In this article: Discover the best yoga retreats in California in 2023!
California is one of the most interesting states to visit in the USA. From bustling cities to world-class beaches, California really has it all.
In fact, going on a yoga retreat in California is one of the best ways to discover this amazing state.
So, take a few days off and head to one of the many retreats in the Golden State.
It will give you the opportunity to deepen your yoga practice and share great moments with like-minded people.
To help you find the right holiday package, we selected 10 of the best yoga retreats in California for 2023.
But first, we’ll give you some general information about yoga retreats in Cali.
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Quick Overview
Below, you’ll find the 10 best yoga retreats offered in California this year:
- 4-Day Writing and Yoga Retreat in Santa Margarita, California
- 3-Day Rejuvenating Meditation and Yoga Retreat in Los Angeles, California
- 5-Day Luxurious Yoga, Hiking & Breath Retreat in San Diego, California
- 4-Day Yosemite Yoga and Meditation Retreat in California
- 5 Days Hiking, Meditation, and Yoga Retreat in California
- 4-Day Digital Detox Yoga Retreat: Move, Breathe, Laugh, and Play in California
- 5-Day Joshua Tree Weekend Hiking and Yoga Retreat in California
- 3 Days Women’s Weekend Climbing, Camping, and Yoga Retreat in Joshua Tree National Park
- 2-Week Personal Yoga Retreat with Your Own Studio and Unlimited Yoga in Santa Barbara, California
- 8 Days Getaway to Meditation and Yoga Retreat in California
Keep reading for more details about the programs, classes, and more!
Why should I go on a yoga retreat in California?
Yoga retreats are known to have many beneficial effects. Practicing meditation and yoga every day will help you release the stress and tension accumulated daily.
But more than that, you’ll also get the opportunity to meet new people, discover new places and maybe find your inner self.
Not convinced yet? Below, you’ll find more good reasons to go on a yoga retreat in California.
Learn yoga and improve your skills
Imagine practicing yoga, learning Pranayama, and meditation with a professional yoga teacher every day for a week or two.
Your teacher will correct your posture, and help you improve your skills so you really get the best out of your practice.
In fact, having someone to guide you throughout this incredible experience is one of the best reasons to go on a yoga retreat.
Keep in mind that yoga teachers usually practice mindfulness, so they are great listeners.
Whether you want to know more about yoga, chakras or simply talk about personal and emotional issues, your teacher will be happy to answer your questions.
Cleanse your body
The great thing about retreats is that they also offer the opportunity to detox. As a result, most of them serve vegetarian meals, often made with fresh fruits and veggies.
Limiting your alcohol consumption, eating healthy, and getting active are some of the things you’ll do at a yoga retreat.
During your stay, you will also have access to different activities such as hiking, swimming, and even spa treatments.
Boost your creativity
Yoga retreats can help boost your creativity. If you have a hobby such as painting, writing or playing music, going on a yoga retreat might inspire you.
In fact, practicing meditation and yoga for a week or two will definitely clear your mind.
If you’re not the creative type, a yoga retreat might help you get started on a project you had in mind for a while.
After all, listening to yourself and finding what makes you happy are the main goals of a yoga retreat.
Reconnect with yourself and nature
Some of the yoga retreats we suggest take place in the heart of national parks where you can easily disconnect from your smartphone, your computer, and the wifi.
A retreat in a digital-free environment will give you plenty of time to reconnect with yourself and enjoy the beauty of nature. You’d be surprised how good it feels.
On top of that, daily yoga practice, meditation, and group activities will help you reconnect with your soul.
You will leave feeling relaxed, rejuvenated, and recharged.
Share amazing moments with new people
A yoga retreat is a good time to meet new people. During your stay, you’ll share activities with other participants of the retreat, get to socialize, and share your stories.
It will also be a great opportunity to put down the phone and learn from others. Don’t be afraid to engage, and interact with like-minded people.
There is nothing more valuable than social interaction.
Sharing moments with people and talking about subjects that are meaningful will make you feel a lot better, and it’s all part of the experience.
How much does a yoga retreat in California cost?
The yoga retreats in California we suggest in this post cost between $300 and $2,000. This is standard for a retreat in the USA.
Factors such as length of stay, activities, and food will definitely affect the overall cost of your retreat. Before you choose your yoga retreat in Cali, read the descriptions carefully and pay attention to what’s included.
A good yoga retreat should have accommodation, at least one meal, and a couple of activities included in the price.
Best places to go on a yoga retreat in California
You can find yoga retreats both in Northern and Southern California, to be honest. But we found quite a few take place either at the beach or in national parks.
Most retreats are located in small towns near Los Angeles, San Francisco, and San Diego, which is great for a short weekend getaway.
If you’re looking for a unique experience, we definitely recommend trying a yoga retreat in Yosemite National Park or Joshua Tree National Park.
