Meditation Retreats in California
California has long been at the forefront of the mindfulness movement in America. From the rugged Big Sur coast to the serene forests of Northern California, the state hosts some of the most renowned meditation centers in the world. With 56 verified centers, California offers retreats in traditions including Vipassana, Non-Denominational, Zen, Eclectic / Mixed. Several centers operate on a donation basis, making retreats accessible regardless of budget. According to the <a href="https://www.apa.org/topics/mindfulness/meditation" target="_blank" rel="noopener">American Psychological Association</a>, meditation practice supports mental health and well-being.
Ben Lomond (1)
Berkeley (2)
Big Bear Lake (1)
Big Sur (3)
Esalen Institute
Big Sur, California
Weekend (2-3 days) · 5-Day · 7-Day
Land of Calm Abiding
Big Sur, California
Month+
New Camaldoli Hermitage
Big Sur, California
Weekend (2-3 days) · 5-Day · 7-Day
Boulder Creek (1)
Burlingame (1)
Carmel Valley (1)
Cazadero (1)
Danville (1)
Encinitas (1)
Escondido (1)
Grass Valley (1)
Inverness (1)
Kelseyville (1)
Leggett (1)
Los Altos (1)
Los Angeles (4)
Hazy Moon Zen Center
Los Angeles, California
Weekend (2-3 days) · 7-Day
Zen Center of Los Angeles
Los Angeles, California
Weekend (2-3 days) · 7-Day · Month+
Dharma Zen Center
Los Angeles, California
Weekend (2-3 days)
Mindful Awareness Research Center - UCLA
Los Angeles, California
Weekend (2-3 days)
Los Gatos (1)
Menlo Park (1)
Montecito (1)
Mount Baldy (1)
Mountain Center (1)
Muir Beach (1)
Nevada City (3)
The Expanding Light Retreat
Nevada City, California
Weekend (2-3 days) · 5-Day · 7-Day
Mountain Stream Meditation
Nevada City, California
Weekend (2-3 days) · 5-Day · 7-Day
Ananda Village Retreat
Nevada City, California
Weekend (2-3 days) · 5-Day · 7-Day
North Fork (1)
Olema (1)
Redwood City (1)
Redwood Valley (1)
San Diego (1)
San Francisco (2)
San Francisco Zen Center
San Francisco, California
Weekend (2-3 days) · 5-Day · 7-Day · Month+
Zen Hospice Project
San Francisco, California
Weekend (2-3 days) · 5-Day
Santa Barbara (1)
Santa Cruz (1)
Santa Monica (1)
Santa Rosa (1)
Scotts Valley (1)
Sonoma (2)
Soquel (1)
St. Helena (1)
Tecate (1)
Topanga (1)
Twentynine Palms (1)
Ukiah (1)
Valley Center (1)
Vina (1)
Watsonville (1)
Top Retreats in California
Spirit Rock Meditation Center
Woodacre · Vipassana, Non-denominational
Tassajara Zen Mountain Center
Carmel Valley · Zen
Green Gulch Farm Zen Center
Muir Beach · Zen
Deer Park Monastery
Escondido · Zen, Non-denominational
Esalen Institute
Big Sur · Eclectic, Non-denominational
1440 Multiversity
Scotts Valley · Non-denominational, Eclectic
Frequently Asked Questions About Retreats in California
How much do meditation retreats cost in California?
Meditation retreats in California range from $0 to $8,000, with some centers offering programs on a donation basis. Prices vary based on retreat duration, accommodation type, and the specific center.
What types of meditation retreats are available in California?
California offers retreats in Vipassana, Non-Denominational, Zen, Eclectic / Mixed, MBSR / Mindfulness, Tibetan, Yoga, Christian, Sufi. Each tradition has distinct practices, schedules, and requirements. Use our filters to find centers that match your preferred style.
Are there beginner-friendly meditation retreats in California?
Yes, 54 of the 56 retreat centers in California offer programs specifically designed for beginners. These typically include guided instruction, shorter meditation periods, and structured support for first-time retreat participants.
Are there silent meditation retreats in California?
California has 31 centers offering noble silence retreats, where participants maintain silence throughout the program. Some centers also offer partial silence options for those not ready for full noble silence.