Visitor Frequently Asked Questions

Information about traveling to Esalen, including links to check current road conditions, can be found on our Getting Here page.

To reduce our environmental impact, we do not offer camping (car or tent) on property. There is camping nearby both north and south on Highway 1.

See the Big Sur Camping Guide at http://www.bigsurcalifornia.org/camping.html for details.

Please note that Esalen does not have parking spaces for RV's and large vehicles. Large vehicles need to park on Highway 1 at the Esalen entrance.

Unfortunately, we do not offer guided public tours. To preserve the sanctity of the Esalen experience, self-guided tours and walkabouts are also prohibited.

Tips may be charged to your credit card if you stop by the Office following your session. We also provide tip envelopes where you can enclose cash or a check, and either leave this in the Office or hand it directly to your practitioner following your session.

Check-out time is 10:00 a.m. on departure days, although you are welcome to stay for lunch and remain at Esalen until 2:00 p.m. If you are participating in a workshop we ask that you have your belongings out of your room before the start of your final session.

Feel free to arrive at Esalen any time after 2:00 pm. Room keys are available from the Gate or the Office/Bookstore by 4:00 pm. Room check-out is 10:00 am on the day of departure.

Due to the COVID-related safety measures we have implemented for the protection of our guests, faculty and staff, children are currently unable to visit Esalen. We look forward to welcoming children once again when it is again safe to do so.

Children may only attend workshops with their care-givers that are specifically designated as family workshops. The fee for children 10 and under is $150 for a weekend family workshop, or $300 for a five-day family workshop. Fees for youth 11-15 enrolled in family workshops are $420 for weekend workshops and $675 for five-day workshops. Parents/guardians pay regular rates.

Guests staying in Premium or Point House accommodations or two full-paying adults housed together in standard accommodations may have their children in the room for a meal fee of $25 per child per day ($10/day for children under six). Children must be supervised by an adult at all times.

We accept credit cards, Apple Pay and Google Pay. Due to COVID-related safety measures, we are not currently accepting cash. We cannot charge items to your room, so please have a form of payment with you to make purchases.

Esalen is located approximately 45 miles from "civilization," and there is currently no cell coverage. This isolation and tranquility, while deepening the experience of your stay at Esalen, can also be a significant change. While there is no cell service, there are three pay phones on the property that work with quarters, a calling card, or a prepaid minutes plan. We do not sell calling cards.

We use a bulletin board for important messages and calls from home and offer a few wired Internet kiosks for limited use. Wireless internet is available in the lodge anytime but during mealtimes.  

We carry only basic sundries in our Bookstore. The nearest pharmacy is 40 miles away in Carmel, so you will want to make sure to bring your prescription medications with you.

Esalen does not have an on-call doctor, and there are no other medical services available on site. If you will require medical attention or supplies during your stay, please come prepared to administer to your own needs, or make advance arrangements with the Big Sur Health Center in Big Sur.