Things to do in California, United States: The Best Sacred & Religious Sites

Wayfarers Chapel is nestled in a grove of towering redwood trees. Lloyd Wright designed the Chapel out of glass, wood, and stone elements that come together at 30 and 60 degree angles. It opened in 1951 to serve as a place for all wayfarers on life's journey to stop and give glory to God and is famous for its organic architecture. With its breathtaking views of the Pacific Ocean and Catalina Island, the 3.5 acres that the Chapel sits on feature beautifully landscaped gardens with trees forming arbored walkways leading to gardens replicating the forest floor, expansive lawns, an outdoor amphitheater, and a rose garden with a walk of honor featuring engraved pavers. Wayfarers Chapel is a Swedenborgian church that welcomes people of all faiths to their worship services and to celebrate other important passages of life, including memorial services, baptisms, and weddings. It is listed on the National Register of Historic Places and is the National Memorial to Emanuel Swedenborg.

Inspired by His Holiness Pramukh Swami Maharaj, a handful of devotees began conducting weekly assemblies in the late 1970's and early 1980's. In 1984, His Holiness inaugurated the first BAPS Swaminarayan Mandir in Whittier, California, a small suburb just outside of Los Angeles. With the guidance and blessings of His Holiness, the congregation grew from just a handful of families to a strong group of dedicated devotees who yearned for spiritual growth. In 2000, His Holiness visited the current site of the BAPS Shri Swaminarayan Mandir in Chino Hills and invigorated the congregation's desire to build a traditional Hindu Mandir. The congregation completed with Haveli building (more commonly known as the Visitors Center) in 2007. In 2012, the BAPS Shri Swaminarayan Mandir in Chino Hills was dedicated and opened with great joy. This Mandir is the fifth traditional Hindu Mandir in North America.

Hsi Lai Temple encompasses 15 acres and a floor area of 102,432 square feet. The temple's Ming (1268-1644 C. E.) and Ching (1644-1911 C.E.) dynasty architecture is faithful to the traditional style of buildings, gardens and statuary of traditional ancient Chinese monasteries. Hsi Lai means "coming to the West" and signifies the dedication of the Fo Guang Shan Buddhist Order to spread the teachings of the Buddha to those in the West. The International Buddhist Progress Society, a nonprofit organization, is the chartered name for the temple. Hsi Lai Temple was built to serve as a spiritual and cultural center for those interested in learning more about Buddhism and the Chinese culture. It is the idea of Venerable Master Hsing Yun to propagate "Humanistic Buddhism" and to create a Pure Land here on earth. Hsi Lai Temple is built to fulfill these goals in the United States. The temple's objectives are to nurture Buddhist missionaries through education, to propagate Buddhism through cultural activities, to benefit society through charitable programs, and to edify the populace through Buddhist practices. Please visit our website for more details about visiting and booking tours if needed.

Open to the public, the Oakland California Temple & Visitors' Center is a beautiful and peaceful place to visit. Visitors can walk through the colorful gardens lined with towering palm trees, sit by the fountains and cascading waterfall, enjoy the beautiful view of the San Francisco Bay Area, and feel the peace of the grounds. While you're there, you can take a guided tour at the Visitors' Center, learn more about you're family's history at the Family Search Library, and attend events at the Temple Hill Auditorium. Only members of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints can enter the temple itself. A coveted location for photographers, the Oakland Temple is one of the best locations to enjoy a sunset over the Bay. At night, the Oakland Temple is brightly lit and can be seen throughout the Bay Area. Devotionals, concerts, and performances are hosted throughout the month in the Temple Hill auditorium and most events are free.

Located in Big Sur, this monastic retreat provides visitors with a chance to spend time in silence and solitude, seeking the inner life.