California is known for many things- technology and innovation, wildfires and Highway 1, gridlocked Los Angeles and fabulous Hollywood. However, perhaps its official moniker, “The Golden State,” best describes what peace-seekers will find there. From the misty gray of oceans meeting mountains on the Lost Coast to the waving golden fields and the “Range of Light” made famous by John Muir, California is a place of natural beauty. The variety of lush settings makes it a perfect place to enjoy a silent retreat of meditation and introspection.
As you look at the silent meditation retreats offered around California, there are many aspects to consider. Your personal taste and needs will heavily affect what works best for you. For instance, you may prefer a more structured and guided retreat, rather than a self-guided experience.
All good meditation retreats are situated away from the distractions of bustling cities and roaring highways, to better enable you to connect with your inner self in silence. High-quality retreats are also:
Safe
Lead by qualified teachers
Clean
Have learning for your level of need
Offer guidance as desired during free time
Are self-contained regarding all basic needs
The following retreats meet these requirements and more.
1. Ananda Meditation Retreat, “The Expanding Light”
The Expanding Light is a retreat space run by Ananda and overseen by several experienced Yogis. As one of their largest retreats, it offers a wide variety of activities and opportunities for greater seclusion than others may offer. This retreat offers the widest variety of options. It offers retreats other than silent meditation retreats as well, allowing visitors to blend retreats as they see fit.
Personal retreats are offered for 3-6 days every other month. Rates range from $90-$275 per day, based on the level of accommodation. Meals are not included in the price, though, and cost anywhere from $10-$25 each. That being said, all meals are vegetarian, prepared by a designated chef and assisted by Seva volunteers. Most of the ingredients are grown on-property when possible, and locally sourced otherwise. Accommodations include RV and tent sites, cabins, shared cabins, and large shared rooms.
Group retreats are offered less regularly. These range from 3-10 days, and rates vary largely based on the type of retreat and what activities are chosen. Group retreats offer more group activity, which can mitigate the struggles of those new to silent meditation retreat by offering quiet interaction during service work, yoga, hikes and guided meditations. Meals are included in some of these retreats.
Whether you attend as part of a group retreat or private retreat, Expanding Light offers great flexibility for your schedule. Yoga, guided meditation, “Seva” service opportunities, guided hikes and walks around the property are all offered throughout the day, and can be attended at will. You can balance each day as it comes, seeking either more direction on your inward journey or greater solitude.
The final pleasant offering of Expanding Light is the miles of trail on the retreat. You can hike a mountain or stay in the Sierra lowlands as suits your abilities and desires. Around these paths are many lovely little places to sit alone and read, journal, meditate or think. It is not hard to find solace and solitude here.
Ananda Meditation Retreat | Address: 14618 Tyler Foote Road, Nevada City, CA 95959 | Phone: 530-478-75518
2. Green Gulch Farm- The San Francisco Zen Center
Also known as Green Dragon Temple, this Buddhist temple and retreat space is just north of San Francisco. The temple offers a wide variety of activities, some of which are not typically offered during other silent retreats. These include cooking, dharma practice, Zen meditation, physical exercise classes, and farming. All activities and the property itself are maintained in the Japanese Zen style.
Overnight stays are available in three different buildings- the Japanese style guest house, the main house, or a separate guest house deep in the forested retreat. Prices range from $100-$250 per night. The cheapest accommodations can feel a little noisy during a personal retreat, as the main house is not always silent. Checking in can make travel difficult, though, as you must arrive between 2-5. Later admission is offered in special circumstances, and even then only until 9 pm.
Silent retreats are offered 3-6 times a year, and often fill up over a year in advance. However, the Zen center welcomes individuals to practice personal retreats whenever you are able. Scheduled silent retreats offered by Zen Center are typically one weekend, and the entire property participates. Individual retreaters should be aware that some festivals are joyous occasions at the retreat, and the property may not be silent as often as during a typical day.
For those looking for a longer, more immersive stay, guests are welcome to stay as Zen students for a week or longer. Prices per night are cheaper, but volunteer work is required. During your stay as a student, you will learn about sustainable Zen farming, meditation, Sutras, and physical exercise. The work required can be rigorous, and those wishing to stay as a student must complete an application showing previous studies.
Green Gulch Farm | Address: 1601 Shoreline Hwy Muir Beach, CA 94965 | Phone: 415-383-3134
3. Tassajara- The San Francisco Zen Center
Tassajara is another Zen Buddhist style retreat, again managed by the San Francisco Zen Center. It offers a much wider variety of silent retreats. The focus of each retreat is unique, and often is only offered every few years. They range from Dragon-style swimming meditation to peace during legal practice. Tassajara offers more frequent silent meditative retreats, but these fill almost as quickly as they are listed, so it is important to keep abreast of the Center’s newspage.
