Deer Park Monastery
A serene Buddhist sanctuary in Malibu, California, offering mindfulness retreats and peaceful day visits in the tradition of Thich Nhat Hanh.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Peaceful atmosphere & Dharma talk
Deer Park Monastery
Best Time
Peaceful atmosphere & Dharma talk
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A serene Buddhist sanctuary in Malibu, California, offering mindfulness retreats and peaceful day visits in the tradition of Thich Nhat Hanh.
"A really peaceful place! Open to the public on Sundays you can roam the property."
👟 Wear comfy shoes
Trails can be uphill; comfortable footwear is essential for exploring the grounds. :athletic_shoe:
💧 Bring your water bottle
Stay hydrated, especially on warmer days. Refill stations are available. :droplet:
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Ocean of Peace Hall
Main meditation hall
Experience serene Dharma talks and community sharing in this peaceful, judgment-free space.
Walking Meditation Trails
Throughout the monastery grounds
Reconnect with nature and yourself on tranquil paths, surrounded by the sounds of nature.
Vegan Lunch
Dining area
Enjoy a delicious, community-prepared vegan meal, a highlight for many Sunday visitors.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Sunday Visits & Retreats
Mindful Preparation
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
👟 Wear comfy shoes
Trails can be uphill; comfortable footwear is essential for exploring the grounds. :athletic_shoe:
💧 Bring your water bottle
Stay hydrated, especially on warmer days. Refill stations are available. :droplet:
🗓️ Pre-register for events
Days of Mindfulness and retreats often require advance booking. Check their schedule! :calendar:
🙏 Donation-based meals
Enjoy a delicious vegan lunch; donations are appreciated to support the monastery. :moneywithwings:
Tips
from all over the internet
👟 Wear comfy shoes
Trails can be uphill; comfortable footwear is essential for exploring the grounds. :athletic_shoe:
💧 Bring your water bottle
Stay hydrated, especially on warmer days. Refill stations are available. :droplet:
🗓️ Pre-register for events
Days of Mindfulness and retreats often require advance booking. Check their schedule! :calendar:
🙏 Donation-based meals
Enjoy a delicious vegan lunch; donations are appreciated to support the monastery. :moneywithwings:
🤫 Respect the silence
Embrace the peaceful environment; keep conversations soft and be mindful of others. :speakerwiththree_speakers:
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors consistently praise Deer Park Monastery for its profound peace, serene atmosphere, and the opportunity for deep self-reflection. The teachings of Thich Nhat Hanh are frequently mentioned as a source of inspiration. While the natural beauty and communal vegan lunches are highlights, some note that the monastery can get warm and that more volunteers could enhance facilities.
"A really peaceful place! Open to the public on Sundays you can roam the property. There’s lots of trails and places to meditate. It was really nice to get away and be in the mountains. There’s lots of tree cover, but it can get hot. There’s also a lunch at 12 o’clock on Sunday."
bartellj
"Best practice place for your truly self. Everyone here is really nice! You need to come. You won't regret."
Tuan Nguyen
"I went on a one week retreat in mid October and it was beyond words for me. It was the first week retreat I did at a Monastery and it helped me slow down and put my life in perspective. The Mediation, Mindfulness Practice, Buddhism teachings, Qigong and walking Meditation all helped created a great foundation for finding serenity from within.
The week allowed me to add and remove elements of my life's practice, and am so grateful I was able to be there for 7 days.
I really enjoyed the week there and will choose another one week retreat over the many other places I have traveled around the world, Thanks for being a location for peace!
Old Post:
A wonderful place to reconnect and strengthen with the energy we all share! The Sunday service with Sister Dang Nghiem was very informative as well as peaceful. 7 Items that were covered in the service were: 1. Mindfulness (to be in the Now, the Mind and the Heart) 2. Investigation (Things for yourself) 3. Diligence (what seeds will you water in your life and in the world?) 4. Joy (Appreciate and offer Grace) 5. Ease 6. Concentration 7. Equanimity (Letting go).
The Dharma talk with Brother Peace as very open, inviting and community oriented. The fifty plus people was large enough that two circular groups of 25 participants were created to share. The sweet spot is about 20 people. The Dharma talk is an open circle where we are encouraged to share our feelings and thoughts on anything needed to be said. There is no judgement just active listening and you only share if you want to. The Dharma talk really allows for people to connect, be present and transcend the space.
Four years ago I was recommended to read a book called the Art of Communication by Thich Nhat Hanh, and since then I have gravitated toward his Deep Buddhism Teachings (not Popular Buddhism). I am currently reading the Art of Living and really resonating with it. We are all the Inter-Being in the journey of life, all doing our part in a unique way, to make it better than when we arrived!
The location and land is truly a special place. The animals around the landscape are as tranquil as the bells that ring to remind us to just, stop ,Breath and know you are here!
This Sunday it softly rained a few times, which added to the majestic feeling that emanates from the land.
Thank you all to those who tend to the Deer Park Monastery!"
Allan Gaia Candelore
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Deer Park Monastery is located in Escondido, California. The specific address is often shared upon registration for events or can be found on their official website.
Information on public transport options to Deer Park Monastery can be limited. It's recommended to check local transit schedules or consider ride-sharing services if you are not driving.
Yes, parking is generally available for visitors, especially on Sundays. However, during larger events or retreats, parking might be more limited.
Deer Park Monastery is primarily open to the public on Sundays for visits and events. Weekday visits may be possible for those attending scheduled retreats or with prior arrangements.
