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Slates Hot Springs: The Most Amazing Destination You’ve Never Heard Of
Slates Hot Springs is a natural hot spring site in the Big Sur region of Monterey County, California. It is also the location of the Esalen Institute, a retreat center and educational institute that offers immersive workshops and programs on various topics related to human potential, wellness, and spirituality. Slates Hot Springs is a place where visitors can enjoy the healing waters, stunning scenery, rich history, and diverse experiences that make it one of the most unique and fascinating destinations in California.
Discovering the Beauty of Slates Hot Springs
The Charm of Natural Hot Springs
One of the main attractions of Slates Hot Springs is the natural hot springs that flow at a rate of 80 gallons per minute and emerge at a temperature of 119 degrees Fahrenheit. The mineral-rich water is said to have therapeutic benefits for various ailments, such as arthritis, skin problems, and stress.
Visitors can soak in the hot springs in several outdoor tubs that overlook the Pacific Ocean, or in private indoor baths that offer more privacy and comfort. The hot springs are open to guests of the Esalen Institute, as well as to the public during limited hours at night. Reservations are required for both options, and clothing is optional at the baths.
Stunning Scenery Around Slates Hot Springs
Another reason to visit Slates Hot Springs is the stunning scenery that surrounds it. The site is perched on a cliff above the rugged Big Sur coast, offering breathtaking views of the ocean, the mountains, and the sky. The area is also home to diverse wildlife, such as sea lions, otters, whales, dolphins, birds, and deer.
Visitors can enjoy hiking, biking, kayaking, or simply relaxing in nature. Some of the natural attractions near Slates Hot Springs include Point Lobos State Reserve, Pfeiffer Big Sur State Park, McWay Falls, and Saddle Rock.
The Rich History of Slates Hot Springs
Historical Significance as a Native Homestead
Slates Hot Springs has a rich history that dates back to thousands of years ago. The site was originally home to the Esselen people, a Native American tribe that resided along the upper Carmel and Arroyo Seco Rivers, and along the Big Sur coast. Carbon dating tests of artifacts found near Slates Hot Springs indicate human presence as early as 3500 BC.
The Esselen people used the site regularly for bathing, healing, and ceremonial purposes. They also carved petroglyphs on some of the rocks near the hot springs. The Esselen population was largely decimated when they were forcibly relocated to three Spanish missions: Mission San Carlos in Carmel, Mission Nuestra Señora de la Soledad in Soledad, and Mission San Antonio de Padua in Jolon.
Today, some descendants of the Esselen people still maintain a relationship with Slates Hot Springs and Esalen Institute.
The Formative Role of the Murphy Family
The site was homesteaded by Thomas B. Slate in 1882, who filed a land patent for it under the Homestead Act of 1862. He built a home on the site and developed the hot springs for tourists. He claimed that the water cured him of arthritis and attracted others seeking relief from their physical problems.
He sold the property to Salinas physician Dr. Henry Cloyd Murphy in 1910, whose family owned it until 1967. The Murphy family played a formative role in shaping Slates Hot Springs into what it is today. They built several structures on the site, such as a hotel, a bathhouse, a swimming pool, and a dance hall. They also hosted many famous guests, such as Henry Miller, John Steinbeck, Aldous Huxley, Ansel Adams, Charlie Chaplin, and Joan Baez.
Experiencing the Esalen Institute
Immersive Retreats and Workshops
In 1962, Michael Murphy and Dick Price bought Slates Hot Springs from Michael’s grandmother’s estate and founded the Esalen Institute. They wanted to create a venue where non-traditional workshops and lecturers could present their ideas free of the dogma associated with traditional education and religion.
They were inspired by the works of Abraham Maslow, Aldous Huxley, Alan Watts, Carl Jung, and others who explored human potentialities beyond conventional norms. The Esalen Institute became a pioneer in the Human Potential Movement and a hub for alternative culture in the 1960s and 1970s.
Today, the Esalen Institute offers over 600 workshops and programs per year on various topics related to personal growth, spirituality, psychology, ecology, art, and more. Visitors can choose from different lengths and formats of workshops, ranging from weekend seminars to month-long intensives. Some of the workshops are led by renowned teachers, such as Deepak Chopra, Ram Dass, Jack Kornfield, and Byron Katie.