The center is known for the hot springs on site and its location deep in the forest. The shrouds of trees seem to block out the outside world and shroud much of the retreat area in a muted shade of green.
Stays range in cost from $60-$450 per night, based on how many are in your party, whether you are willing to share a space with others, and the degree of privacy your cabin offers. The retreat is special in that there are no phones, internet services, or electronics aside from basic LED light at all, and they request that guests participate in this practice. If you wish to forego electronics altogether, guest services can replace your lighting with a paraffin lamp for the duration of your stay.
Tassajara offers a unique benefit in that, while it is truly isolated from the outside world and remains at many times a completely silent property, it also has many amenities and services visitors would usually expect from an upscale hotel. Eco-friendly linen and towel service, hot water showers, and regular vegetarian meals with a variety of options are part of your stay. Certain meals may cost extra depending on the nature of your retreat.
Tassajara is special as well in that it offers holiday retreats. If Christmas, Thanksgiving, Easter or Independence Day are unwelcome times, these may be an ideal opportunity to visit the retreat for a different kind of peaceful celebration. There are hot spring baths available at these celebrations as well.
Tassajara offers fewer activities than other retreat locations for independent visitors who come separate from group retreats. If you visit on your own for a solo retreat, be sure you are prepared for a stay mostly in solitude.
Tassajara | Address: 39171 Tassajara Road, Carmel Valley, CA 93924 | Phone: 888-743-9362
4. Vedanta Society- Olema
Vedanta Olema offers two silent Buddhist meditation retreat options. One occurs only once a year as a part of the Annual Youth Forum. Anyone age 11-19 is welcome to apply, and rates are charged on a needs-based scale. The forum typically occurs over a four-day period, and students are encouraged to participate in a day of silent meditation, forest walks, and yoga. This is a great introduction to silent practices for youth with like-minded peers.
The second silent retreat varies in its timing, sometimes occurring in summer, and sometimes in winter. Again, fees are charged on a need-based scale. This retreat is rarely announced more than a year in advance, and the Vedanta newsletter states that it typically completely fills within the week that it is announced. That being said, it is highly sought after due to the high quality of the yogis invited to lead these retreats.
Vedanta Olema also allows visitors throughout the year. They prefer those practicing individual silent meditation retreats visit when other retreats that could be disruptive are not occuring, so these must be scheduled over the phone. They also encourage those desiring to participate either in a group or solo retreat visit for a day-long event at least once first, so this retreat is not well suited to those who live far away.
Vedanta Society | Address: 9799 California 1, Olema, CA 94950| Phone: 415-922-2323 (Phone only answered 2-5 pm, Monday and Wednesday-Friday)
5. Esalen
Esalen is awe-inspiring in that, rather than nestling into a hillside or below the redwoods, it juts out from the cliffs of Big Sur to look over a grand view of the water. Buildings leaning out from the rocks are connected by long boardwalks. Those who connect spiritually with the beach and find the continuous lull of waves on the rocks more conducive to silent meditation than a hilltop will love the location.
Esalen offers few group retreats (usually only 2-3 a year), but is open most of the year. Group retreats, called “A Time to Reflect,” are offered as either a weekend visit or as a full week experience. The weeklong experience requires one participate in volunteer work, serving others staying for the retreat with you. Prices are by length and type of stay, and vary from $500-$8,000.
The hot springs are available all year, and those considering visiting for an extended retreat could enjoy trying the public visiting hours: 1-3 am (yes, am!). You must make a reservation first, though- and no other tours or self-guided visits are offered. The pools are clothing-optional, so those resistant to baring it all should consider other retreats.
Yoga, dance, singing, Qi Gong, Twelve Step recovery work, and a variety of traditional healing arts classes are all on offer regularly. The schedule is provided after you make your reservation, and classes are first-come first-serve. Esala is also remarkably well-known for its massage artists, and these should be reserved when you plan your retreat. Expect a unique visit that draws on a variety of belief systems and traditions as you learn to better look inward.
Esalen | Address: 55000 Highway 1, Big Sur, CA 93920 | Phone: 831-667-3000
6. Silent Stay Retreat Center
Silent Stay is one of only a few continuously silent retreats. It is open year-round, and reservations should be made in advance, as there are only six guest rooms on site. Prices range from $155-235 per night. This is based on the room you choose and whether you share it with another guest.
All meals, walks, and workshops are included, and these are available every week of the year. This makes Silent Stay a great choice for those who need more flexible scheduling options. Workshops include cooking, healing, grief management, meditation, yoga, and occasionally massage and counseling (The counseling option does typically require conversation, and so is a more flexible interpretation of the silent retreat). As part of your stay, guides recommend daily journaling and strongly encourage participation in the twice-daily guided meditation.
