For those of you who are adventurous, this one is for you!

High above the Escondido Valley and nestled into the hillside, is the Deer Park Monastery. Deer Park is a 400-acre Buddhist Monastery that is so quiet, so peaceful, that even clapping is done in silence.

Make the journey to the Monastery on any given Sunday, and you'll find a quiet retreat, walking trails, a beautiful contemporary Buddhist temple and a free and simple vegetarian Vietnamese lunch served buffet-style.

Deer Park Monastery exists for its followers, but it is also a place about community with all people. Visit on Sundays for the Day of Mindfulness- 8:30am-4:30pm. You can visit and check things out on your own or you can listen to dharma teachers give basic information on the Buddhist practices. The public is welcome to participate in walking meditations on the various trails or walk the grounds alone.

Deer Park Monastery isn't swanky. It is a place about peace, mindful living and centeredness. Think of an adult camp with simple lodging, facilities and a mess hall. But, do yourself a favor, walk around, pay attention to the silence, take your shoes off and walk into the copper-roof temple and hike up the trail (read: cardio work out) and step into the tiny meditational temple on the hill (see photo on left.)

If you want a day to fall away from the world, find some peace around you and within you, or you just want to check out a different cultural experience, make the trip. Click here to find out more.

DIRECTIONS: (and you'll need them!)

From Interstate 15-- North or South
(36 miles from SD Airport)
CA-78 East exit towards Ramona/Escondido
Turn left at Broadway (traffic light) in Escondido (which is the end of CA-78)
Go through five traffic lights and turn right on North Avenue
Please drive slowly (15 mph).
Turn left on Cindy Jo Lane
Turn at next right on Melru Lane
Turn at next left into entrance of Deer Park Monastery, 2499 Melru Lane
Drive up mountain road through the oak grove (Clarity Hamlet) to the dirt parking lot.