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Esalen Institute: A Sanctuary of Human Potential in Big Sur

Discover your potential at Esalen Institute, a world-renowned retreat center in Big Sur, California, offering transformative workshops and breathtaking scenery.

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The Esalen Institute is a non-profit retreat center and intentional community in Big Sur, California, that focuses on humanistic alternative education. Founded in 1962, it played a key role in the Human Potential Movement, offering workshops and experiences that explore the mind-body connection and personal awareness.

A brief summary to Esalen Institute

  • Monday 9 am-8 pm
  • Tuesday 9 am-5 pm
  • Wednesday 9 am-5 pm
  • Thursday 9 am-5 pm
  • Friday 9 am-8 pm
  • Saturday 9 am-5 pm
  • Sunday 9 am-5 pm

Local tips

  • Check road conditions on Highway 1 before your visit, as closures can occur due to weather or construction.
  • Reservations are required for workshops, lodging, and massage visitor passes.
  • Bring a flashlight for navigating the grounds at night.
  • Esalen does not offer tours or walkabouts to preserve the experience for guests.
  • Large vehicles must park on Highway 1 at the Esalen entrance.
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Getting There

  • Driving

    Esalen Institute is located on Highway 1. From the north, drive south from Carmel, approximately 40 minutes past Rocky Creek Bridge. From the south, take Highway 1 north from San Luis Obispo, about 100 miles. Be aware that Highway 1 is subject to closures; check conditions before you go. Limited parking is available; large vehicles must park on the highway. There is no fee to enter the grounds if you have a reservation.

  • Public Transport

    The closest airports are Monterey (MRY), San Jose (SJC), and San Francisco (SFO). From any of these airports, you can rent a car and drive to Esalen. Esalen used to offer a shuttle service from the airports on Fridays and Saturdays, but this information may be outdated. Check with Esalen directly for current shuttle options. Public transportation via bus is possible from San Francisco and Los Angeles to Salinas, but requires a long taxi or rideshare to Esalen. Taxi/rideshare from San Jose Airport to Esalen can cost $204 - $733.

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Discover more about Esalen Institute

Nestled along the dramatic Big Sur coastline, the Esalen Institute has been a world-renowned holistic learning center since 1962. Founded by Michael Murphy and Dick Price, Esalen was created to explore human consciousness and potential, drawing inspiration from Eastern and Western philosophies. The institute's name comes from the Esselen tribe, a Native American group who originally inhabited the land as early as 2600 BCE. Esalen's stunning 27-acre campus offers a unique environment for personal and social transformation. Visitors can participate in a variety of workshops, from yoga and meditation to healing arts and shamanic cosmology. Guests are also welcome to visit for personal retreats, enjoying the institute's natural hot springs, organic gardens, and cliff-side setting. The hot springs have been an attraction since the 1880s, and were enjoyed by the native Esselen for millennia before that. Over the years, Esalen has hosted a diverse array of thinkers, artists, and spiritual leaders, including Aldous Huxley, Fritz Perls, and Alan Watts. The institute's innovative approach to education and its emphasis on the mind-body connection have made it a significant influence on mainstream culture. Esalen is more than just a retreat center; it is a place for healing, exploration, and connection with oneself and the world.

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