These retreats usually involve camping and hiking.
It’s the perfect opportunity to truly disconnect from your routine (and the internet), focus on yourself, and meet new people.
What to pack for a yoga retreat in California
Hat – NIKE Women’s Perforated Hat
Quick-dry towel – The Perfect Yoga Towel
Yoga clothing – Mippo Womens Cute Workout Clothes and AFITNE Women’s High Waist Mesh Yoga Leggings
Yoga mat – Gaiam Essentials Thick Yoga Mat Fitness & Exercise Mat
Walking shoes – Skechers Women’s Go Walk
Journal – Huhuhero Notebook Journal
Sunscreen – Sun Bum Original SPF 30 Sunscreen Lotion
Packing cubes – YAMIU Packing Cubes
First aid kit – First Aid Only 110 Piece All-Purpose First Aid Kit
Sunglasses – Michael Kors Women’s Chelsea Polarized Sunglasses
Bathing suit – Tempt Me Women One Piece Swimsuit
Water bottle – Leakproof Motivational Sports Water Bottle with Straw
Daypack – Osprey Packs Daylite Plus Daypack
Waterproof pouch – Universal Waterproof Pouch Cellphone Dry Bag for iPhone
10 beautiful yoga retreats in California in 2023
We selected the following yoga retreats based on price, location, value for money, and customer reviews. We tried to include different types of yoga retreats for all budgets.
So you’ll find retreats with adventure activities, some entirely focused on yoga, and even solo retreats. Here are 10 beautiful yoga retreats in California.
1. 4-Day Writing and Yoga Retreat in Santa Margarita, California – Sagrada Wellness
Credit: Sagrada Wellness
Located in San Luis Obispo, Sagrada Wellness offers a transformational yoga and writing retreat in California. Here, you’ll learn to gain strength of purpose, and get rid of your negative emotions.
This retreat is designed to give you time and space to enjoy yoga and allow your creative juices to flow.
The program of this unique experience offers daily yoga and restorative classes. Additionally, you’ll get to learn techniques to deepen your writing skills.
In your free time, you can wander around the property or simply relax in your room.
As for accommodation, you’ll be staying in a shared or private room. The property features an outdoor shower, but also a hot tub where you can relax at the end of the day.
The price includes three delicious meals per day that are curated with fresh ingredients. Overall, this short yoga retreat is good if you want to take a break and unwind for a few days in California.
2. 3-Day Rejuvenating Meditation and Yoga Retreat in Los Angeles, California – Sivananda Yoga Vedanta Center
Credit: Sivananda Yoga Vedanta Center
Tucked away in a historic neighborhood of Los Angeles, Sivananda Yoga Vedanta Center is the only residential yoga retreat in LA.
This retreat is perfect for individuals who want to spend some in a peaceful and quiet environment while staying close to the city.
This amazing retreat offers daily yoga and meditation sessions but also teaches yoga philosophy and pranayama.
On top of that, there will be plenty of free time to self-study and contemplate.
The price includes daily brunches and dinners, as well as herbal teas. The meals are vegetarian and prepared with organic ingredients.
If you’re looking for a unique retreat in Los Angeles, we can only recommend this one.
3. 5-Day Luxurious Yoga, Hiking & Breath Retreat in San Diego, California – Vita Pura Yoga
Credit: Vita Pura Yoga
Vita Pura Yoga specializes in spiritual retreats with a program that includes yoga, meditation, hiking, and breathing techniques.
This 5-day wellness, meditation, and yoga retreat will guide you to inner peace.
With no more than twelve participants at a time, this retreat is perfect for those who want to focus on their well-being.
During your retreat, you’ll have the opportunity to reconnect with yourself, free yourself from limiting beliefs and hike the world-famous Torrey Pines reserve.
Breakfasts and lunches are included in this yoga retreat. You’ll able to order directly from the menu and grab a safely prepared take-out meal to eat by the pool or inside.
You’ll also have access to all snacks and drinks.
4. 4-Day Yosemite Yoga and Meditation Retreat in California – Christie Pitko Yoga
Credit: Christie Pitko Yoga
Taking place in the infamous Yosemite Valley, this retreat offers the perfect opportunity to disconnect from the world and truly unwind.
Because of its remote location, this yoga retreat is perfect for those who want to enjoy the calmness and tranquility of nature for a few days.
Your program includes yoga and meditation classes, three nights of accommodation, and unlimited access to the resort’s spa.
At this four-day relaxing yoga retreat, you’ll be staying in a shared or private room at the Yosemite Bug Rustic Mountain Resort.
It’s the perfect environment to promote mindfulness and relaxation.
5. 5 Days Hiking, Meditation, and Yoga Retreat in California – Pete Guinosso Yoga
Credit: Pete Guinosso Yoga
Are you looking for a yoga retreat like no other? Then, head to this 5-day hiking, meditation, and yoga retreat organized by Pete Guinosso Yoga.
Held in the beautiful Lassen Volcanic National Park, this retreat is really unique.
Highlights of this retreat include two yoga classes daily, hiking, and swimming. This is a camping retreat, so guests are asked to bring their own tent as they will sleep in the national park.
Healthy meals are provided during this retreat, and there are a few amenities on the campground.
This retreat is all about connecting with nature, escaping from your daily routine, and meeting new people.
6. 4-Day Digital Detox Yoga Retreat: Move, Breathe, Laugh, Play, and Learn to be Well in California – SoCal Wellness Retreats
Credit: SoCal Wellness Retreat
Head to San Diego for a refreshing yoga and meditation retreat in California.
With daily yoga and meditation sessions, breathtaking hikes, and a workshop on the benefits of plant-based eating, you’re guaranteed to have a great time.
Suitable for beginners, as well as more advanced yogis, this yoga retreat teaches Vinyasa yoga. As for accommodation, you can choose to stay in a shared or private room.
SoCal Wellness retreat is one of our favorites in California. It’s perfect for those who want to elevate their yoga and meditation practice.
7. 5-Day Joshua Tree Weekend Hiking and Yoga Retreat in California – Pete Guinosso Yoga
Credit: Pete Guinosso Yoga
Pete Guinosso Yoga offers several yoga retreats in the USA.
This hiking and yoga experience takes place in the Joshua Tree National Park and is the perfect getaway to unplug and recharge.
This yoga retreat includes daily yoga classes, time for self-reflection, and hiking adventures.
All levels are welcome to this beautiful yoga retreat where you’ll be able to truly unwind, relax, and meditate in the middle of nature.
You will be served delicious and nutritious meals during your stay.
Finally, you’ll be camping under the stars on this retreat so don’t forget to bring your tent and sleeping bag!
8. 3 Days Women’s Weekend Climbing, Camping, and Yoga Retreat in Joshua Tree National Park, California USA – Whitney Base Camp and Climbing School
Credit: Whitney Base Camp and Climbing School
Are you up for an adventure? Try this yoga and climbing yoga retreat in Joshua Tree National Park.
Organized by Whitney Base Camp and Climbing School, this retreat is great for individuals looking to push their limits.
At this retreat, you’ll learn to enhance your mental focus and awareness with daily yoga sessions, and practice your climbing skills most of the day.
Of course, you’ll also have the option to hike and enjoy Joshua Tree National Park.
You’ll be camping during this retreat, but if you prefer not to camp, you can choose to rent a hotel room in the Joshua Tree area.
9. 2-Week Personal Yoga Retreat with Your Own Studio and Unlimited Yoga in Santa Barbara, California – Santa Barbara Yoga Center
Credit: Santa Barbara Yoga Center
If you’re traveling solo and would like to enjoy California and recharge for a week, a stop at Santa Barbara Yoga Center might be just what you need.
This yoga holiday will be an opportunity for you to deepen your practice and experience unlimited yoga classes.
During this retreat, you will stay in a private apartment, have access to a private yoga studio for your own practice, and the opportunity to explore the center of Santa Barbara and the beaches.
As for meals, you can cook in your studio or go to one of the many restaurants located near the retreat center.
This retreat is perfect for those who want to enjoy a long retreat alone or with a friend.
The best thing about this retreat? You make your own schedule, so it is entirely tailored to meet your needs.
10. 8 Days Getaway to Meditation and Yoga Retreat in California – Santa Barbara Yoga Center
Credit: Santa Barbara Yoga Center
Located in Southern California, Santa Barbara Yoga Center proposes a retreat to help you reconnect and restore.
At this retreat, you’ll have access to all yoga classes offered by the center.
This yoga retreat is quite different from others. Indeed, you’ll be staying in the yoga center’s home studio and making your own schedule.
It is actually a solo retreat, where you’ll get to meet people during yoga classes. When you’re not stretching, you can meditate, or take a walk to one of the local beaches.
We recommend this yoga retreat to those who’d like to take a nice vacation in Santa Barbara, and still practice yoga daily.
It’s a great opportunity for you to unwind, take a break from your routine, and explore a new state.
Bottom line
California is one of the best states in the USA to go on a yoga retreat. Whether you want to enjoy a weekend getaway at the beach, or in a national park, you’ll find the best retreat for you in Cali.
Besides, participating in a yoga retreat will give you the opportunity to unwind, rejuvenate and meet new people. It’s also a chance to have access to a professional yoga teacher.
Can’t find what you’re looking for? Click here to see more yoga retreats in California!
Have you ever been on a yoga retreat in California? Let us know in the comments below!
Looking for a different destination in the US, check out the best yoga retreats in Hawaii, Arizona, and New York!