https://www.esalen.org/page/getting-here

Shuttle to Esalen

Passenger van service to Esalen is available from Monterey, with connecting service from San Francisco and San Jose airports available separately through Monterey Airbus. Learn more about shuttle service.

Our closest airports are in Monterey and in the San Francisco Bay Area:

• Monterey Regional Airport (MRY) – 47 miles, approximately 75 minutes
• San Jose International Airport (SJC) – 120 miles, approximately 2.5 hours
• San Francisco International Airport (SFO) – 150 miles, approximately 3 hours

Driving to Esalen

Before You Drive

Please check road conditions for Highway 1 in Central California prior to departure. There is construction work planned between Ragged Point (south of Esalen) and Esalen that may result in intermittent lane closures and brief delays. Use these interactive maps if you need help determining whether any trouble spots reported by Caltrans will impact your route.

From San Francisco or Points North

• Take US-101 S.
• At Prunedale, take Route 156 west to the Monterey Peninsula and Highway 1.
• Take CA-1 S approximately 45 miles, passing Monterey, Carmel, and Pfeiffer Big Sur State Park.
• Nepenthe, a popular restaurant located on the ocean side of Highway 1, is 11 miles north of Esalen.
• Julia Pfeiffer Burns State Park is three miles north of Esalen.
• Look for the Esalen Institute sign on the right side of the highway, at mile marker 32.4.

From Los Angeles or Points South

• Take Route 101 north to San Luis Obispo, then take Highway 1 north to Esalen.
• We are approximately 100 miles north of San Luis Obispo on Highway 1.
• When you reach Lucia, a bend in the road where there is a restaurant and motel, you are 10 miles south of Esalen.
• Look for the Esalen Institute sign on the left side of the highway, at mile marker 32.4.

Alternate Route via Nacimiento-Fergusson Road

In the event of a closure along Highway 1, an alternate route connecting Highway 101 to Highway 1 may be available via Nacimiento-Fergusson Road. This is a mountain road that is subject to closure during winter months. Get detailed directions.