Book Top Yoga Retreats in California
Top California Yoga Retreats
Yoga Vacation
Flexible Dates
Tia says, "Dear Spiritual Warriors, When first arriving at the Yoga Farm Ashram after a long and arduous journey of 30,000 miles my body was exhausted and out of alignment." See more
From $75
4.68
Ratna Ling Gift Certificate
Top Rated
Open Dates
Anonymous says, "Thanks to the staff at Ratna Ling. The space is magical, the food was delicious and the cottages were very nice and cozy." See more
$50
4.94
15 Day 200-Hour Inspired Yoga Teacher Training in Yucca Valley, Joshua Tree, California
Sari's Staff Pick
From $3,685
/ 15 days
4 Days Full Moon Gazing Retreat Recalibrating the Heart
April 11 - 14, 2025
Kimber says, "I searched for this retreat to heal from a tragic personal experience. I felt it was a logical continuance of the grief work I had been conducting. I arrived with no expectations other than a remote setting in which to reflect." See more
From $1,000
/ 4 days
5.00
Private" Tantric Alchemy Retreat"
Open Dates
sylas says, "What a powerful experience! thank you Julia for such a beautiful weekend. Everything was perfectly orchestrated all the sessions flowed seamlessly. All the information delivered was easy to digest and understand, but I also had the feeling of acceptance and love what you make me feel safe." See more
From $2,999
5.00
18 Day 200-hour Therapeutic Yoga Teacher Training Course in Arcata, California
May 18 - June 4, 2025
From $2,747
/ 18 days
Healing by the Ocean: 3-day Energy Healing, Yoga, and Nature Retreat
June 23 - 26, 2025
From $900
/ 4 days
Intelligence of the Core 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
Top Yoga Retreat Centers in California
Yoga Stories
Questions about California Yoga
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.