Book Top Meditation Retreats in California
Top California Meditation Retreats
Last Chance
Ratna Ling Gift Certificate
Top Rated
Open Dates
Soudabeh says, "To find my way out of this ocean of challenges and unrest, I have been looking for a guide to show the way … to ease and resting in the present moment no matter how challenging… I have found Jack to be that guide for that aim … How fortunate It has been to find that balanced characteristics in a guide… knowledgable, respectful, caring, gentle, articulate, and wise … When this guide makes his guidance accessible, I will always be there… Soodi " See more
$50
4.95
Grant's Staff Pick
Meditation & Pranayama Series
Open Dates
Kristin says, "This trip couldn't have come at a better time in my life. I was finally able to quiet my heavily distracted and fast paced mind with the guided meditations and yoga poses taught by Jana." See more
$25
5.00
Mountain Soul - live cello meditation, writing, & yoga in the Eastern Sierra
August 24 - 26, 2025
$1,500
/ 3 days
Controlled Out-of-Body Training Introduction
July 11 - 13, 2025
Lois says, "...... all within a harbored oasis setting. The property is quite magnificent. A wide range of activities including some classes offered to locals, which is me;) Although I am always ready to refer the whole package to friends and family as the accommodations, classes, etc are so well thought out with much love by owners, Dian and Jay." See more
From $855
/ 3 days
5.00
5 Day Awakened Pathways Ancestral Medicine Retreat by The Sequoia
August 15 - 19, 2025
From $1,250
/ 5 days
Top Meditation Retreat Centers in California
Meditation Stories
Questions about California Meditation
Can a retreat change your life?
A retreat absolutely can spark profound transformation - yet the real magic lies not in the retreat itself, but in how it creates space to recognize what's already present within. Traditional wisdom paths from Zen temples to desert monasteries have long known that stepping away from daily patterns allows inner clarity to naturally emerge. At a typical meditation retreat, participants often experience deep insights simply by sitting quietly and turning attention inward. Yet it's essential to understand that a retreat acts more like tilling soil than planting new seeds - it creates fertile conditions for accessing innate wisdom and wholeness that were there all along. Some seekers notice immediate shifts in perspective or behavior, while others find subtle realizations unfold over months or years after returning home. The key lies in approaching retreat time with genuine openness rather than forcing specific outcomes. When combined with skilled guidance and integration support, retreats can illuminate fresh possibilities while revealing that true change flows from touching what's eternally unchanged at our core.
How long does a retreat last?
Retreats can last anywhere from a half-day gathering to months-long immersions, with most spiritual centers offering programs between 2-10 days. Traditional Buddhist vipassana retreats often run for 10 days, while many modern meditation and yoga retreats opt for more accessible 3-5 day formats. Some seekers find that weekend retreats provide just the right pause from daily life, while others feel called to deeper practices like the traditional 3-year retreats found in Tibetan traditions. At established retreat centers in the West, 5-7 day programs have emerged as a sweet spot - long enough for meaningful inner work yet manageable for those with work and family commitments. The most important consideration isn't the duration, but rather choosing a length that aligns with your current life circumstances and spiritual readiness. Some practitioners find profound shifts in an afternoon of practice, while others need extended periods of silence and contemplation. The perfect length is the one that allows you to fully arrive, settle in, and open to what's already present.
Are women's retreats worth it?
At quality retreats, participants typically report feeling deeply seen and held, free from the constant demands of caring for others, and able to access parts of themselves often set aside in daily life. Yet not all retreats are created equal - the most valuable ones emphasize authentic connection over Instagram-worthy moments and skilled facilitation over guru worship. The key is finding a retreat that resonates with personal needs, whether that's gentle nurturing, creative exploration, or facing challenging emotions in a supported way. When approached with clear intentions and reasonable expectations, a women's retreat can be profoundly worthwhile - not because participants are broken and need fixing, but because taking time to honor oneself in community is a fundamental human need.
Are spiritual retreats worth it?
Spiritual retreats offer profound opportunities for insight and renewal, though their value depends greatly on timing, preparation, and clear intentions. Traditional meditation retreats in Buddhist, Hindu, and contemplative Christian settings typically provide structured periods of silence and guidance from experienced teachers - creating space to explore one's inner landscape away from daily distractions. A well-chosen retreat can help reveal what's already present but perhaps overlooked in the busyness of modern life. At retreat centers participants often discover both challenge and support: pre-dawn meditation sits balanced with gentle movement practices, shared meals eaten in mindful silence, and skilled teachers available for questions that arise. Yet retreats aren't magic solutions - they're simply dedicated time to pause, reflect, and remember essential truths. Some find a weekend retreat sufficient for renewed perspective, while others benefit from longer immersions of 7-10 days. The key lies not in duration but in approaching retreat time with genuine curiosity rather than looking to fix what isn't broken. When chosen thoughtfully and undertaken with realistic expectations, retreats can indeed be deeply worthwhile investments in understanding oneself and one's place in the larger web of life.