Nesting in California’s Pacific Coast, San Diego is a sprawling city that is famous for its breathtaking beaches, charming parks, upscale beach resorts, and its pleasantly warm climate. Families on a romantic getaway love staying in vacation rentals with a pool near San Diego’s Balboa Park, as this place is a paradise of fascinating land, water, and air animals. Also, another fantastic place to see in this side of California is the exciting SeaWorld San Diego, which is a huge playground for kids and adults alike. While San Diego offers diverse attractions, it’s important to note that Buddhism in San Diego is also a prominent aspect of the city’s cultural landscape. For tourists who like revisiting history, USS Midway Museum should make it to your bucket list. If you are into sacred sites and religious places of worship, here is a list of must-visit monasteries in San Diego, California.
1. Carmelite Monastery
San Diego is a captivating city in California that is not only home to breathtaking beaches, charming parks, and upscale recreational areas, but also is a city with marvelous places of worship that are worth a visit. Carmelite Monastery is one of them. Situated in Hawley Boulevard, Carmelite Monastery is perched atop a hill that lets its visitors see majestic views of the city. This sacred place of worship is under the care of the daughters of St. Teresa of Avila. Carmelite Monastery conducts daily masses and holiday masses that everyone is welcome to attend. Masses are conducted in the monastery’s main church that features a marvelous white-washed facade and minimalist interior design.
Carmelite Monastery
Address: 5158 Hawley Blvd, San Diego, CA 92116, United States
Website: Carmelite Monastery
Mass schedule: Mon - Sat: 7:30am; Sun: 4pm (daily mass schedule)
2. Monastery of Our Lady of Guadalupe
Another fascinating monastery that is worth a visit is the Monastery of Our Lady of Guadalupe in Del Cerro Boulevard. Also knowns as Trinitarians of Mary, this sacred place of worship is a Roman Catholic monastic congregation that is devoted to the glory of the Holy Eucharist, as well as Marian devotion. It provides holistic education to people who are interested in entering the priesthood. Aside from that, they provide retreat space for those who feel the need to meditate and reflect on their mundane life.
Monastery of Our Lady of Guadalupe
Address: 6702 Del Cerro Blvd, San Diego, CA 92120, United States
Website: Monastery of Our Lady of Guadalupe
3. St. Augustine Monastery
Whether you are a devoted Catholic on a pilgrimage journey, St. Augustine Monastery is a pleasant Catholic chapel in Nutmeg Street that is often visited by religious people for a modern pilgrimage tour of Catholic monasteries. It nests in St. Augustine High School, under the supervision of Augustinian friars. This chapel might be small in size compared to other monasteries in this list, but it is one of the most well-trafficked places of worship in San Diego. It holds Saturday and Sunday Eucharist masses and prayer activities from Mondays through Saturdays.
St. Augustine Monastery
Address: 3304 Nutmeg St, San Diego, CA 92104, United States
Website: St. Augustine Monastery
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4. Quan The Am Thien Vien
Posted by Quan the Am Thien Vien on Wednesday, 21 August 2019
If you are a person who practices the preachings of Buddha, and you wish to visit holy Buddhist temples while on a vacation in San Diego, Quan Tha Am Thien Vien must be your next go-to. It is situated in Roselawn Ave, and it is under the supervision of reverend Buddhist monks. This place soaks in colors, from its lush gardens to modern decors. Also, it has marvelous Buddhist figures that seem to protect the holy ground. Additionally, it has prayer rooms where people can meditate and reflect peacefully. Not only that, but Quan The Am Thien Vien holds important events, such as prayer memorial day, Thuong Nguyen celebration, Tet spring festival, and others.
Quan The Am Thien Vien
Address: 3681 Roselawn Ave, San Diego, CA 92105, United States
Website: Quan The Am Thien Vien
Opening hours: 8am - 7pm (daily)
5. Như Lai Thiền Tự
Như Lai Thiền Tự is another Zen center and Buddhist Temple in San Diego, California, other than Quan The Am Thien Vien. It serves as the main family temple to most of the Buddhist community in California. It is a modern temple with a charming garden, filled with plants, flora, decors, and Buddhist figures. Also, it has prayer rooms and an exhibit hall that houses significant religious artifacts. Như Lai Thiền Tự is a community for most Buddhist, and it hosts wonderful events that gather everyone who believes in the preaching of Buddha. Check out their website for a schedule of upcoming events, including the Lunar New Year celebration.
Như Lai Thiền Tự
Address: 3340-3342 Central Ave, San Diego, CA 92105, United States
Website: Như Lai Thiền Tự
Nearby monasteries
6. Madre Grande Monastery
Editor's Note: Photo taken from the establishment's official social account
Nestled amidst the hills of Dulzura, you’ll find this monastery, a symbol of harmony and the pursuit of growth. Back in 1975 a diverse group of individuals with backgrounds came together to establish this monastery deviating from conventional monastic norms to embrace personal journeys towards spirituality.
Situated on Kumeyaay land it draws inspiration from the feminine energy and the mystical Cuchama mountain. While its breathtaking landscape never fails to captivate visitors the true essence lies within its community—a collective committed to seeking enlightenment and fostering connections between souls.
Madre Grande Monastery
Address: 2260 Lucky Six Truck Trail, Dulzura, CA 91917, United States
Website: Madre Grande Monastery
7. Deer Park Monastery
Editor's Note: Photo taken from the establishment's official social account
Posted by Deer Park Monastery on Friday, May 19, 2023
Nestled among the mountains of Southern California is Deer Park Monastery, a sprawling 400-acre (161.87 hectare) sanctuary that promotes mindful living. Established in 2000 by the renowned Zen Master Thich Nhat Hanh it embodies the principles of the Plum Village tradition. Acting as a refuge for those seeking tranquility, it provides opportunities for meditation communal experiences.
With two settlements, the monastery seamlessly integrates everyday life, emphasizing unity and spiritual awakening. As part of the global Plum Village community Deer Park goes beyond being a retreat; it offers a journey, into the profound wisdom imparted by its esteemed founder.
Deer Park Monastery
Address: 2499 Melru Ln, Escondido, CA 92026, United States
Website: Deer Park Monastery
Opening hours: Sun: 9am - 3pm (closed on Mon - Sat)
Go on a pilgrimage in San Diego, California
San Diego is a stunning city in California that is an ideal hideaway destination for beach-lovers and those tourists who are into luxurious activities. It has breathtaking beaches, upscale boutiques, a multitude of retail stores, state-of-the-art recreational areas, exquisite restaurants, and more, but not only that. If you’re looking for a Buddhist retreat in San Diego, you can also find serene and spiritually enriching experiences in the city. Aside from mundane luxuries, the city is rich in religious places of worship that serves people of various beliefs, There are Augustinian monasteries, chapels, Buddhist temples, and more. If you are planning to visit San Diego any time soon, and you’re looking for a sacred place to meditate and worship, use this list as your guide.
Frequently asked questions about monasteries in San Diego, California
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