Visitor Frequently Asked Questions

Shuttle van service is available from Monterey Peninsula Airport (MRY) on Fridays and Sundays. For shuttle schedules and pricing, please click here.

Highway 1 north of Esalen is currently closed due to a failed bridge that must be rebuilt. Read more about transportation options to Esalen.

For the most up-to-date information about Highway 1 toward and through Big Sur from the north and south, please call the Caltrans Highway 1 Big Sur Hotline toll-free at (888) 836-0866.

Alternatively, you can check the Caltrans Website on their District 5 page at: http://www.dot.ca.gov/dist05/road_information.htm

We also recommend checking the Caltrans Facebook page for updates at: https://www.facebook.com/pages/Caltrans-Central-Coast-District-5/1658706...

We use an elaborate bed and room matching service that houses people of the same gender together unless they have identified themselves as a couple.

If you have saved your partner/couple as part of your online registration account, and indicated them during registration, we will make every attempt to house you together. In addition, there is a text field option later during the check-out process to allow you to specify a particular roommate. We can generally accommodate these requests up until the day of the workshop.

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 10:30 am on departure days, although you are welcome to stay for lunch and remain at Esalen until 2 pm. If you are participating in a workshop we ask that you have your belognings out of your room before the start of your final session.

Feel free to arrive at Esalen any time after 2 pm. Room keys are available from the Gate or the Office after 2:30 pm. Room check-out is 10:30 am on the day of departure.

Unfortunately, no. We are small by design (with only 125 beds on property) and when you make the pilgrimage to Esalen you (and you only) become part of the community. For this reason, and to protect the privacy and experience of our other community members, we request that you not bring visitors or guests.

Yes, although children must be supervised at all times and additional fees may apply. Two full-paying adults housed in standard, premium or Point House accommodations may have their children stay with them for a meal charge of $20 per child per day ($10/day for children under 6).

Day care may be available through our Gazebo Park school for an additional fee.

Family Workshops

Children may only attend workshops with their care-givers that are specifically designated as family workshops. Through the end of 2014, the fee for children under 14 years of age is $100 for a weekend family workshop, or $200 for a 5-day family workshop when accompanied by 2 adults paying full-price. For all family workshops beginning after January 1, 2015, the fee for children under 10 years of age is $100 for a weekend and $250 for a 5-day workshop.