There’s something quietly revolutionary about finding stillness in Los Angeles—a city built on motion, noise, and hustle. Between freeway traffic, endless notifications, and the low hum of ambition, the idea of meditation feels both luxurious and necessary.
Luckily, LA takes mindfulness seriously. From serene Zen temples tucked into residential neighborhoods to modern wellness studios with guided sound baths, the city offers spaces where you can genuinely unplug, recharge, and learn from experienced teachers rather than TikTok trends.
Here’s a grounded guide to local meditation centers and workshops in Los Angeles that actually help you breathe deeper, focus longer, and reset your nervous system—without needing a retreat in Big Sur.
InsightLA – West Los Angeles & Santa Monica
If you want a place that combines ancient practice with modern compassion, InsightLA is where many Angelenos begin. Founded by meditation teacher Trudy Goodman, the center teaches mindfulness rooted in Vipassana and loving-kindness traditions.
They host daily sittings, workshops, and retreats—many donation-based. Teachers blend Buddhist philosophy with neuroscience-backed mindfulness, making it approachable for everyone from beginners to therapists.
Best for: Mindfulness meditation, compassion training
Cost: Donation-based (suggested $10–$25)
Locations: 1430 Olympic Blvd, Santa Monica, and online
Shambhala Meditation Center – Eagle Rock
For those drawn to Tibetan Buddhist traditions, the Los Angeles Shambhala Center offers structured courses in sitting meditation, mindful living, and emotional resilience.
Their programs go beyond just relaxation—they aim to help you cultivate “warriorship” (in the peaceful, mindful sense). You’ll find weekly open sittings, weekend retreats, and community gatherings centered on compassion, courage, and awareness.
Best for: Structured spiritual and mindfulness practice
Cost: By donation or sliding scale
Location: 963 N. Hillhurst Ave., Los Angeles, CA
The Den Meditation – La Brea & Studio City
Modern, warm, and very LA, The Den Meditation has become the go-to for professionals balancing burnout and busy schedules. Think soft lighting, velvet cushions, and sound bowls instead of incense smoke.
Classes range from guided meditation to energy clearing, reiki, and sound baths. They also offer multi-week mindfulness training programs if you want to deepen your practice beyond drop-in sessions.
Best for: Beginners and modern spiritual seekers
Cost: $20–$35 per class; packages available
Locations: 360 S. La Brea Ave., LA & 12323 Ventura Blvd., Studio City
Against the Stream – Echo Park
Founded by Dharma Punk Noah Levine (author of Dharma Punx), Against the Stream was built for people who love Buddhist meditation but prefer a punk-rock edge. Though their original center closed during the pandemic, they now host pop-up workshops and online sits through their teacher collective.
The vibe? Raw honesty meets mindful discipline. Expect no fluff, just practical meditation focused on emotional awareness and ethical living.
Best for: Straight-talking meditators who want spiritual depth without dogma
Cost: Donation-based
Info: againstthestream.com
Self-Realization Fellowship Lake Shrine – Pacific Palisades
You’d never guess that one of LA’s most tranquil meditation sanctuaries hides off Sunset Boulevard. Founded by Paramahansa Yogananda, author of Autobiography of a Yogi, the Lake Shrine blends Eastern philosophy and Western accessibility in a lush, garden-like setting with koi ponds, swans, and a peaceful chapel.
Visitors can explore the grounds or join weekly guided meditations in the Temple of Self-Realization. Reservations are free but required—this place is sacred to many.
Best for: Nature lovers, yoga practitioners, and reflective souls
Cost: Free entry; donations encouraged
Location: 17190 Sunset Blvd, Pacific Palisades, CA
Still Life Meditation – Venice
True to Venice’s wellness-meets-art vibe, Still Life Meditation offers a boutique meditation experience. They specialize in small-group and private sessions combining breathwork, sound therapy, and mindfulness coaching.
They also host creative workshops—like “Meditation for Creatives” or “Stillness & Movement”—which attract artists, founders, and locals craving calm without spiritual jargon.
Best for: Creative professionals and private sessions
Cost: $30–$45 per session; packages available
Location: 1538 Pacific Ave, Venice, CA
Kadampa Meditation Center – Hollywood
If you prefer structured teachings rooted in Buddhist philosophy, Kadampa Meditation Center Los Angeles is a great balance of discipline and accessibility. Classes focus on practical applications—like overcoming anxiety, cultivating inner peace, and improving relationships.
They host Sunday drop-ins, lunchtime meditations, and multi-week study programs. Expect less “woo-woo,” more logic and compassion.
Best for: Those who like guided structure and Buddhist foundations
Cost: $10–$15 per class
Location: 4953 Franklin Ave, Los Angeles, CA
Table: Top Meditation Centers in Los Angeles
| Center | Focus | Cost | Vibe | Location |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| InsightLA | Mindfulness, Vipassana | Donation-based | Compassionate, community-driven | Santa Monica/Online |
| Shambhala Center | Tibetan Buddhism | Sliding scale | Spiritual, structured | Eagle Rock |
| The Den Meditation | Modern mindfulness | $20–$35 | Contemporary, beginner-friendly | La Brea / Studio City |
| Against the Stream | Dharma Punk approach | Donation | Gritty, honest | Citywide/Online |
| Lake Shrine | Yoga & reflection | Free | Tranquil, nature-based | Pacific Palisades |
| Still Life Meditation | Creative mindfulness | $30–$45 | Boutique, aesthetic | Venice |
| Kadampa Center | Buddhist teachings | $10–$15 | Disciplined, grounded | Hollywood |
Local Workshops & Retreats to Try
- InsightLA Retreats (Santa Monica & Big Bear): Multi-day mindfulness immersions guided by certified teachers.
- Den Meditation Teacher Training: A 200-hour certification for those wanting to lead classes or deepen personal practice.
- Sound Baths at Unplug Meditation (West Hollywood): 60-minute sessions with quartz bowls and gongs that feel like mental deep-cleaning (unplug.com).
- One-Day Silent Retreats (Kadampa or InsightLA): Perfect intro to longer stillness without full isolation.
Tips for Starting Your Practice Locally
- Test the waters. Drop-in classes let you explore styles before committing.
- Set small goals. Ten minutes a day beats none—start with short, guided sessions.
- Bring curiosity, not judgment. Every class feels different—some days you’ll “get it,” others not. That’s the practice.
- Go beyond apps. Headspace and Calm are great, but live instruction adds accountability and personal insight.
- Check community calendars. LA’s wellness spaces often host donation-based group meditations on full moons or seasonal equinoxes.
FAQs:
Do I need experience to join a meditation class?
Not at all—most LA centers welcome complete beginners and guide you step-by-step.
Are there free or donation-based options?
Yes, InsightLA, Shambhala, and Against the Stream all operate on a donation model.
Can I attend online if I can’t make it in person?
Absolutely. Most centers now stream live meditations or offer hybrid classes.
