The 7 Best Meditation Retreats in California

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It's often easy to get swept away by the demanding schedule of a busy lifestyle. Unfortunately, self-neglect can be a common phenomenon in our daily realities if we don’t take steps to prevent it. Taking time out of your busy routine to dedicate to your well-being might seem overrated, but it doesn’t have to be. Though there are plenty of methods that provide immediate remedies to stress, they can often be short-lived. We believe a well-deserved weekend at one of the best meditation retreats in California can be just the take-home panacea you need for zen that lasts.

California often tends to dictate a life full of hustle and bustle, and the need to retreat and relax imposes the need for suitable destinations. Luckily, California is rich with outdoor activities, spas, and relaxing destinations; everything you need is at your fingertips. So, if you’re reading this, then somewhere inside you’re probably itching to try one of these retreats out.

Meditation Retreats in Northern California

There are millions of ways to boost your mental health, but methods you can incorporate into your daily life are the ones that really make a difference. Retreats and spas tend to teach techniques that offer more than just instant gratification. If you're looking to go on a meditation retreat in the Bay Area, check out our favorites in the list below.

1. Spirit Rock Meditation Center

Location: 5000 Sir Francis Drake Blvd, Box 169, Woodacre, CA 94973
At this California meditation retreat, practitioners focus on granting out-of-body experiences – in other words, insight meditation. Coming from monasteries of India, Burma, and Thailand, the gurus focus on heightening the sense of reality. Attain balanced mental health with the help of meditational practices in the presence of the surrounding calmness of the Spirit Rock Meditation Center.

2. Green Gulch Farm Zen Center

Location: 1601 Shoreline Hwy, Muir Beach, CA 94965
Looking for a getaway by yourself? This center offers a calming meditation retreat in California just a little North of San Francisco. Whether it is to engage in short-term practices or extend a long stay, Green Gulch welcomes all. The Zen Center works on emphasizing the Japanese Soto Zen practices. For those seeking a little peace of mind over the weekend, the center includes guided meditations with licensed practitioners. Touching base with your mind, body, and soul is all that you need to shake off the effects of mental health on the body.

3. Ananda Meditation Retreat

Location: 18443 Macnab Cypress Rd, Nevada City, CA 95959.
Activate your mindfulness through the gentle, soothing sounds of this tranquil garden. Stretching around the Ananda Meditation Retreat, Greenwoods cradle the mindful yogis. Silent retreats energize the spirit and calm the soul. Unleash your full potential by releasing aching tensions. Let the gurus guide you through effective rituals, triggering an out-of-body experience.

Meditation Retreats in Southern California

Being your authentic self is not the easiest, but many methods can help you get closer to your most genuine self. When it comes to Southern California, the spots are no less than many.

4. Golden Door Meditation Retreat

Location: 777 Deer Springs Rd, San Marcos, CA 92069
Sometimes it’s yoga, other times it's a retreat to balance your thoughts and gain some perspective. If you’re looking for that leisurely experience to help you get through the coming week, try treating yourself to one of California’s best wellness retreats. Golden Door Meditation Retreat is 600 acres of an all-inclusive resort, prompting you to adopt a heart-healthy lifestyle through a mesmerizing meditation retreat in California. Make sure you leave your phone in your room to take in the full escapade.

5. Shambhala Meditation Center of Los Angeles

Location: 963 Colorado Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90041
Searching for a pleasant session of meditation near Santa Monica? Heading downwards from the famous Eagle Rock canyon, you’ll find the Shambhala. Learn various techniques and take-home rituals that help you unwind before sleep. Group meditation classes, basic yoga instructions, and meet-ups are what make up Shambhala the ultimate destination. If you’re looking to have a good meditation session without actually attending this serene Meditation Center in Los Angeles, virtual classes are also available.

6. Meditation Mount

Location: 10340 Reeves Rd, Ojai, CA 93023
Get your pink moment in the most spiritual spot in the valley - Meditation Mount. A guided walking tour or a full moon meditation can give you just the space to unwind and relax. Self-awareness comes from within, even when it's guided. Help yourself in a serene and conducive environment to learn basic methods of yoga. Learning basic yoga techniques and meditation methods is a great way to make this practice permanent. The goal is to achieve a certain aspect of groundedness that will keep you balanced throughout your daily tasks. And hey, if you're looking to try new things, try sound bath meditation!

7. Sagrada Wellness

Location: 6780 W Pozo Rd, Santa Margarita, CA 93453
If you’re looking for that authentic Asian experience without buying a ticket to Thailand, you’ve found it. Located on a hilltop, Sagrada Wellness retreat offers spas, acupuncture massages, and mouth-watering cuisine. Get ready, lay low, and leave your troubles behind when the serene meditation takes over. Let the lush grounds and green landscapes leave you refreshed. Enjoy the habitual meditation programs evenings and nights.