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Last updated: June 2024
Looking for the best yoga retreats in California to relax, unwind, and recenter yourself? Look no further!
Whether you’ve visited California before, live in the state now, or have always thought about taking a trip out west, you probably know that there are a lot of amazing things about this expansive state.
From the beaches to the giant redwoods, and everything in between, California truly does have a lot to offer visitors.
Sightseeing isn’t all that you can do in California though; you can also visit the state to participate in one of the many California yoga retreats.
Read on to learn more about the best yoga holidays in California and why this West Coast state is one of the top yoga destinations in the US.
I’ve handpicked each one of these wellness and yoga retreats, based on my own experience and expertise as an international yoga teacher and savvy solo traveler.
In a hurry? Click here to see my favorite Cali yoga retreat now!
Your California Yoga Retreat Essentials:
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- Top 10 Best Yoga Shoes for Travel & Outdoors
- 10 Best Travel Yoga Pants: Versatile, Comfy, & Stylish
- 11 Best Organic Yoga Clothes for Travel or the Studio
- Wander: A Mindful Travel Journal
Why Do a Yoga Retreat in California?
The reasons to consider a California yoga retreat abound.
California’s climate varies from one part of the state to the others, depending on the seasons, so you can really find just about anything you’re looking for.
Along with the climate, the landscape of the state is quite varied as well.
So, whether you’re looking for a peaceful mountain retreat or want to practice yoga on a warm and sunny beach, you’ll definitely find what you’re looking for in California.
You’ll also enjoy a wide selection of retreats to choose from. There are many different California yoga center options available, meaning you can find the exact retreat type that you desire.
Whether you’re looking for a short weekend escape or a relaxing week-long vacation with the girls, it will all be possible here.
If you participate in a yoga retreat in the Golden State, you can also extend your stay to do some sightseeing. There is a lot to do and see, so you may want to consider coming in a few days before your retreat or staying a few days extra to explore.
Best Places to Go on a Yoga Holiday in California
When you consider that California spans nearly 800 miles from the northern to the southern edge, it is no surprise that there are a lot of well-known cities and landmarks worth visiting.
If you’re deciding on the best place to do a yoga retreat in sunny California, some of the best locations include Los Angeles, San Francisco and the Bay Area, San Diego, Santa Barbara, Sacramento, and Long Beach.
You may also want to look into retreats in or near state or national parks, such as Joshua Tree National Park, Lassen Volcanic National Park, Yosemite National Park, or Sequoia National Park.
Ultimately, the best place for a yoga holiday in California will depend on what you are looking to gain from the experience. If there is a city or national park that you’ve been wanting to visit, you can make the most of your time off by booking a retreat near that location.
Best Time to Go on a Yoga Retreat in the State of California
One of the best things about doing a yoga retreat in Cali is that there really isn’t a bad time to go.
With California’s expansive size, the climate of the state can vary quite significantly from one area to the next, with some areas along the coast staying warm year-round.
When you go a bit farther inland in the state, the weather tends to be more seasonal, with the winters being cooler and the summers being warmer.
If you’re looking for a yoga retreat in Northern California, summer may be the best time to go to avoid too much snow. This can be especially true if you’re planning a retreat in the mountains.
Best Yoga Retreats in California
Private Yoga Retreat in Santa Barbara
Image courtesy of Santa Barbara Yoga Center on BookYogaRetreats
Yoga Styles: Hatha, Iyengar, Kundalini, Vinyasa, Yin, Restorative, Integral, Therapeutic
Skill Levels: All
Duration: 4 days
Meals Included: No
Nearby Airport: Santa Barbara Airport
Airport Transfer Included: No
Learn from the best teachers at the Santa Barbara Yoga Center, one of the top yoga studios in the state, with this 4-day Santa Barbara yoga retreat.
During your visit, you’ll stay in your own private apartment with a kitchen and will participate in daily yoga sessions. You’ll engage in different yoga styles, such as Vinyasa, Yin, and Iyengar.
When you’re not in a yoga session, head to the studio building for a sauna, acupuncture, or massage, or explore the gorgeous sandy beaches or delicious restaurants in the area.
Click here for more info and booking.
Rejuvenating Meditation & Yoga Retreat in Los Angeles
Yoga Styles: Karma
Skill Levels: All
Duration: 3 days
Meals Included: Organic and vegetarian brunches and dinners
Nearby Airport: Los Angeles International Airport
Airport Transfer Included: No
This yoga and meditation retreat in California takes place at Los Angeles’ only yoga retreat center.
During your 3-day stay, you’ll engage in daily yoga sessions along with meditation, Pranayama, and Satsang.
You’ll learn about yoga philosophy and help yourself by helping others. Each day, participants in this LA yoga retreat will spend an hour of their time giving back to the community with selfless service.
Even with the selfless service and other yoga and meditation activities, you’ll still have a good deal of free time to relax, read, or explore the local area.
Click here for more info and booking.
Digital Detox Yoga Retreat in San Diego
Image courtesy of SoCal Wellness Retreats on BookYogaRetreats
Yoga Styles: Nidra
Skill Levels: All
Duration: 4 days
Meals Included: Daily brunch, dinner, snacks, and drinks
Nearby Airport: San Diego International Airport
Airport Transfer Included: No
If you’re looking for a yoga retreat in Southern California, consider visiting sunny San Diego for this 4-day digital detox retreat.
Your time in San Diego will include daily yoga sessions, meditation, breathwork, and fitness classes, as well as mindset workshops.
You’ll also have the opportunity to experience some powerful cold exposure training for the body and mind.