For retreats, many attendees drive. If coming from further away, flying into a nearby airport like San Diego International Airport (SAN) and then arranging ground transportation is a common option.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
While general visits on Sundays are often donation-based, specific events like the Day of Mindfulness or retreats may require pre-registration or a donation. Check the official schedule for details.
Deer Park Monastery is typically open to the public on Sundays. Specific hours for events and services can be found on their official website or calendar.
Entry to Deer Park Monastery is generally donation-based, especially for Sunday visits and events. This allows them to remain accessible to everyone.
Yes, Deer Park Monastery offers various retreats throughout the year, including mindfulness retreats and specialized programs. You can find their retreat schedule and application details on their website. 
Deer Park Monastery aims to be accessible. While they may not always be able to accommodate all requests due to financial constraints, it's advisable to contact them directly to discuss your situation.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
Visitors can participate in walking meditation, attend Dharma talks, enjoy the peaceful grounds, and join in communal vegan lunches on Sundays. Retreats offer more structured mindfulness practices.
Yes, families are welcome. The peaceful environment and nature walks can be enjoyable for children, and the Sunday lunch is a communal experience.
Comfortable, modest clothing is recommended. You'll be walking, so wear comfortable shoes. You'll need to remove shoes in certain indoor areas like the Ocean of Peace Hall.
Absolutely. The monastery is a dedicated space for meditation, both guided and self-directed. You can find quiet spots on the grounds or join scheduled meditation sessions.
Visitors are expected to be mindful of the peaceful atmosphere, speak softly, and respect the monastic community. Follow instructions from staff and volunteers regarding quiet zones and activities.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
A delicious vegan lunch is typically served on Sundays for visitors, often on a donation basis. Retreats usually include meals as part of the program.
For day visitors on Sundays, the communal lunch is the primary dining option. If attending a retreat, meals are usually included. It's advisable to bring snacks if you have specific dietary needs not met by the provided meals.
Yes, the food served at Deer Park Monastery is entirely vegan, aligning with the principles of mindfulness and compassion.
While you can bring your own snacks, it's encouraged to partake in the communal meals offered, especially on Sundays, as it's a significant part of the shared experience.
Deer Park Monastery is in a somewhat secluded area. Dining options are limited nearby, making the monastery's provided lunch a convenient and integrated part of the visit.
📸 📸 Photography
Photography is generally permitted on the grounds for personal use, but it's important to be respectful and avoid disrupting meditation sessions or the peace of the monastery.
Be mindful of privacy and avoid photographing monks or nuns without their explicit consent. Some indoor areas or specific ceremonies might have photography restrictions.
The serene gardens, the architecture of the halls, and the natural landscape offer beautiful photographic opportunities. Capture the tranquil atmosphere and the connection with nature.
Similar to photography, video recording should be done respectfully and without disturbing others. Check for any specific guidelines regarding video at events or ceremonies.
You can find many photos of Deer Park Monastery on social media platforms like Instagram using hashtags like #deerparkmonastery, and also on their official website.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
While the monastery's primary focus is on mindfulness and quiet contemplation, families are encouraged to embrace the serene atmosphere. It's a great opportunity to introduce children to concepts of peace, nature, and mindful living in a gentle and accessible way. Remember to keep voices low and respect the quiet zones.
🧘 Solo Travelers & Spiritual Seekers
+1Many visitors find profound peace and clarity during their time here, often describing it as a place to 'reconnect and strengthen with the energy we all share.' The teachings of Thich Nhat Hanh, focused on mindfulness and interbeing, resonate deeply with those seeking inner peace and a more meaningful life.
🌱 Budget Travelers
While retreats may have suggested donation amounts, the monastery strives to be accessible. It's always a good idea to check their website for the most current information on donations and any specific requirements for events. The focus here is on the experience and teachings, not on commercialization.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Legacy of Thich Nhat Hanh
+1Thich Nhat Hanh's vision was to create spaces where people could cultivate inner peace and bring that peace into the world. Deer Park Monastery embodies this by offering a sanctuary for contemplation, community, and the practice of mindful living. The monastery's commitment to accessibility, even for those facing financial hardship, reflects his desire to make these teachings available to all.
Attending a Dharma talk or participating in a retreat here offers a direct connection to his legacy. The emphasis on simple living, deep listening, and compassionate communication are hallmarks of the Plum Village approach, making Deer Park a place for genuine spiritual growth and transformation.
Mindfulness and Meditation Practices
The monastery offers regular Dharma talks, often led by monastics, which delve into Buddhist philosophy and practical applications of mindfulness in everyday life. These talks are designed to be accessible and insightful, encouraging self-reflection and deeper understanding. The Ocean of Peace Hall is a central location for these teachings and community sharing sessions.
For those seeking a more intensive experience, retreats are a cornerstone of the Deer Park Monastery offerings. These can range from a single 'Day of Mindfulness' to week-long immersions, providing a structured environment to deepen one's meditation practice, learn new techniques, and foster a sense of community with fellow practitioners.
Community and Volunteerism
Opportunities to give back are often available, particularly for specific retreats. The monastery welcomes volunteers for events like the BIPOC Retreat and Wake Up Retreat, inviting individuals to contribute their time and energy to support the monastic community and its guests.
This emphasis on collective participation fosters a strong sense of belonging and shared purpose. Whether you are attending a retreat, a Sunday visit, or volunteering, you become part of a larger sangha dedicated to cultivating peace and mindfulness. The Dharma talks often highlight the importance of interbeing and community support.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit