Mental health organization Mission Connection named Sebastopol as one of the top ‘zen’ cities in America in a recent blog post.
Mission Connection Healthcare is an online program dedicated to providing personalized mental health treatment and resources for people seeking support services.
The post listed 150 of the “most zen” cities in America, based on Google reviews from October, 2024. Each place scored between 4.12–4.88 on a 1–5 scale.
Sebastopol ranked No. 13 on the list with a score of 4.82 in Google reviews.
The bohemian city, a longtime agricultural hub in Sonoma County, is largely known for embracing art, culture and sustainable living. Spas, health stores, plant-based restaurants, art galleries and more abound in the county’s Gravenstein capital.
How to find zen in Sebastopol
For a zen-filled day in Sebastopol, start with a leisurely walk through Ragle Ranch Regional Park. The park features a peace garden, backcountry trails and picnic sites. The Blackberry Trail loops around the Atascadero marsh and across the creek, a perfect site for bird watching. In August, the park hosts the city’s renowned Gravenstein Apple Fair.
After a nice nature hike, break for lunch at one of the animal-friendly, plant-based restaurants Sebastopol has to offer. Favorites include Cozy Plum, La Bodega Kitchen, Muir’s Tea Room and Soft Medicine Sanctuary. At Soft Medicine, guests can dine on Ayurvedic grain bowls and sip soothing herbal teas, like the meditative Zendo or the relaxing and minty Casablanca. Soft Medicine also has a yoga studio as well as a cozy lounge to relax in.
For further relaxation, make your way to Bliss Organic Day Spa, where professional massage therapists will help rid the tension from your body in a calming, beachy atmosphere. The spa also offers aromatherapy and rejuvenating facials. This year, the Bohemian named Bliss as the “best skin care spa” in Sonoma County.
To learn about Zen Buddhism and how to practice meditation and mindfulness, check out Dharma Heart Zen and Rocks and Clouds Zendo.
Where else you can find zen
Sedona, Ariz. received a 4.88 score and ranked No. 1 on the Mission Connection list. Many consider the city’s red rock landscapes to “hold powerful spiritual energy,” according to the blog post. An abundance of yoga studios, spas and holistic healing centers also lend to the city’s zen-like vibe.
Ojai, Calif. ranked No. 2 on the list and received a 4.87 score. Also known for its spiritual and wellness community, it’s tucked away and offers an escape from city life. The town is surrounded by the Topatopa Mountains and has a “famous ‘pink moment,’ a rare sunset glow on the mountains” creating a mystical atmosphere, according to the blog post.
Laguna Beach, Calif. came in at No. 4 (4.86) and Kihei, Hawaii ranked at No. 5 (4.86).
Other cities in California that made the list were Encinitas (No. 10), Joshua Tree (No. 19), Carmel-by-the-Sea (No. 25), Calistoga (No. 93) and Nevada City (No. 123).
Maci Martell contributed to this article.