Besides offering overnight retreats, the Center is also available for people to visit for a few hours at a time in the day or evening. There is no charge for these visits.

First Time Visitors

Visitors coming for the first time must have a full guided tour and be familiar with the Center Directives. Following a full tour, day visitors are free to enjoy the Center during the scheduled visiting hours. Tours are arranged by calling the Gateway (843-272-5777) during office hours (9 am to 5 pm, seven days a week). The tour is usually about an hour and a half long. Tours are held on Saturdays at 11 am and Sundays at 2 pm, but can be arranged on other days as well, if requested at least a day ahead.

Hours and Sign-in Procedures

Sign in: All visitors must enter through the main gate on Highway 17 (across from Myrtle Beach Mall), and sign in at the Gateway where gate keys and maps are provided. Write the names of each person in your party in the visitor register. Put your gate key number next to your name. If you want to borrow a map, ask one of the Gateway staff or volunteers. Return keys and maps at the end of your visit as you come back out through the gate.

Day visiting hours:
Monday through Thursday, 2 to 5 pm
Friday, 2 to 6 pm
Saturday and Sunday, 11 am to 5 pm

Evening visiting hours: 7:30 to 11 pm
If you need help finding your way to the program, ask the Gateway volunteer for help. Be off the Center no later than 11 pm. For information on evening programs, see the Program & Events section, or call 843-361-2252. This information is usually updated every Wednesday afternoon.

Note: Wear covered shoes at all times on the Center. If you come in the evening, always carry a flashlight. Shoes, socks, and flashlights are available at the Gateway for you to borrow.

Parking: Parking for visitors is in the Orchard lot, the lot near the Cove, or the lot near Sheriar Gate. Please do not drive or park in the cabin area unless you are handicapped and have a handicap plate or have borrowed (at the Gateway) a Center handicap sign for your car.

During Your Visit

There are many trails, outdoor sitting areas, and public buildings, which are open for daytime visits. These are shown on the Center maps. Please note that all guest cabins (including the Guest House compound) and use of kitchens, are reserved for overnight retreat guests only. Day visitors are also asked not to use the Center to access the beach for swimming.

Nature trails: On all paths and trails use caution and be alert when walking anywhere on the Center: always wear covered shoes (including to the beach), stay on the paths, watch for snakes, do not smoke. It is strongly recommended that guests do not go alone on the more isolated trails (marked in red on the Center maps); these trails are not patrolled. If you do go alone, call the Gateway before leaving. Children under 15 MUST be accompanied by an adult, and no one should use these trails after dark.

Smoking areas: Designated smoking areas are located on the Saroja Library screened porch, the Boathouse and the gazebo at the playground and in several areas outdoors which have clay pots set out for this purpose. Please do not smoke anywhere else on the Center due to the great danger of forest fire. Never walk anywhere with a lit cigarette.

Boating: To take out the rowboat, call the Gateway for permission.

Comfortable sitting areas: Original Kitchen sitting room (where the phone is located) and the patio porch, Refectory Kitchen porch, Library porch and Reading Room, the boathouse, the children's shelter near the Meeting Place, several gazebos along the trails and one at the children's playground, picnic tables and benches on trails. Kitchens are reserved for overnight guests only.

Video viewing: Many beautiful videotapes of Meher Baba and his closest companions are available for viewing at the Library from 11 am to 1 pm and 2 to 4 pm, and in the Gateway "parlor" from 9 am to 11 pm.

Art exhibits: The art collection in the Meeting Place changes each month. Please remember to turn off the lights when you leave.

Public restrooms: Public restrooms are located near the Meeting Place, on the path between the Lake Cabin and Refectory, near the Barn and in the Library Reading Room.

Safety or other concerns: Please direct any questions or concerns to the Gateway, either in person or by using the Original Kitchen phone. First aid kits are in the Caretakers Cabin, the Gateway, and the Refectory and Lakeview kitchens.

Meher Baba, Meher Center, 1956

Center Directives   Overnight Retreats     Features of the Center