Top 6 places to Meditate in Los Angeles, California and Vibe Out!
California is so beautiful with its majestic ocean and beautiful beaches, but the vibe is also quite something when you know where to go and what to do. I've been living in Southern California for 23 years. I lived in Los Angeles for many years and now live in Orange County, still really close to LA and love to go there often.
Of course that’s not all, you’ll also be close to some great restaurants and fun places to go afterwards. Make it a much needed day to have fun and chillax!
I’ve planned you an afternoon delight!
Change it up!
Sometimes it's fun to step out of our comfort zone or find somewhere new to specifically go to meditate. Some people prefer to meditate at home. I do too for my solid practice, but to change the perspective up a bit and catch a different vibe I love going on a spiritual outing.
I highly recommend these top 6 places to visit for a spiritual outing, some inspiration and some great places to meditate and destress. Grab a friend, or go solo, it’s all about you do you when you need to destress.
I've compiled this list in LA based on my own personal experiences. These spots are guaranteed to give you the peace and tranquility you need to relax and de-stress.
It’s simple, hit the road and raise your vibrations!
Grab your yoga mat and/or a blanket and head on over to one of these beautiful locations for an afternoon of delight.
Top 6 Places to Meditate in Los Angeles and Get Your Vibe On!
#1 Vivekananda House in Pasadena
The Vivekananda House is nestled atop a hill in Pasadena, surrounded by beautiful gardens in the rich history of Pasadena. This is the perfect spot to come if you're looking to escape the hustle and bustle and get some authentic spiritual vibes coupled with some Pasadena hipness close by with the Promenade.
The House itself is quite lovely, and the grounds are well-maintained and serene. I highly recommend visiting Vivekananda House for some peace and quiet. This is my number one recommendation if you need a deeper meditation and really want to feel the effects.
This historical house was built in 1902 and is now a historical landmark. It is owned and maintained by the Vedanta Society of Southern California, which offers classes on meditation and Yoga. A resident monk resides at the house and will show you in.
It is very significant because it is where the world renown Yogi, Swami Vivekananda stayed for almost a month during his stay in Southern California. He is the first Indian Swami to bring Yoga to the West. He changed the world with his dynamic power of personality, depth of Knowledge, purity, talent and sincerity.
If you’re not familiar, check out these books.
Call ahead and you will be able to book sometime to go meditate in the actual room Swami Vivekananda lived in. It is well maintained by the Vedanta society for seekers of truth to go and meditate. It’s worth the drive 100% to Pasadena for this. Then you can chill in the backyard for a while and reflect on all that you saw and felt.
They have so many relics in the house, it really is a bit of a museum and lots of pictures from the late 1800s and turn of the century when Swamiji was here in the USA.
To make a reservation or learn more, visit here
#2 Griffith Park
With over 4,000 acres of land, Griffith Park is one of the largest urban parks in the country. It's a great place to take a nature walk or hike, and there are plenty of quiet spots where you can sit and meditate.
It is best to find a spot by the hiking trails so that you can find more space for privacy. In my early 20s, I would go hiking there on Sundays all of the time. It is especially a great place to escape the crowded city and also be in nature within a few minutes. It is 4,310 acres of nature, so plenty of room for everyone.
The 2 spots I recommend checking out within Griffith Park are Fern Dell and the Betty Davis picnic area.
Fern Dell is the site shaded gardens and a natural spring. The Betty Davis park is one of the least crowded places in the Park with beautiful sycamore trees for shade. Although do note, the freeway is quite noisy in this spot, so maybe not the best for meditation if you are bothered by noise.
Fern Dell walking trail in Griffith Park
Take a blanket and yoga mat with you. Afterwards you can go up to Griffith Park Observatory and have the scenic look of downtown LA, visit the museum and frolic about the beautiful grounds.
The Getty Observatory in Los Angeles
You’re not a far drive to eat at one of my favorite vegan restaurants in LA. Doomies! To die for vegan junk food! I didn’t say it was healthy, lol, but it is amazing!!
#3 Malibu Canyon and Malibu Beach
Next, is where my heart always longs for! It is still my number one place to vibe out in Los Angeles. The canyons and mountains have some spiritual yumminess even though you are just right outside of Los Angeles traffic and noise.
But it’s sooooooo beautiful.
Pick one of the beaches farther up north that is less crowded and have a meditation on the beach.
Point Dume Beach and Zuma Beach are a little further up North, but they are worth the drive for the privacy and beauty you will get.
Afterwards, you can go further into the canyon away from the beach so you can commune with nature. There are several hiking trails available, so be sure to pack your hiking shoes.
