
Food/dining: The nearest food to Swami's is a long
walk or a short drive north along Highway 101 toward Encinitas
Boulevard or south to Restaurant Row across near Cardiff Reef.
Restrooms: Showers and restrooms are available.