California, with its serene landscapes and spiritual hubs, is home to some of the best yoga and meditation retreats in the world. Whether you’re drawn to the coastal cliffs, tranquil forests, or expansive desert, these retreats offer the perfect escape for deepening your yoga and meditation practice. Here’s a list of top yoga meditation retreats in California, each offering a unique setting and experience.
1. Esalen Institute, Big Sur
Why It’s Amazing:
Set on the breathtaking cliffs of Big Sur, Esalen Institute is one of the most iconic wellness and yoga retreat centers in the world. Known for its natural hot springs and stunning ocean views, Esalen offers a wide variety of yoga and meditation workshops year-round, led by renowned teachers. The retreat focuses on personal growth, healing, and mindfulness.
Highlights:
- Daily yoga and meditation sessions
- Natural hot springs with ocean views
- Workshops on self-awareness, mindfulness, and emotional healing
- Stunning location on the cliffs of Big Sur
- Organic farm-to-table meals
Best For:
Those looking for a transformative retreat combining yoga, meditation, and personal development, all in one of California’s most beautiful settings.
2. The Sagrada Wellness Retreat, Santa Margarita
Why It’s Amazing:
Nestled in the rolling hills of Central California, Sagrada Wellness is an intimate, eco-friendly retreat center that focuses on both yoga and meditation. This family-owned retreat offers a peaceful escape with an emphasis on holistic health and mindful living. The rustic, yet luxurious accommodations and vegetarian meals provide the perfect backdrop for relaxation and rejuvenation.
Highlights:
- Yoga and meditation retreats with small group sizes
- Beautiful accommodations in nature
- Organic, farm-to-table vegetarian meals
- Outdoor activities like hiking and stargazing
- Eco-friendly and solar-powered retreat center
Best For:
Yogis and meditators seeking an eco-conscious, intimate retreat experience in the peaceful hills of Central California.
3. Mount Madonna Center, Watsonville
Why It’s Amazing:
Located in the Santa Cruz Mountains, Mount Madonna Center is a renowned yoga, meditation, and spiritual retreat center offering a variety of programs. With deep roots in the teachings of classical Ashtanga yoga and meditation, this retreat is ideal for those looking to immerse themselves in traditional practices. The center’s expansive property includes hiking trails, redwood forests, and panoramic views of the Pacific Ocean.
Highlights:
- Daily yoga and meditation sessions based on classical Ashtanga
- Workshops on mindfulness, self-inquiry, and spiritual growth
- Community-focused, with shared meals and discussions
- Beautiful location in the redwoods, with hiking trails and natural beauty
- Vegetarian meals, often sourced from their organic garden
Best For:
Those seeking a traditional, spiritually focused yoga and meditation retreat in a natural, serene environment.
4. The Art of Living Retreat Center, Boone (Near California)
Why It’s Amazing:
Though technically located in North Carolina, The Art of Living Retreat Center offers California-style wellness programs. With a variety of yoga, meditation, and Ayurveda retreats, this center focuses on holistic health, mindfulness, and spiritual development. Set in a beautiful, peaceful location, it’s perfect for anyone looking to dive deeply into their personal practice.
Highlights:
- Yoga and meditation retreats combined with Ayurveda healing programs
- Expert teachers guiding breathwork, meditation, and yoga
- Vegetarian meals with an Ayurvedic focus
- Meditation and wellness workshops
- Opportunities for holistic healing and rejuvenation
Best For:
Those looking for a well-rounded retreat that combines yoga, meditation, and holistic healing practices.
5. 1440 Multiversity, Scotts Valley
Why It’s Amazing:
1440 Multiversity, located in the redwoods near Santa Cruz, offers immersive wellness and yoga retreats that focus on personal growth and mindfulness. With a variety of yoga, meditation, and wellness workshops led by leading instructors, it provides a luxurious setting with state-of-the-art amenities. The retreat center’s blend of nature, gourmet meals, and healing treatments makes it a top choice for those wanting both personal growth and relaxation.