Those looking for more traditional western accomodations and practices will enjoy this retreat. Rooms are pine and whitewash, with warm notes of handmade throws, colorful pillows, and cozy rocking chairs by balconies. Rooms are decorated with a rustic blend of comfortable settings, so those less physically flexible will do well here.
Silent Stay also differs from other retreats in that you will not be served meals. Instead, plan to arrive with enough groceries for your stay. Vegetarian eating is encouraged but not required. Visitors share a large kitchen and are asked to share with others, both in supplies and space. All cleaning is done using essential oils in the shared kitchen and around the retreat, so those concerned with physical detoxification during their stay have a greater control over what they take in.
Silent Stay Retreat Center | Address: 3570 Cantelow Road, Vacaville, CA 95688 | Phone: 707-474-4833
7. New Camaldoli Monastery
While this Benedictine Monastery often offers fully silent retreats, silence is a part of each monk’s training and is always a large part of every day. Preached/ taught retreats for silent guests are offered each month, and include Christian guidance by monks of the abbey and visiting Benedictine monks. These retreats cost $60, in addition to the cost of lodgings, which run $170-$335 per night. Visits are limited to one a year.
Silent individual retreats are offered year round, and cost only the lodging- the price of lodging lessens if you stay over a week, depending on the time of year. Solo silent retreats allow individuals time to participate in or observe Monastery activity. Few classes are offered during solo stays, though, as this is a fully functional monastery.
New Camaldoli is special in that it offers the opportunity for large groups to schedule their own retreats. The monastery will work with your business, church, or organization to plan the best silent retreat to fit your group. However, children under 16 are not welcome at the monastery at any time, due to the extensive schedule of silence and needs of visitors seeking silent retreats.
New Camaldoli Monastery | Address: 62475 Highway 1, Big Sur, CA 93920 | Phone: (831) 667-2456
(@labels__ukiah)8. Holy Transfiguration Monastery
Holy Transfiguration Monastery is a small retreat far from any neighboring towns. This is a truly silent Christian retreat, focused on silence almost continuously every day. Many of the monks here have lived in true silence for several years, and expect silence from visitors as well. Silence is used to grow closer to God, whether through Bible study, meditation or prayer. All faiths are welcome, but Christian faith is taught.
The monastery does not offer special retreats. Instead, solo retreats are advised. The schedule does not vary at the Monastery except for Christian holidays. Each day consists of the Great Silence (evening until after morning service) and the Lesser Silence (after morning prayers through dinner and vespers). Speaking is only used when absolutely necessary during work, and then should be as brief and quiet as possible. Continuous prayer is encouraged during all times, even physical labor.
Outside of prayer, guests are welcome at two meals a day (only two occur here), twice daily service, and morning and evening prayers. Guests are also asked to participate in necessary work around the monastery with the monks, in order to learn to do all work prayerfully.
This is one of the most financially accessible silent retreats, as it requests a donation, rather than requiring a price. The suggested donation is $60 per night, although the cost can be discussed when you call to make a reservation.
Holy Transfiguration Monastery | Address: 17001 Tomki Road, Box 217, Redwood Valley, CA 95470| Phone: (707) 485-8959 (It is recommended you leave a message with all questions, and they will return your call as their schedule of silent meditation allows. Responses may take up to a week)
9. New Clairvaux Monastery
New Clairvaux Monastery is another retreat that asks for a suggested donation ($80/ night) but does not require a set price. Visitors must schedule their reservations at least six months in advance, and all visits must be approved by the master Abbot. During certain times of the year, the monastery is only open to male visitors.
Unlike other silent retreats, both the weekend and week-long visit options include nothing but meals and a room. Visitors may listen to the Monks’ prayers, but as even these are often silent, this retreat may be jarring for those unused to continuous silence. Visitors are, according to the Abbot’s welcome, often those in need of a greater connection to God at a set time of life. For that reason, even participation in volunteer work and speaking during meals is discouraged, to allow each person to better communicate with their higher power.
The monastery does sponsor an AA meeting on campus twice a week, and retreat visitors may attend, but are encouraged not to speak. Spiritual advisement is also available one on one during your stay if planned in advance and approved by the Abbot.
New Clairvaux Monastery | Address: 26240 7th Street Vina, CA 96092 | Phone: 530-839-2161
10. Redwoods Monastery
Redwoods Monastery is a Cistercian house located in the Lost Coast region of California. It can be difficult to access during parts of the year, and takes several hours to reach from nearby airports. That being said, Redwoods offers a special stay in the spiritually vibrant redwood forests of Northern California. It is run by an Abbess and roughly a dozen sisters. Guest space is limited, and fills up far in advance.
