Land of Medicine Buddha

Meditation beneath the redwood canopy

United States Soquel Tibetan donation

On 108 acres of redwood forest, Land of Medicine Buddha makes room for both structured practice and quieter, self-directed visits. Its program includes meditation classes, Dharma retreats, sacred sites, and personal getaways, with the option to ask about hosting a retreat of your own. Visitors can also take part in prayers and lamp offerings, or connect through study, service, and volunteer opportunities. The setting gives the center a distinctly wooded character, while its range of ways to engage means a visit need not look the same for everyone. Come for a class, plan around a retreat, or contact the team about a more independent stay. Before traveling, confirm which programs are running and what arrangements apply to your visit. The center is at 5800 Prescott Road in Soquel, within reach of the wider Santa Cruz area.

Highlights

108 acres of redwood forest
Sacred sites within the grounds
Prayer and lamp offerings
Options to volunteer, study, or serve
Personal getaways and hosted retreats

Good for

meditation beginnersretreat participantsspiritual practicenature loversvolunteers

Setting

A 108-acre redwood refuge gives the grounds a wooded, sheltered feel. Sacred sites and spaces for spiritual practice sit within a landscape that invites a slower pace between activities.

The practice

Programs include meditation classes and Dharma retreats, alongside other opportunities for spiritual practice. A session’s format will depend on the class or retreat you choose, so newcomers should check whether it is guided and what level of experience is expected. You can also ask about a personal getaway if you prefer a less structured visit.

A typical day

Daily structure depends on the program: a meditation class, Dharma retreat, or personal getaway may each have a different rhythm. Confirm session times, the length of practice days, and any arrangements you will need before traveling.

Accommodation

Ask the center about lodging options when planning a visit or retreat.

What to bring

Bring comfortable layers for meditation and time outdoors. The annual average temperature is 14.4°C; July through September are generally warmer, while February, November, and December are wetter, so pack rain protection in those months.

Website landofmedicinebuddha.org

Phone (831) 462 8383

Email [email protected]

Address 5800 Prescott Road, Soquel CA 95073

How to get there

The address is 5800 Prescott Road, Soquel, CA 95073. Use the address for navigation and confirm your route and arrival details with the center before setting out.

Nearest airport: Norman Y. Mineta San Jose International Airport (SJC) (40 km)

Norman Y. Mineta San Jose International Airport (SJC) is approximately 40 km away. Plan a ground transfer such as a taxi or rental car, and confirm the route and arrangements before travel.

Nearest city: San Jose

Languages

English

Pricing

The center runs by donation. Ask about any program-specific contributions and what they cover.

Interested in this center? Check availability and upcoming retreats on their official site.

Visit Land of Medicine Buddha website

Climate

Climate Zone: Temperate

Best Months: Jun, Jul, Aug

Avoid: Feb, Nov, Dec

The annual average temperature is 14.4°C, with warmer conditions generally from July through September. February, November, and December are the wettest months, while June through August are driest.