Highlights:
- Wide range of yoga and meditation workshops
- Wellness programs, including mindfulness and healing
- Luxurious accommodations and spa treatments
- Nestled in the redwood forest with access to hiking trails
- Farm-to-table cuisine and wellness-focused meals
Best For:
Those looking for a luxurious yoga and meditation retreat in the peaceful redwoods, with access to top instructors and wellness programs.
6. The Expanding Light Retreat, Nevada City
Why It’s Amazing:
Expanding Light is part of the Ananda community and offers yoga and meditation retreats based on the teachings of Paramhansa Yogananda, a spiritual leader known for introducing Kriya Yoga to the West. This retreat offers a deeply spiritual experience, with a focus on Kriya Yoga, meditation, and spiritual awakening. Located in the Sierra Nevada foothills, it offers a peaceful, scenic retreat from the modern world.
Highlights:
- Kriya Yoga and meditation practice rooted in Yogananda’s teachings
- Silent meditation retreats for deep reflection
- Spiritual workshops on self-realization and mindfulness
- Peaceful, natural setting with gardens and walking paths
- Vegetarian meals focused on simple, wholesome nutrition
Best For:
Those interested in deepening their spiritual practice through Kriya Yoga and meditation, or anyone looking for a peaceful, introspective retreat.
7. Esalen Institute, Big Sur
Why It’s Amazing:
Set along the Pacific Ocean in Big Sur, Esalen is a world-famous retreat center known for its yoga, meditation, and wellness programs. Its coastal location offers a breathtaking backdrop, with access to natural hot springs. Esalen’s diverse workshops cater to a range of interests, from yoga and meditation to personal growth and healing arts.
Highlights:
- Yoga and meditation retreats in a stunning coastal setting
- Natural hot springs with ocean views
- Workshops on self-awareness, healing, and mindfulness
- Organic farm-to-table meals
- Strong community focus with shared accommodations and meals
Best For:
Anyone seeking a transformative retreat in one of the most beautiful locations in California, with a wide range of wellness and yoga offerings.
8. Ratna Ling Retreat Center, Sonoma County
Why It’s Amazing:
Located in the Sonoma redwoods, Ratna Ling offers yoga and meditation retreats grounded in Tibetan Buddhist teachings. This peaceful, luxurious retreat center focuses on personal growth, relaxation, and spiritual development. The tranquil setting and beautiful accommodations make it an ideal escape for deepening your practice in a meditative environment.
Highlights:
- Yoga and meditation retreats based on Tibetan Buddhism
- Luxurious cottages and quiet, forested surroundings
- Focus on mindfulness, self-awareness, and healing
- Retreats that combine meditation, yoga, and philosophy
- Delicious vegetarian meals with an emphasis on health and balance
Best For:
Those looking for a spiritually enriching yoga and meditation retreat in a quiet, luxurious setting, with an emphasis on Tibetan Buddhist teachings.
How to Choose the Right Yoga Meditation Retreat in California
- Location:
California offers diverse environments—choose between serene mountains, redwood forests, or coastal escapes. Your preference for a beachside retreat or a peaceful forest hideaway will guide your decision. - Focus of the Retreat:
Are you looking for a spiritual experience, a more relaxation-oriented retreat, or a blend of yoga and meditation? Some retreats emphasize personal growth, while others focus more on deep relaxation and nature immersion. - Style of Yoga and Meditation:
Whether it’s Hatha, Vinyasa, Restorative, or Kriya Yoga, make sure the retreat offers the style of yoga and meditation that resonates with your practice. - Retreat Length:
Some retreats are weekend getaways, while others offer week-long or even longer immersions. Consider your time availability and how deeply you want to dive into your practice. - Accommodations and Amenities:
California has everything from luxurious spa-like retreats to more simple, rustic experiences. Choose based on the level of comfort and style that suits your needs.
Final Thoughts
California is a paradise for yoga and meditation retreats, offering a diverse range of experiences to suit every kind of yogi. Whether you’re looking for spiritual growth, a deeper yoga practice, or simply a peaceful escape from daily life, there’s a retreat center that fits your goals. These retreats blend the natural beauty of California with the transformative power of yoga and meditation, making them the perfect destinations to unwind, recharge, and reconnect with yourself.