It really is a magical spot for nature lovers who want to find a little peace and quiet. The canyon is beautifully scenic and provides ample opportunities for reflection and contemplation. And a beautiful drive up the coast.
#4: The Malibu Hindu Temple
Then you can continue inland taking the scenic drive on Malibu Canyon Road and visit the Hindu Temple in the Malibu Canyon. It’s exquisite and so worth the drive.
It’s ridiculously beautiful, and just a short drive from Malibu beaches.
The main temple is for Sri Balaji, he is quite something to see. There is a downstairs area as well with many more beautiful deities such as Shiva Linga, Ganesha, and more.
Malibu Hindu Temple
Krishna and Radha, Rama and Sita are in the upper complex, they are gorgeous, the temple architecture is stunning against the blue sky of Malibu…..wow, see the photos below
Malibu Hindu Temple
All are welcome at temple, it is very educational and sooooo vibey sweet. Also, plenty of places to meditate, you can sit downstairs area and meditate inside the temple for quite some time. It is very spacious.
They also sell South Indian food that is super yummy. Check the website for hours as they do change from day to day.
#5 Self Realization Fellowship Los Angeles, Lake Shrine
Self Realization Fellowship (SRF) Lake Shrine in Los Angeles was founded by Paramahamsa Yogananda, who is known as one of the first pioneers to bring yoga to the western world.
The Lake Shrine is open to the public for anyone who wants to have a day of meditation. There are many great spots to meditate around the lake, and Self Realization Fellowship also offers classes on how to meditate if you're new to it.
Although the Lake Shrine was founded by Yogananda, you don't need to be a follower of his to visit or enjoy the benefits of meditation. All are welcome at the Self Realization Fellowship Lake Shrine.
There are many great spots to meditate throughout the grounds. Visitors can even meditate on a floating dock in the middle of the lake. It is simply a peaceful place to disconnect from the outside world and connect with your inner self.
The Lake Shrine in LA
Here is their schedule, directly from their website:
“The Lake Shrine Meditation Gardens are open free of charge, Wednesday through Sunday. Advance reservations are required. Two arrival times are offered daily:
10:00am
1:00pm
Sunday, because of morning Temple services, one arrival time is offered at 1:00pm.”
They also have a nice gift shop loaded with cool statues, deities, and incense and more.
SRF Lake Shrine Gift Shop
#6 Hazy Moon Zen Center
Last but not least is the tranquil Zen Center in Los Angeles. This Zen center offers lots of meditation classes and even retreats.
I’m sure you already know about Buddha’s teachings and that Buddhism teaches suffering is caused by attachment to things that are impermanent, and that the way to end suffering is to let go of attachment. Buddhism also teaches that all beings have the potential to become enlightened, or awakened. So the next place I picked for you is steeped in beautiful Japanese Zen Buddhist traditions.
The Hazy Moon Zen Center in Los Angeles is a community of people who have chosen to follow the path of Buddhism. The Center offers classes on Buddhism and meditation, as well as opportunities for people to meditate together. The goal of the Center is to help people transform their lives through the practice of Buddhism.
Buddhism can be an inspiration for us all to live more meaningful and compassionate lives. If you're interested in learning more about Buddhism or trying meditation, the Hazy Moon Zen Center is a great place to start.
Here is some more great info directly from their site:
“The Hazy Moon Zen Center in Los Angeles brings people together to learn classical Zen Buddhism and thereby transform their everyday lives. We do so by practicing zazen, or Zen meditation, and by supporting one another as a sangha, or community. Beginners find a welcoming place to learn firsthand about Zen. Experienced practitioners will recognize the familiar forms of the Japanese Zen tradition.
The Hazy Moon is a lineage center, meaning that the Dharma expounded and maintained here has been handed down through an unbroken line of ancestors since the time of Shakyamuni Buddha. We invite you to learn more about us, sample the talks and other teachings offered here, and join us in practice.”
Ok, I hope you are inspired to get out and find some peace amidst the chaos of the world with these tips.
From scenic views to tranquil gardens, there’s sure to be a spot that resonates with you. And who knows, maybe you’ll even find your new favorite place in LA!
And most of all, if you are just visiting the LA area, all of these spots can be accessed year round. Sorry, we just have the best weather in SoCal:)
I hope this list has helped give you some ideas about where to meditate in Los Angeles. If you have any other favorite spots that I didn't mention, feel free to share them in the comments below! I know there are many more in Los Angeles.
I’m cheering you on! For real xoxo
Heather Hathaway, M.Ed.
Certified Meditation Teacher
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