Dave's Rock Garden

Very beautiful rock garden. Owner Dave was amazing ,sharing stories about the garden he made. Please donate him when visiting his garden. Super cool man.

Dave has done an amazing job of creating a beautiful little public garden near Moonlight State Beach. It is always fun to see what new stuff has been added. Dave even allows you to paint your own rock and place it in the garden. He is often around for a chat while weeding, raking, and basically keeping the magic happening!

Next time you are walking down B Street (Encinitas Boulevard) on the way to the beach, stop by and spend a little time enjoying the artwork! You can't miss the garden located between 2nd and 3rd.

What a cool place, spawned from one man's vision to make a patch of weeds on a small hillside next to Moonlight Beach into something the community could enjoy. It's quite a story. Once Dave Dean finally got it cleaned up, artist Candace Jesse Jessup painted a thank you to him on a rock and placed it there. This token of appreciation, thanks to Dave, blossomed into the attraction it is today: thousands of painted rocks from people all over.

Dave's Rock Garden is inspiring, beautiful, and fun. And it's right next to Moonlight Beach, making it a perfect diversion for a few minutes. Next time I'm there, I'll add a rock to the garden as a thank you to Dave and all the other artists who've created this small oasis.

Having a drink with dave and dave at the VFW 416, nice guys! This is a great bar for what did you say great bar for a personalities, says Dave!

A stones throw (see what I did there) from Moonlight Beach, this adorable little garden makes an already lovely walk ever so much more charming. If you'd like to see a small and beautiful collection of the cooperation and artistry of humans, this is a worthwhile stop on your way to the beach, dining or ice cream. It's free to peruse, though you can also Venmo the or drop a cash donation into a lock box. A really sweet labor of love just to bring a smile to those passing by.

Cute little garden right by D Street Viewpoint! Visited it before going to the beach, it's free to walk into! It was a nice little unique place! Very artsy.

What a super cool place! I found this rock garden accidentally - I was out for a walk and then literally came upon it. It is HUGE! I've never seen anything like it.

I believe Dave must have been there, as there was music playing and a gentleman walking around. I would have said "hello" but was running late.

Definitely worth a visit. It's incredible. I even sent photos to one of my friends who paints rocks, too!


2021: 9/100

Beyond expectations- this place is very special and contemplative......left a few beautifully painted rocks in the garden also for many memories to cherish

I needed to get out of my apartment and do / see something creative, so with a little quick Google search, I was able to find Dave's Rock Garden via Hidden San Diego website (https://hiddensandiego.net/things-to-do/places/daves-rock-garden).

According to Hidden San Diego website, here is the background:
"Frustrated with an empty lot next to his house that was constantly filled with trash, Encinitas resident Dave Dean decided to take matters into his own hands. Since 2015, Dean has worked tirelessly to transform this coastal plot of land from a neglected dirt lot into a work of art. It first started with Dave picking up trash and pulling out the weeds from the ground. Then he began planting succulents and adding artistic details, mostly painted rocks--which is largely the theme today. Once the garden really started popping off, the city took notice. It wasn't long before they issued him with a cease and desist order. This wouldn't be the first time in which our city tried to destroy a person's positive impact through art. But thankfully this one is a success story."

I visited Dave's Rock Garden in July 2020 (4 months after Pandemic started). The place is beautiful and definitely picture friendly!! I probably spent an hour or so there. ENJOY!!

Pictures:
https://www.yelp.com/user_local_photos?select=2LMmS7v_PoZQcnBzFsvxQw&userid=NvUeb5G_mSSxgKhEE_Hueg
https://www.yelp.com/user_local_photos?select=3w7FkE2eKNoJI-yl61YNlg&userid=NvUeb5G_mSSxgKhEE_Hueg
https://www.yelp.com/user_local_photos?select=H-_0LH-BcmblUhDVOpKTSA&userid=NvUeb5G_mSSxgKhEE_Hueg
https://www.yelp.com/user_local_photos?select=FDJLrV5LZeWLJLoy105EKQ&userid=NvUeb5G_mSSxgKhEE_Hueg
https://www.yelp.com/user_local_photos?select=9MsC9SLcxjHtl3s3kDt1qA&userid=NvUeb5G_mSSxgKhEE_Hueg
https://www.yelp.com/user_local_photos?select=U4QLYEXCx4X7xv0vTwz5Jg&userid=NvUeb5G_mSSxgKhEE_Hueg
https://www.yelp.com/user_local_photos?select=xnJSgwOtJVVJDM4_QFPrSA&userid=NvUeb5G_mSSxgKhEE_Hueg
https://www.yelp.com/user_local_photos?select=fSjc8fZPCPD3KvyjIZ7JAQ&userid=NvUeb5G_mSSxgKhEE_Hueg

If you love art and rocks and love to paint rocks then you shouldn't miss this rock garden near the beach. There are some beginner rocks and some really nice professionally painted rocks showing the various talents of the locals. I left behind a small rock I had painted and I hope it brings joy to the visitors.