California is the king of labyrinths featuring almost 500 around the state. SO many that I had to break my initial list of 35 public labyrinths to visit into multiple parts:
18 Labyrinths to visit in Northern California
17 Labyrinths to Visit in Southern/Central California + 1 Maze (this post)
If you want a full list of labyrinths in the state check out the Worldwide Labyrinth Finder.
One thing I did not break into 2 parts is my California labyrinth data. If you read thee other CA post above this duplicates that and can be skipped. Before we get to my recommendations for Northern California I want to tell you about some statistics about labyrinths in the USA from some research I did. If you are interested in knowing things like what the largest labyrinth is in the US, where the Northernmost, Southernmost labyrinths are in the US, and similar questions, it is worth a read: Questions about US Labyrinths Answered. All of these California answers and statistics were part of that research. We start with a chart summarizing the data from California:
Here is how California compares to the rest of the US. With 513 labyrinths, California ranks #1 in the USA although on a per capita basis CA is actually below average. Medieval is the #1 type of labyrinth in California, while in the US the Classical type is typically more popular.
California Labyrinth Questions Answered:
What is the largest labyrinth in California ? The largest labyrinth in California is the BeesNBlooms Labyrinth in Santa Rosa, CA with a 170 foot diameter. It is a 7 circuit Medieval labyrinth made for lavender plants !
What city has the most labyrinths in California ? California features 14 cities with 5 or more labyrinths. San Francisco, CA has the most with 19 labyrinths. San Diego and San Jose are tied for second most, each featuring 16 labyrinths.
Are there any record setting labyrinths in California ? Yes.
The Trinity Cathedral in Sacramento, California had an indoor Chartres replica style labyrinth (but I could not confirm this still exists - not on website or church calendar). If it does it is tied with 3 other labyrinths for the largest indoor labyrinth in the US.
The largest octagonal labyrinth in the US is the Sunhawk Farms labyrinth located in Hopland, California. It was designed based off of the labyrinth in St. Quentin, France (which has been around since 1495!!!) and features 9 circuits. The labyrinth has a diameter of 100 feet, was made using lavender plants and can be seen on Google Maps.
Both the Aquarian Labyrinth in Clearlake, California and the CC37 Labyrinth (a spiral) in Winterhaven, California feature 15 circuits, the most in the US.
17 Labyrinths to Visit in southern/central California + 1 maze
1. Fairview Dry Lake Labyrinth
Want an adventure ? Visit this 11 circuit labyrinth built from rocks on a dry lake bed. You’ll need to go off road to reach it. Find the labyrinth easily with this entry on Google Maps which awkwardly labels it “Circular Rock Path”.
Location: Apple Valley, California
Address:
Apple Valley, California 92307
2. Back Bay Inn Labyrinth
This large, 74 ft diameter 11 circuit labyrinth made from rocks in the sand overlooks Morro Bay. Follow the shore north behind the Back Bay Inn to locate. Check out this 360 view of it !
Location: Baywood Park, California
Address:
1385 Second Street
Baywood Park, California 93402
3. Library Garden Park Labyrinth
An 11 circuit Chartres replica labyrinth located in this small city park. While you are here take a photo with the world’s largest book sculpture. Then walk the labyrinth to calm down.
Location: Bellflower, California
Address:
9918 Flower Street
Bellflower, California 90706
4. Clovis Community Hospital Labyrinth
A classic 5 circuit concentric circular labyrinth located in the park at the hospital. It is made from small hedges and features a stone in the center. Easy to find with an entry on Google Maps.
Location: Clovis, California
Address:
Medical Center Drive E.
Clovis, California 93611
5. Glen Ivy Hot Springs Labyrinth
This 7 circuit stone labyrinth is made from rocks and is located next to Hot Springs entrance. Open 362 days a year (Closed for Easter, Thanksgiving and Christmas). Plan a trip to the wellness center on the website.
Location: Corona, California
Address:
25000 Glen Ivy Road
Corona, California 92883
6. Stoneview Nature Center - The Tree of Life Labyrinth
Labyrinth featured starting at 1:18
The Tree of Life Labyrinth is a classical 7 circuit labyrinth made from rocks that is part of a larger public artwork created by artist Katarina Skraba. Find it easily with this entry on Google Maps or visit the Facebook page for more details.
Location: Culver City, California
Address:
5950 Stoneview Drive
Culver City, California 90232
7. Lagoon Island Labyrinth
This large 11 circuit medieval labyrinth is a legitimate tourist attraction, located in a scenic location on UC Santa Barbara grounds. This 360 view from the center will give you an idea of the grounds. It has an entry on Google Maps to locate easily. If you do not arrive on foot or by public transport you will need to pay to park in a lot. I found a second video on this showing the plants after a controlled burn that was interesting.
Location: Isla Vista, California
Address:
UC Santa Barbara, Lagoon Road
Isla Vista, California 93117
8. City of Laguna Niguel Labyrinth (LA SO)
Labyrinth starts at 2:58
I wanted to include this labyrinth because it has such a unique shape - a 6 circuit oval racetrack style with a bougainvillea flower design in the center. This wonderful 360 view of the labyrinth will also help you locate it on a map !
Location: Laguna Niguel, California
Address:
29751 Crown Valley Parkway
Laguna Niguel, California 92677
9. Lindsay City Hall Labyrinth
This 7 circuit Chartres style labyrinth is located in the lawn on the east side (N. Gale Hill Avenue side) of city hall. The labyrinth has grass pathways with brick lining.
