RETREATS
Welcome to Green Gulch Writing Retreat! This mostly silent retreat is for serious writers seeking a beautiful space for creative flow. The small group of up to 15 writers each have a single room for quiet, reflective work time, all meals prepared, and the benefit of beautiful hiking and the beach within walking distance. This year's dates are April 8-11 2027 (Thu-Sun). Scroll for more details; to join the retreat, click below.
"Thank you for creating this space for writers,
it truly is wonderful...and needed."
Green Gulch Writing Retreat Participant, 2025
The Details
The retreat in 2027 is April 8-11, Thursday afternoon - Sunday afternoon and includes all meals, a single room, a shared bath with one other retreater, snacks, and wine receptions. The cost is $795 for three nights including all activities, all meals, wine, and single room. *Note this is a non-profit venture
For more details on activities and schedule, scroll down!
About the Retreat and Writing Space
Green Gulch Zen Center is a working farm (and Zen Center) just north of San Francisco on the road to Muir Beach. Each retreater will have a private room (photos above) in which to write and stay for Thursday, Friday, and Saturday night. Unlimited bread, peanut butter, honey, jelly, coffee, milks, and tea are available 24/7 in the Octagonal House. There are 12 rooms, and each room is a bit different, but each has a patio or deck area, a comfy bed, a desk and writing chair, and a shared half bath (between two rooms), and a shared shower room (for the house—it works out like magic we don’t know how).
Food
There is a small shared fridge for individual needs. The meals are all fresh, healthy, vegetarian, and there are always gluten-free and vegan options at every meal.
Activities
All activities are optional! This year we will have the Octagonal House (quiet living and writing space) and the Yurt, a social and activity center with indoor-outdoor space.
The Surroundings
Green Gulch is home to many beautiful hiking trails and is a short walk from Muir Beach. Within a half-mile flat walk there are horse paddocks, the ocean, and a British Pub. This is a special place where the magic of creativity happens!
Green Gulch offers a rare opportunity to get away and intensely focus on writing while being in community with other writers. The beautiful setting and the food make it perfect. I love being surrounded by other creatives without being obligated to participate in anything unless it strikes your fancy.
Green Gulch Writing Retreat Participant, 2026
Planned Itinerary
All activities are optional
Thursday
Arrival to the Farm between 3 - 9 p.m.
5 p.m. Wine and Cheese Welcome at the Yurt
6 p.m. Dinner at the Welcome Center
7 p.m. Seven Strategies for Speedy Writing (with author Kath Rothschild) at the Yurt
8 p.m. Wine and Sparkling Water Social Hour at the Yurt
Friday
8 a.m. Breakfast
9 a.m. Silent Writing
11:45 a.m. Yoga for Writers in the Yurt
12:15 Lunch
4 p.m. Beach Walk (with author Stacy Stokes)
5 p.m. Wine and Sparkling Water Social Hour at the Yurt
6 p.m. Dinner at the Welcome Center
7:15 p.m. One Page Read Aloud Circle at the Yurt
Saturday
8 a.m. Breakfast
9 a.m. Silent Writing
11 a.m 3 mile Steep Hike
12:15 Lunch
5 p.m. Wine and Sparkling Water Social Hour at the Yurt
6 p.m. Dinner at the Welcome Center
7 p.m. Pop-Up Four Chambers Writing (with author Ali Lawrence) at the Yurt
Sunday
8 a.m. Breakfast
9 a.m. Silent Writing at the Yurt
12:15 Lunch
2 p.m. Farewell!