Health and Wellness Activities at Esalen
Besides the workshops, the Esalen Institute also offers a variety of health and wellness activities for visitors to enjoy. One of the most popular services is the Esalen Massage, a unique form of bodywork that combines elements of Swedish massage, sensory awareness, meditation, and energy balancing.
The massage is performed by trained practitioners who tailor each session to the individual needs and preferences of the client. The massage can be done in a private room or in an outdoor setting overlooking the ocean.
Other health and wellness activities at Esalen include yoga, meditation, tai chi, dance, art, gardening, and cooking. Visitors can also join community events, such as lectures, films, concerts, and ceremonies.
Accommodations and Dining in the Vicinity
Amenities Offered at the Esalen Institute
For visitors who want to stay overnight at Slates Hot Springs, the Esalen Institute offers various types of accommodations to suit different budgets and preferences. The options include rooms, suites, bunk beds, camping, and sleeping bags. All accommodations include access to the hot springs, three meals a day, and use of the facilities.
The rooms and suites are simple and comfortable, with no TVs, phones, or internet access. The bunk beds are located in shared dormitories with communal bathrooms. The camping and sleeping bag options are for those who want to sleep outdoors on the grounds or in a yurt.
The meals are served buffet-style in the dining hall and feature organic and locally sourced ingredients. The cuisine is mostly vegetarian, with some fish and chicken options. The food is fresh, healthy, and delicious.
Nearby Dining Options
For visitors who want to dine outside of the Esalen Institute, there are some nearby dining options along the Big Sur coast. Some of the restaurants that offer scenic views and tasty food are Nepenthe Restaurant, Big Sur Bakery & Restaurant, Deetjen’s Big Sur Inn Restaurant, Sierra Mar Restaurant at Post Ranch Inn, and Big Sur River Inn Restaurant.
These restaurants serve a variety of dishes, such as burgers, salads, pizzas, pastas, seafood, steaks, and desserts. They also offer local wines and beers.
Natural Attractions Near Slates Hot Springs
The Lure of Big Sur
Slates Hot Springs is located in one of the most beautiful regions of California: Big Sur. Big Sur is a 90-mile stretch of coastline between Carmel and San Simeon that is known for its dramatic scenery and natural wonders. Visitors can explore the rugged cliffs, sandy beaches, redwood forests, waterfalls, and wildlife that make Big Sur a paradise for nature lovers.
Some of the must-see attractions in Big Sur are Bixby Bridge, Point Sur Lighthouse, Julia Pfeiffer Burns State Park, Limekiln State Park, and Pfeiffer Beach.
Exploring the Surrounding Nature Reserves
Besides Big Sur, there are also other nature reserves near Slates Hot Springs that offer more opportunities for outdoor recreation. Some of these are Point Lobos State Reserve, Pfeiffer Big Sur State Park, Andrew Molera State Park, Los Padres National Forest, and Ventana Wilderness.
These places offer hiking trails, camping sites, picnic areas, and scenic views. Visitors can also enjoy activities such as kayaking, surfing, fishing, birdwatching, and wildlife viewing.
Essential Information for Visitors
How to Get to Slates Hot Springs
Slates Hot Springs is located on California State Highway 1, about 12 miles south of Carmel and 45 miles north of San Simeon. The nearest airports are Monterey Regional Airport (MRY), about 25 miles north of Slates Hot Springs, and San Luis Obispo County Regional Airport (SBP), about 90 miles south of Slates Hot Springs.
Visitors can rent a car from either airport and drive along Highway 1 to reach Slates Hot Springs. The drive is scenic but winding and narrow, so caution is advised. There is no public transportation to Slates Hot Springs.
Weather Forecast for the Next Five Days
The weather in Slates Hot Springs is generally mild and sunny throughout the year.
Experience Other Natural Hot Springs
If you are looking for more natural hot springs to visit in California, you have plenty of options to choose from. The Golden State is blessed with many geothermal pools that offer relaxation, healing, and scenic views. Whether you prefer a secluded soak in the wilderness or a comfortable stay at a resort, you can find a hot spring that suits your taste and budget.
