Hidden Valley Institute
Folk singer Joan Baez, The Monkees’ Michael Nesmith, and author John Steinbeck once lived nearby. Photographer Ansel Adams and composer Samuel Barber were both regular visitors to Hidden Valley. And Clint Eastwood used to drive his pickup around the valley. Yet for all of its celebrity ties, the vibe of California’s rural Carmel Valley and its residents is delightfully down to earth. For over 40 years, Road Scholars have flocked to Hidden Valley Music Seminars, an arts training center for young talents — music, theater, dance, opera — and an international hub for learning. Experience the hamlet’s world-class vineyards and local art scene or travel down the valley to the Pacific Ocean and Monterey’s cultural gems. You’ll see why 300 days of sunshine a year keep the locals smiling. year keep the locals smiling.
Waddell Center | Waddell Center, formerly called Wright Hall, is a single-story residence building with simple, cheery rooms with two twin beds and a private bathroom. Near the dining room and classrooms, each room exits to the beauty of surrounding gardens. The Hidden Valley campus is a rustic, 10-acre site in the foothills of the Santa Lucia Mountain Range.
The Hidden Valley campus is a serene setting among oak trees and hills. It offers Road Scholars the chance to relax and commune. The campus is walking distance to the shops and galleries of Carmel Valley Village.
- No telephones in rooms.
- Free Wi-Fi internet access.
- A computer and phone available for guest use.
This is a Road Scholar Retreats program. Our Retreat programs offer a tranquil respite from daily life in locales that lend themselves to outdoor exploration, reflection, or study. The accommodations may be basic in nature, but the facilities offer communal spaces to gather and to relax. During the week, opportunities usually exist for some combination of light exercise, a locally sourced meal, or evening entertainment.