Book Top Meditation Retreats in United States
Top United States Meditation Retreats
Ratna Ling Gift Certificate
Top Rated
Open Dates
Anonymous says, "The last time I had traveled solo was in 2019. Taking a solo weekend away to Ratna Ling (driving to and from 3 hours and not knowing anyone upon arrival) was a huge leap of faith for me." See more
$50
4.96
Personal Retreat
Flexible Dates
Crystal says, "It was my first time experience to visit and stay at The Dharmakaya Center. Also my first Buddhist retreat and intro to Buddhism. I have read up on Buddhism throughout my life, tidbits here and there." See more
From $210
5.00
3 Night Yin & Restorative Retreat
4 Days Package
Florence says, "My experience at the Zen Den retreat Centre was exceptional. It was everything I needed, and then some. I participated in juicing, yoga, infrared saunas, ice baths, a colonic, and the best massages ever." See more
From $1,200
5.00
Personal Overnight Retreats
Last Chance
February 13 - 15, 2026
Alaric says, "....for silence, kindness of staff, hospitality, nourishing meals. The Spirit is present here. Highly recommend." See more
From $200
/ 3 days
4.89
Private Retreat
Flexible Dates
Lorraine says, "I loved the retreat. The food the lodging and especially the retreat leader Betty Crowsen. " See more
From $100
4.90
Silent Retreat
March 27 - 29, 2026
Anonymous says, "This was a wonderful experience for my partner & I. We were able to camp on the land and there was a full kitchen available for use, as well as beautiful bathrooms, complete with showers." See more
From $150
/ 3 days
4.91
Sedona Vortex Healing Retreat
Feb 21 - 25, 2026
Cathy says, "I didn't know what to expect. Barracks? Up at 4 in the morning? Vegetarian food and no wine? I believe that while I participated in the workshop, much was so new and different to my life thus far." See more
From $2,020
/ 5 days
4.84
Sacred Women's Aya Retreat
March 13 - 15, 2026
Amber says, "Trying to find the words are impossible to conjure as there are none that exist in the English language to represent the power of this experience. I have been searching for peace for so long and failing over and over (no matter what I tried……." See more
From $850
/ 3 days
5.00
The Cosmic Bloom: 8-Day Shamanic Plant Spirit Ceremonial Retreat
Deryk's Staff Pick
February 12 - 19, 2026
Kelly says, "Joining Athena on retreat may have been the most powerful week of my life! So much healing, so much transformation and there are truly no words for the immense amount of gratitude I feel for her and the most important work she is doing." See more
From $3,550
/ 8 days
5.00
Weekend Silent Centering Prayer Retreat
February 20 - 22, 2026
Maria says, "This retreat was wonderful! My experience of it affirmed the direction in my life that I have been taking... I also discovered areas in my life that need challenging." See more
$285
/ 3 days
4.85
4 Spaces Remaining
MARRAKESH, MOROCCO
March 15 - 20, 2026
Darlene says, "I was very hesitant when I came to apply for this retreat as it was my first time doing something like this. I had been doing yoga for a year and although I love it I'm not anywhere close to being pro so I was a little bit intimated." See more
From $3,295
/ 6 days
3.50
Top Meditation Retreat Centers in United States
Meditation Stories
Questions about United States 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.
Can you read during a silent retreat?
Reading during a silent retreat depends entirely on the specific tradition and center hosting the retreat. Most Vipassana centers prohibit reading and writing during their 10-day courses to maintain mental silence and prevent intellectual distraction. However, some Zen and contemplative Christian retreats allow limited reading of spiritual texts during designated periods, particularly for beginners who may need guidance in their practice. Some centers provide clear schedules indicating when reading is appropriate, while others maintain strict policies against any form of external stimulation, including books, journals, or electronic devices. These variations reflect different approaches to cultivating inner stillness and self-observation.
Traditional Buddhist monasteries often incorporate sutra study as part of their silent practice periods, recognizing that certain texts can deepen meditation insights when approached mindfully. At modern retreat centers in North America and Europe, many programs have evolved to include "noble silence" periods where reading spiritual texts is permitted during free time, while maintaining verbal silence.
Research from the University of California, Davis Center for Mind and Brain suggests that combining contemplative reading with meditation may actually enhance attention and metacognitive awareness.
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.