Some of the most popular natural hot springs in California are Wilbur Hot Springs, Calistoga Spa Hot Springs, Deep Creek Hot Springs, and Esalen Hot Springs.
Highlights and Features of Nearby Hot Springs
Each of the nearby hot springs has its own highlights and features that make it worth visiting. Here are some of the things you can expect from each one:
- Wilbur Hot Springs: This historic hot spring site is located in a 1,800-acre nature reserve in northern California. It offers a health sanctuary, a personal retreat, and a variety of accommodations, such as rooms, cabins, camping, and RV parking. The mineral-rich water is free of chemicals and flows into several outdoor tubs that range from 98 to 109 degrees Fahrenheit. The site also has hiking trails, a sauna, a library, a yoga deck, and a massage studio.
- Calistoga Spa Hot Springs: This hotel and spa retreat is located in the heart of the Napa Valley Wine Country. It features four geothermal mineral pools that are heated by natural hot springs and range from 80 to 104 degrees Fahrenheit. The pools are open to hotel guests and day visitors. The spa also offers massages, facials, body treatments, and mud baths. The hotel has 57 rooms and suites with modern amenities and free Wi-Fi.
- Deep Creek Hot Springs: This natural hot spring site is located in the San Bernardino National Forest, about 12 miles south of Lake Arrowhead. It is accessible by a moderate 3.6-mile hike from the parking area. The site has several pools of varying sizes and temperatures that are fed by hot springs and cold streams. The pools are surrounded by rocks and sand and offer views of the mountains and the creek. Clothing is optional at the pools.
- Esalen Hot Springs: This natural hot spring site is located on the Big Sur coast, on the edge of a cliff overlooking the Pacific Ocean. It is part of the Esalen Institute, a retreat center and educational institute that offers workshops and programs on various topics related to human potential, wellness, and spirituality. The hot springs are open to guests of the Esalen Institute, as well as to the public during limited hours at night. Reservations are required for both options. The mineral-rich water flows into several outdoor tubs that range from 98 to 110 degrees Fahrenheit. Clothing is optional at the baths.
Comparing Slates Hot Springs to Others in California
Slates Hot Springs is one of the most unique and fascinating hot springs in California for several reasons. First, it has a rich history that dates back to thousands of years ago, when it was home to the Esselen people, a Native American tribe that used the site for bathing, healing, and ceremonial purposes.
Second, it is the location of the Esalen Institute, a pioneer in the Human Potential Movement and a hub for alternative culture in the 1960s and 1970s. Third, it offers stunning scenery that surrounds it, such as the rugged Big Sur coast, the diverse wildlife, and the natural attractions nearby.
While other hot springs in California may have similar features, such as mineral-rich water, scenic views, or historical significance, none of them can match the combination of factors that make Slates Hot Springs so special.
Summing Up the Slates Hot Springs Experience
Slates Hot Springs is more than just a place to soak in hot water. It is a place where visitors can enjoy the healing waters, stunning scenery, rich history, and diverse experiences that make it one of the most unique and fascinating destinations in California. Whether you want to relax in nature, learn something new, or explore your potentialities, Slates Hot Springs has something for everyone.
The Uniqueness of Slates Hot Springs and Esalen Institute
Slates Hot Springs and Esalen Institute are unique because they offer visitors a holistic approach to wellness that encompasses body, mind, spirit, and environment. They combine the benefits of natural hot springs with the opportunities for personal growth, spiritual exploration, and social connection that are offered by the workshops and programs at Esalen Institute.
They also create a sense of community among visitors who share similar values and interests.
Why Slates Hot Springs Deserves a Spot on Your Bucket List
Slates Hot Springs deserves a spot on your bucket list because it is not just a destination but an experience that can transform your life. By visiting Slates Hot Springs and Esalen Institute, you can:
- Enjoy the therapeutic benefits of natural hot springs
- Experience breathtaking views of the ocean, mountains, and sky
- Learn from renowned teachers and experts on various topics
- Participate in activities that enhance your health and wellness
- Connect with like-minded people and make new friends
- Discover new aspects of yourself and your potentialities
- Have fun and create lasting memories
