Free Day Passes at Tassajara Hot Springs

Zen is free, but visiting the Tassajara Zen Mountain Center typically isn't—day visits cost $25 per adult.

But for the first time ever, the hot springs resort is offering free day passes to all locals in the Monterey and Big Sur areas, Monday through Thursday, for the remainder of the 2009 guest season, which runs through Sept. 12.

The freebies are the Zen Center's "thank you" for the local community's support and assistance during last year's Basin Complex fire, which threatened the cherished resort.

“We are deeply grateful that Tassajara was saved from the fire last year,” said Robert Thomas, President of San Francisco Zen Center. “The support of the local community was overwhelming…We thought the best way we could say thanks is to invite local residents to come relax in the hot springs, swim in the pool, or just enjoy the quiet and calm.”

The Zen Center is located at the end of Tassajara Road in Carmel Valley. The last 14 miles of the road are unpaved and winding, with steep drop-offs, so drive with care and keep below 15 mph.

Though the passes are free, reservations are required: Call 415-865-1899.