The recommended donation is $70 per night, but can be waived for those in financial need. Women are given first priority in staying, and many retreats are for women only. Stays include vegetarian food and participation in prayer and Eucharist. While there are few activities outside of prayers and evening vespers, guests may choose their own degree of isolation. Those at group retreats are encouraged to find an area in which to volunteer, whether it be the silent kitchen, the garden, or maintaining the many trails. The Abbess offers spiritual guidance if scheduled in advance during group retreats.
Redwoods Monastery | Address: 18104 Briceland Thorn Road, Whitethorn CA 95589 | Phone: 707-986-7419 (Redwoods Monastery requests potential visitors correspond via their website, allowing them more time to serve in silence.
11. Mount Calvary Monastery
Mount Calvary offers only one silent retreat a year, usually in August. Temperatures can get very high, so those with delicate temperaments are not advised to participate. The retreat is five days, and includes all meals, room and linens for $450. Those wishing to participate must apply, as the seventeen spots are highly sought after each year.
The monastery follows a strict schedule all year, but during the silent retreat, this schedule is supplanted by a time of rest. Visitors are encouraged not to participate in activities but to listen, accept guidance as it comes from God and within, and spend as much time as possible in isolation and prayer. As the grounds are rarely open to visitors the rest of the year for observation outside of small visiting hours, this is a special experience.
During the retreat, Monks offer silent prayer, meals either together or in isolation, and prayerful walks around the grounds. Some years are reserved for men only, due to the male-only composition of the monastery. Modest dress is required for the stay, covering the arms and legs regardless of weather. This retreat is best for those comfortable with silence looking to deepen their meditation practice.
Mount Calvary Monastery | Address: Mount Calvary Monastery, P.O. Box 1296, Santa Barbara, CA 93102 | Phone: 805-682-4117
12. Shasta Abbey
Shasta Abbey is a Buddhist temple designed to help teach visitors about their spiritual path. Because of this mission, the Abbey requests visitors come to the abbey for a day visit before committing to a full retreat. Visits should be arranged by phone at least a day beforehand.
While the Abbey offers many retreats throughout the year (about one a month), they vary in length and level of silence. The introductory retreat includes times of silence and times to pray with a group, discuss Dharmic work, and learn new Sutras. Other retreats assume that visitors already understand these basic ideas, and instead offer fully silent visits for up to a week. These fully unspoken times include yoga, silent meditation, and spiritual guidance several times a day. Depending on the type of retreat, other activities are also included- these change every year.
The cost of attending is based on an application submitted to the abbey along with the retreat application. According to previous guests, the cost ranges from $25-$300 per night. Costs can be discussed with the monks when the reservation is made.
The abbey does ask that all electronic devices be turned in to the guestmasster upon arrival, so that cell phones and laptops do not become a distraction. They can be accessed as needed, but are strongly discouraged and limited to use in one room of the guesthouse.
Shasta Abbey | Address: 3724 Summit Drive, Mount Shasta, CA 96067 | Phone: 530-926-4208 x305
13. Spirit Rock
Spirit Rock offers two silent meditations per year, each one a week long. Those wishing to attend must apply, as there are few spots. Each silent retreat focuses on a particular issue, ranging from Dharmic practices in the LGBTQ community to finding peace by meditating death. Activities are different for every retreat, and are not released until you arrive. However, each retreat includes multiple meditations per day, and is fully silent. Workshops are founded largely in lecture and guided meditation.
Teachers are always guests considered experts on their subject. As such, Spirit Rock is managed by a small group of yogis but offers instruction from many others. One benefit of this, aside from obvious specialty, is that Spirit Rock offers continuing education credit for most of its silent retreats. These are valid at many local colleges, as well as for practicing psychologists, therapists and counselors.
Spirit rock offers family silent meditation retreats upon request, although it can be difficult to schedule. They must be built in around existing retreats, as children under 16 are not welcome during standard retreats due to silent times observed.
Spirit Rock | Address: 5000 Sir Francis Drake Blvd., Woodacre, CA 94973 | Phone: (415) 488-0164
The cost of attendance varies based on need, which is assessed in the retreat application.
As you consider which retreat works best for you, think about where you are in your meditation practice and what you seek. Certain retreats offer specific types of spiritual guidance, or are tailored to specific religions, while others are open to all. Not all retreats are first-come-first-serve, and prices vary greatly. Above all, consider where you are in your practice. Which retreat will best allow you to grow and move onward?
Good luck, and enjoy your retreat.