This yoga retreat in San Diego is geared towards beginners and is designed to help you fully reset your mind, body, and spirit.
Click here for more info and booking.
Inner Greatness Women’s Wellness & Yoga Retreat in Joshua Tree
Yoga Styles: Power, Vinyasa, Yin, Dynamic, Restorative
Skill Levels: All
Duration: 3 days
Meals Included: Daily breakfast, lunch, dinner, and drinks
Nearby Airport: Palm Springs International Airport
Airport Transfer Included: No
This 3-day Joshua Tree wellness holiday is one of the top spiritual retreats in California.
During your stay, not only will you participate in daily yoga, meditation, and pranayama classes, but you’ll also take part in breathwork and sound healing sessions, and in an ecstatic dance party.
Additionally, you’ll also enjoy a guided meditation hike through the stunning Joshua Tree National Park.
Daily homemade vegetarian meals and access to the swimming pool, fire pit, and the desert all around are also included in this female-only retreat.
Click here for more info and booking.
Thanksgiving & Gratitude Yoga Retreat in Santa Margarita
Yoga Styles: Vinyasa and Restorative
Skill Levels: All
Duration: 3 days
Meals Included: Daily breakfast, lunch, and dinner
Nearby Airport: San Francisco International Airport, Los Angeles International Airport, or San Jose International Airport
Airport Transfer Included: No
I also think you will find this Thanksgiving Santa Margarita retreat to be exhilarating and invigorating.
The retreat is designed for yogis of all skill levels and aims to help you reboot your mind and body to honor all you’re grateful for, alongside gorgeous countryside views.
Some of the activities and sessions you’ll have the opportunity to participate in include Restorative yoga, Vinyasa yoga flow, daily guided meditation hikes, live music, and an evening fire ceremony.
Click here for more info and booking.
Summer Climbing & Camping Yoga Holiday in Mammoth Lakes
Image courtesy of FIFTHclass on BookYogaRetreats
Yoga Styles: Hatha
Skill Levels: All
Duration: 3 days
Meals Included: No
Nearby Airport: Mammoth Yosemite Airport
Airport Transfer Included: Available for an additional $50 per person
This reinvigorating retreat, located in Mammoth Lakes, California, is designed specifically for yoga and climbing lovers of all skill levels.
The daily schedule consists of yoga sessions, mindfulness techniques, and body awareness, in addition to guided rock-climbing sessions where you’ll learn different climbing techniques. Optional acro-yoga sessions are also available.
In the evening, unwind next to the campfire and get to know the other yogis in the retreat.
Click here for more info and booking.
Family-Friendly Yoga, Hiking, & Camping in Lassen Volcanic National Park
Image courtesy of Pete Guinosso Yoga on BookYogaRetreats
Yoga Styles: Vinyasa and Forrest
Skill Levels: Beginner
Duration: 5 days
Meals Included: Daily breakfast, lunch, and dinner
Nearby Airport: Reno-Tahoe International Airport or Sacramento International Airport
Airport Transfer Included: No
If you are looking for family-friendly yoga retreats in California, I think you’ll really like this 5-day family yoga, hiking, camp, and adventure retreat.
This yoga retreat, which takes place in scenic Lassen Volcanic National Park, is geared to include everyone in the family.
Each day will begin with a sunrise meditation over Butte Lake and will include two yoga classes.
Other than that, you’ll have plenty of time to hike, swim, or explore with your family and the other participants.
Click here for more info and booking.
Weekend of Self-Care Yoga Retreat in Cazadero
Image courtesy of Ratna Ling Retreat Center on BookYogaRetreats
Yoga Styles: Restorative, Tibetan
Skill Levels: All
Duration: 4 days
Meals Included: Daily breakfast, lunch, and dinner
Nearby Airport: Oakland International Airport and San Francisco International Airport
Airport Transfer Included: No
This 4-day retreat in Sonoma County aims to help each individual connect with nature and recenter themselves.
While you’ll also enjoy plenty of free time to relax, explore, or enjoy delicious vegetarian meals, your days will include yoga practices, guided meditation sessions, Tibetan mantras, sharing circles, and workshops.
The center also has a library where you can read Buddhist and other mindfulness texts to help you further relax and disconnect from everyday happenings.
Click here for more info and booking.
Whether you’re looking for a beach yoga retreat or wish to escape and find yourself in the mountains, you should be able to find exactly what you are searching for in this list of the best yoga retreat centers in California.
Extend your trip and bring some friends or family to do some sightseeing after your California yoga retreat or take a little extra time off for some personal meditation and re-centering.
Either way, a yoga retreat in the gorgeous state of California will be good for the body and soul!
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Attending a Yoga Retreat in California? Don’t Forget Travel Insurance!
As with any other kind of physical activity, joining a yoga retreat is not without its risks. While yoga is generally safe, accidents and injuries can happen anywhere and, if you’re anything like me, you’ll want to be prepared for the worst, especially when you’re in a foreign country.
That’s why travel insurance is so important and you should never leave home without it! I use and recommend SafetyWing travel medical insurance for travelers, remote workers, and nomads.
They cover overseas medical assistance in case of accident or illness, a wide range of sports and activities including yoga, travel delay or interruption, lost checked luggage, emergency medical or political evacuation, natural disasters, and personal liability, at very competitive prices.
You can subscribe online here for a minimum of 5 days to a maximum of 364 days, or opt for a monthly subscription instead.
Read More:
- Top 10 Best Yoga Retreats in Hawaii
- Top 10 Best Yoga Retreats in Florida
- Top 10 Best Yoga Retreats in New York
- Top 6 Best Yoga Retreats in Arizona
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