Get one step closer to self-realization surrounded by flowers, trees, ducks, swans and koi at this sanctuary.

The Lake Shrine was dedicated by Parmahansa Yogananda in 1950, but one need not be a swami to visit this sanctuary, anyone can partake of the peaceful sights and sounds. The ten-acre site include gardens, a natural lake (complete with swans, ducks and koi), a Court of Religions (honoring Hinduism, Christianity, Buddhism, Judaism and Islam), the Mahatma Gandhi World Peace Memorial (which contains a portion of Gandhi's ashes), a museum and gift shop. The Lake Shrine also offers meditation classes and workshops, and can be booked for weddings and baptisms. —Elisa Jacobs