California is, without a doubt, America’s golden state. From Silicon Valley and Hollywood to Napa Valley and the Sequoia forest, it is no surprise that California is the most populated state in America. I mean, who wouldn’t want to live there, let alone visit? Not only is California politically, socially, and economically prosperous, but it is also wealthy in terms of wellness. This state is home to some of the world’s most remarkable landscapes, national parks, and wellness resorts. So it’s only right that I share with you 5 of its best destinations. These beautiful places will serve as proof that California is indeed a wellness hub. Let’s check them out.
1. Mount Shasta
If you are looking for exciting wellness destinations in California then Mount Shasta should be your first pick. From wilderness camping to luxury resort retreats, this non-active stratovolcanic city is one of Northern California’s fastest-growing vacationing destinations. There are so many wellness activities that you can do at this beacon of adventure. How about hiking? The city has dozens of hiking trails waiting to be conquered by you. Some of the best include Bunny Flat Trailhead, Shasta-Trinity National Forest, and Spring Hill Trail.
Why not meditate at the Hedge Creek Falls or have a Wim Hof session at the top of the mountain in winter? The adventure is limitless. If you are looking to have a more chilled time, you can book into one of the many luxury spas and resorts in Mount Shasta. I recommend making a stop at Sacred Mountain Spa for some of the best massages and facial treatments in California. Do you want to spend a few nights in this pristine area? Hestia Magic Lodge is there to provide you with cabins and traditional Mongolian yurts. Mount Shasta is the ideal place to have an adventurous wellness experience!
Accommodation in Mount Shasta – Booking.com
2. Los Angeles
What if I told you that you could spend your Friday night exploring hipster hangouts, Saturday watching a movie premiere in West Hollywood, and Sunday afternoon swimming at the beach? Sounds like a dream, right? Well, not if you are visiting Los Angeles. And that is just the tip of the iceberg. LA is concentrated with acupuncturists and juice bars, making it not only a fun city but a health-centric one too. The City of Angels is also a great destination for doing yoga. It has hundreds of A-class yoga studios, Hot 8 Yoga being among the most recommended.
Hotels in Los Angeles – Booking.com
There are many yoga styles that you can do in LA, the most popular are vinyasa, flow, power fusion and hot yoga. LA is also home to some of the best kundalini yoga studios in the world. Many yoga studios are open until 8 and 9 p.m. so you have no excuse not to attend! Not a fan of partying, going to the beach or doing yoga? No problem, LA spas and resorts are there to offer you a wide range of wellness activities. I highly recommend Pause West Hollywood. The spa offers treatments like detoxification, cryotherapy, massages and floatation therapy.
3. Yosemite National Park
If you love nature then you need to make your way to Yosemite National Park. Seated in the Sierra Nevada mountains of California, this park is renowned for its enormous, old sequoia trees. Yosemite is also popular because of Tunnel View – a famous scene of the granite cliffs of El Capitan and Half Dome rocks. Every glance at this Californian national park is guaranteed to take your breath away as the Bridalveil Fall waterfall soothes your soul. A perfect place for mindfulness, meditation, hiking and trekking.
Yosemite Village features a variety of businesses like stores, lodges, and dining options. This is the perfect place to spend a couple of nights so that you can enjoy a full Californian experience. Yosemite is California’s most visited park hosting over 3 million visitors in 2021 alone. What a great place to make new friends!
Accommodation at Yosemite National Park – Booking.com
4. San Francisco
Behold San Francisco – the commercial, cultural, and financial centre of Northern California! With over 800,000 residents, this city is the 17th most populated in America and the fourth in California. There are so many amazing things that you can do in San Francisco. You could start by having a walking meditation session across the Golden Gate Bridge. Let the cold and fresh winds of the Pacific Ocean bring peace to your spirit. How about going on an open-top bus tour around the city? Bring your family members and friends along because you will need someone to share all these wonderful memories with.
Maybe you feel like taking a small hike instead. That’s perfectly fine! You can climb Twin Peaks Hill, it is only 280 meters high. San Francisco also has several museums that you can visit if you enjoy fine arts. I recommend you visit the Walt Disney Family Museum if you love movies. If you still have time, book a massage session at one of the spas in the city after your boat cruise to Alcatraz. Just spoil yourself, you deserve it!
Hotels in San Francisco – Booking.com
5. Redwood National and State Parks
Along the coast of Northern California, there are some protected grasslands, beaches, and woods known as the Redwood National and State Parks. If you are looking for a serene place to connect with your inner self then look no further. There is so much exploration that awaits at this peaceful wellness destination. The lush rainforest of Jedediah Smith offers you a 32-kilometre trail which you can hike or cycle free of charge. The only money that you will need to spend is 8 dollars for vehicle entry and a reservation fee for lodging and camping amenities.
If you do decide to camp here, make sure you enjoy at least one campfire at Jedediah Smith Campground. You can also go kayaking, snorkelling, picnicking and fishing in the Smith River – California’s longest free-flowing river. Who knows, you might just catch a steelhead trout or chinook salmon during your expedition.
Before You Go
By now you should agree with me that California is indeed a wellness hub filled with many amazing places and incredible activities to do. I’m sure you are ready to grab your passport and take off to California to experience these wellness marvels for yourself.
If you are planning to visit one of the parks discussed in this article, it is important to prepare yourself beforehand. Be sure to pack enough food and water to avoid dehydration and hunger. If you will be hiking, trekking or cycling, please stay on designated trails. Take breaks, and let your loved ones know where you are going and your estimated date and time of return. Remember to also bring enough clothes, a camera and a portable charging device. But above all, have fun!