Location: Lindsay, California
Address:
251 E. Honolulu St.
Lindsay, California 93247
10. El Sereno Arroyo Garden Labyrinth
This labyrinth is made from mosaics by artist Jolino Beserra and includes a butterfly in the center ! Check out the artists page on the labyrinth with wonderful pictures and details. The labyrinth is located at the west side entrance to the park.
Location: Los Angeles, California
Address:
5520 Concord Ave.
Los Angeles, California 90032
11. Borchard Community Park Labyrinths
In this set of 3 labyrinths, the largest is an 11 circuit Chartres replica, with a contemporary 3 circuit and a spiral labyrinth located next to the larger labyrinths entrance. The labyrinths are on the east side of the park near the parking lot at the end of Gerald Drive.
Location: Newbury Park, California
Address:
190 Reino Road
Newbury Park, California 91320
12. Newport Beach Pier Labyrinth
Labyrinth starts at 4:12
This 7 circuit contemporary labyrinth is located on the square leading to the pier. Here is a nice 360 view of the labyrinth from the square.
Location: Newport Beach, California
Address:
72 Mc Fadden Pl.
Newport Beach, California 92663
13. St. John's Regional Medical Center Labyrinth
A 6 circuit medieval labyrinth made from low hedges and compacted gravel. It is part of the healing garden on the NE side of the complex (off Williams Drive). Here is a pin to find it easily.
Location: Oxnard, California
Address:
1600 N. Rose Avenue
Oxnard, California 93030
14. Arlington Garden in Pasadena Labyrinth
Labyrinth featured at 13:52
A classical 7 circuit labyrinth made from rocks with decomposed granite pathways. Located in the formal garden it is open from sunrise to sunset. Plan a trip to the garden on the garden website which includes a map showing the labyrinth location !
Location: Pasadena, California
Address:
275 Arlington Drive
Pasadena, California 91105
15. Sunnylands Labyrinth
A 6 circuit labyrinth with concrete pathways and plants that is surrounded by benches and trees. Check the Sunnylands Center & Gardens website for the gardens hours and to plan your trip. Check out this 360 view of the labyrinth taken from the center. The labyrinth is located on the southern half of the garden behind the building.
Location: Rancho Mirage, California
Address:
37977 Bob Hope Drive
Rancho Mirage, California 92270
16. University of Redlands Labyrinth
A 11 circuit Chartres labyrinth located near the E Brockton Ave parking lot. Has an entry on Google Maps to locate it easily.
Location: Redlands, California
Address:
1200 East Colton Avenue
Redlands, California 92373
17. CC37 Desert (Patton) Labyrinth
All photos courtesy of Ditzy:
This labyrinth is in the middle of the desert. Be smart on when you visit - 3PM on a July Day is a terrible idea. A spiral 50 foot diameter labyrinth that is locatable on Google Maps. As you can see in the video above it was made by a group of dedicated workers ! As mentioned above this is tied for the recordnumber of circuits in the US with 15 !
Location: Winterhaven , California
Address:
American Girl Mine Road
Winterhaven , California 92283
BONUS: The Getty Center Central Garden Maze (LA SO)
This maze at the Getty Museum is made from 3 interlocking circles. Plan a visit to the museum on the website and be sure to check out the maze (but it is not for walking unless you want to get wet). Here is a nice 360 view of it.
Location: Los Angeles, California
Address:
1200 Getty Center Dr
Los Angeles, California 90046
5 TIPS FOR VISITING A LABYRINTH
Set an intention for your walk so you can walk with purpose. It could be prayer, reflection, meditation, contemplation, or openness.
Be sure to wear comfortable shoes, as you will be doing a lot of walking.
Bring water with you, especially if you are visiting on a hot day.
Take your time and enjoy the experience. There is no need to rush through a labyrinth.
Be respectful of other visitors. This includes not making noise and being respectful if walking with other people.
5 BOOKS TO READ ABOUT LABYRINTH WALKING
I wrote a blog post reviewing the following 5 books, each that deals with walking labyrinths. You can check them out yourself at the Amazon links below or read this blog post: 5 Books about the Spiritual Aspect of Labyrinths to learn a little about what each book teaches.
Walking a Sacred Path: Rediscovering the Labyrinth as a Spiritual Tool by Dr. Lauren Artress 201 pages. AMZN
Labyrinth : Your Path to Self-Discovery by Tony Christie 312 pages. AMZN
Exploring the Labyrinth: A Guide For Healing and Spiritual Growth by Melissa Gayle West 209 pages AMZN
Walking the Labyrinth: A Place to Pray and Seek God by Travis Scholl 240 pages AMZN
Labyrinths from the Outside In: Walking to Spiritual Insight by Rev Dr Donna Schaper and Rev Dr Carole Ann Camp 187 pages AMZN
If you are interested in more spiritual labyrinth aspects I suggest the following websites:
Lauren Artress website - For coaching, workshops and classes.
Veriditas - The nonprofit labyrinth group founded by Lauren Artress
Worldwide Labyrinth Finder - Find a labyrinth to walk near you, or while on vacation
I am a maze artist and I have made some California maze art. If you have any suggestions - drop me a note. 2 already on my future maze list are the Walt Disney Concert Hall and the Broad Museum.
Hollywood Sign Maze (part of the sign maze collection)
Here are some mazes of famous buildings from around the world:
