“Have you ever tried meditation?” This question is considered cliché these days and is often seen on social media, but… Sometimes it can be the definitive solution to our problems. Breathe in, hold it, and breathe out. These three conscious actions might be just what you need to reduce the stress in your daily life. Luckily, you don’t have to go on a retreat to India or the desert to achieve this. There are plenty of stress-relief spots right in our cities. Take a look at the top 10 meditation spots in Los Angeles.
1. Zen Center Los Angeles
Zen Meditation Center of Los Angeles (ZCLA) Founded in 1967 by Taizan Hakuyu Maezumi, is a beacon of tranquility in the heart of the city. A successor to White Plum, ZCLA offers a fulfilling daily schedule of meditation, Buddhist rituals, and work practices.
Our diverse programs cater for all levels. From introductory classes and workshops to intensive sesshins and training periods. Private instruction from Abbot Wendy Egyok Nakao and other esteemed teachers enriches the experience, making ZCLA a must-visit destination for anyone seeking deep meditation in Los Angeles.
📍 Location: 923 S. Normandy Ave., Los Angeles 90006
🧘 Service: Classes, Training and Meditation Retreats
2. Insight LA
InsightLA stands out as the premier meditation center in Los Angeles. A non-profit organization dedicated to practicing mindfulness and compassion. With over 20 years of experience, they offer a unique combination of secular, evidence-based mindfulness training and traditional Buddhist teachings within the Vipassana and Insight traditions.
Whether you are new to meditation or looking to deepen your practice, InsightLA offers a supportive community and expert guidance to help you cultivate peace and mindfulness in your life.
📍 Location: 9940 West Wanda Drive Beverly Hills CA 90210
🧘 Service: Retreats, Buddhist teachings, and training groups
3. Kadampa Meditation Centre
Kadampa Meditation Center Hollywood is a modern Buddhist temple and meditation center located in the heart of Los Feliz. We offer classes on inner peace, contemporary Kadambhāsmādhism and meditation.
This center is The Vision of Geshe Kelsang Gyatso Since 1977 He spreads the Neo-Kadam tradition throughout the United States and invites visitors to experience the inner peace that meditation brings.
📍 Location: 4953 Franklin Avenue, Los Angeles, CA 90027
🧘 Service: Monthly open house + tours, guided meditations, and refreshments.
4. UCLA Health Mindfulness Education Center
UCLA MARC (Mindful Awareness Research Center) Promoting mindful awareness through research and teaching in Los Angeles. We offer a range of meditation classes, workshops and mindfulness skills instruction.
The centre hosts specialised events such as mindfulness in the workplace and youth mindfulness, both hosted by experts in the field. Whether it’s a short meditation session or a comprehensive six-week course, UCLA MARC offers a variety of options to deepen your meditation practice and improve your overall wellness.
📍 Location: 740 Westwood Plaza Room C8-237, Los Angeles, CA 90095
🧘 Service: Free guided meditations, classes and events
5. Self-Realization Fellowship
Founded in 1925 in Los Angeles by Paramahansa Yogananda Famous author of Autobiography of a Yogi Self-Realization Fellowship invites visitors to explore the tranquil grounds of its International Headquarters on Mount Washington, its Hollywood Temple & Ashram Center, and its Lake Shrine Temple & Retreat in Pacific Palisades.
📍 Location:
- 4860 Sunset Boulevard, Los Angeles, CA 90027
- 3880 San Rafael Avenue, Los Angeles, CA 90065
- 17080 Sunset Boulevard Pacific Palisades, CA 90272
🧘 Service: Introductory meditation classes, group meditation, Hatha yoga classes
6. Peace Awareness Maze and Garden
Located in West Adams The Peace Awareness Labyrinth and Garden is an “urban spiritual oasis.” Welcoming visitors to walk through its stone labyrinth or meditate in its lush gardens, this meditation center in Los Angeles with its Italian Renaissance architecture reflects the legacy of its original owners. Secundo Guasti, a pioneer of California winemaking.
Tours are free with advance reservation. Repeat visitors can choose not to join a tour and simply enjoy the tranquil surroundings.
📍 Location: 3500 W Adams Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90018
🧘 Service: Talks, sound baths and yoga classes
7. Hare Krishna Cultural Centre
The ISKCON Los Angeles Temple was founded in 1970 by AC Bhaktivedanta Swami Prabhupada. The Western headquarters of the International Society for Krishna Consciousness (ISKCON).
Every Sunday at the temple Sunday Love Feast, Community Open House Events include kirtan (call and response chanting) beginning at 10 a.m., a midday aarti ceremony, talks, and prasadam (free vegetarian food). For those interested in meditation in Los Angeles, ISKCON also offers a tranquil environment for spiritual practice and reflection.
📍 Location: 3764 Watseka Avenue, Los Angeles, CA 90034
🧘 Service: Workshops, Bhakti Yoga Classes, Festivals and Celebrations
8. Forest bathing
Formally known as the Los Angeles County Arboretum and Botanical Gardens, “Forest bathing” is held at sunset on the second Sunday of every month.
This guided experience allows participants to immerse themselves in the tranquility of the trees, plants and wildlife. A silent meditation in Los Angeles provides a way to reset for the week ahead. Ages 12 and up are open to all, and admission is $25 for members and $35 for non-members. Register on The Arboretum’s website.
📍 Location: 301 North Baldwin Avenue, Arcadia, CA 91007
9. Sound Bath Center
Immerse yourself in a sonic massage with a sound bath, where soothing vibrations from crystal singing bowls, gongs, flutes, wind chimes and more envelop you. A meditative experience that stays in your body for days.
Also known as “sound meditation,” “sound healing,” or “sound therapy,” sound baths are a type of therapy where the practitioner Playing an instrument relaxes the body and calms the mind. Participants typically lie down with their eyes closed and are surrounded by therapeutic sounds.
📍 Location: 4688 Eagle Rock Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90041
🧘 Service: A sound lab featuring gong playing, theta beats and breathing techniques.
10. Levitation
Floating is a weekly outdoor art series for all ages. They blend soundscapes and scenery to create a unique meditation experience in LA. Each gathering features a curated selection of performances and activities, including meditations, sound baths and scenic hikes. Recent venues include: Audubon Center at Debs Park, Storrier Stearns Japanese Gardens, Vasquez Rocks.
📆 Upcoming Events: feelingslikefloating.com
