California

Magical Monterey

Program No. 1208RJ
From iconic shorelines to the homeland of John Steinbeck, from world-renowned aquarium to the “crown jewel” of California state parks, come see all that’s amazing in historic Monterey.

Enroll with Confidence

We want your Road Scholar learning adventure to be something to look forward to—not worry about. Learn more

Protecting the Environment

We offset a portion of the emissions created by your travel. Learn more

Prefer to enroll or inquire by phone? 800-454-5768
Select your type of room
Price will update based on selection
Prices displayed below are based on per person,doubleoccupancy.

DATES & PRICES

On Campus Private BathOn Campus Upgraded
Clean, comfortable, dormitory lodgings with access to a private bathroom.
Upgraded on-campus faculty housing. Accommodations are newly constructed and feature a large room, queen beds and a private bath.
May 6 - May 11, 2024
On Campus Private Bath 1,549
On Campus Upgraded 1,899
Itinerary Note

This departure starts on a Monday.

Filling Fast!
Sep 8 - Sep 13, 2024
On Campus Private Bath 1,549
On Campus Upgraded 1,899
Nov 10 - Nov 15, 2024
On Campus Private Bath 1,549
On Campus Upgraded 1,899
Full Inventory
Dec 1 - Dec 6, 2024
On Campus Private Bath 1,549
On Campus Upgraded 1,899
Full Inventory
Feb 9 - Feb 14, 2025
On Campus Private Bath 1,599
On Campus Upgraded 1,949
Mar 16 - Mar 21, 2025
On Campus Private Bath 1,599
On Campus Upgraded 1,949
Apr 13 - Apr 18, 2025
On Campus Private Bath 1,599
On Campus Upgraded 1,949
Full Inventory
May 5 - May 10, 2025
On Campus Private Bath 1,599
On Campus Upgraded 1,949
Sep 7 - Sep 12, 2025
On Campus Private Bath 1,599
On Campus Upgraded 1,949
Nov 9 - Nov 14, 2025
On Campus Private Bath 1,599
On Campus Upgraded 1,949
Full Inventory
Nov 30 - Dec 5, 2025
On Campus Private Bath 1,599
On Campus Upgraded 1,949

DATES & PRICES

On Campus Private BathOn Campus Upgraded
Clean, comfortable, dormitory lodgings with access to a private bathroom.
Upgraded on-campus faculty housing. Accommodations are newly constructed and feature a large room, queen beds and a private bath.
May 6 - May 11, 2024
On Campus Private Bath 1,869
On Campus Upgraded 2,219
Itinerary Note

This departure starts on a Monday.

Sep 8 - Sep 13, 2024
On Campus Private Bath 1,869
On Campus Upgraded 2,219
Nov 10 - Nov 15, 2024
On Campus Private Bath 1,869
On Campus Upgraded 2,219
Full Inventory
Dec 1 - Dec 6, 2024
On Campus Private Bath 1,869
On Campus Upgraded 2,219
Full Inventory
Feb 9 - Feb 14, 2025
On Campus Private Bath 1,919
On Campus Upgraded 2,269
Mar 16 - Mar 21, 2025
On Campus Private Bath 1,919
On Campus Upgraded 2,269
Apr 13 - Apr 18, 2025
On Campus Private Bath 1,919
On Campus Upgraded 2,269
Full Inventory
May 5 - May 10, 2025
On Campus Private Bath 1,919
On Campus Upgraded 2,269
Sep 7 - Sep 12, 2025
On Campus Private Bath 1,919
On Campus Upgraded 2,269
Nov 9 - Nov 14, 2025
On Campus Private Bath 1,919
On Campus Upgraded 2,269
Full Inventory
Nov 30 - Dec 5, 2025
On Campus Private Bath 1,919
On Campus Upgraded 2,269

At a Glance

Called the most beautiful meeting of land and water on the face of the earth, Monterey Bay, the legendary Pacific coast and sun-drenched Carmel Valley mark a convergence of currents, cultures and creators that make the area one of the country’s most fascinating places. Together we’ll visit the famous Monterey Bay Aquarium, view stunning Point Lobos State Natural Reserve and travel the internationally heralded 17 Mile Drive. With lodgings and classes at the famed Hidden Valley, a small performing arts institute nestled amongst oak covered hills, lecturers will include at least one historical character, a coastal biologist, a winemaker and performers teaching or studying at Hidden Valley. Join us for an immersion in the history, the ecology, the arts, the wine and the “magic” of Monterey.
Activity Level
On Your Feet
Walking up to 2 miles throughout the day and standing at museums and on outdoor field trips, getting on and off a motor coach, and sitting during presentations.
Small Group
Small Group
Love to learn and explore in a small-group setting? These adventures offer small, personal experiences with groups of 13 to 24 participants.

What You'll Learn

  • Meet John Steinbeck and visit iconic Cannery Row and the Steinbeck Museum as well as the Monterey Bay Aquarium.
  • Learn about the region’s famous wines from a local wine maker or vineyardist.
  • Experience the drama and beauty of Point Lobos State Natural Reserve on a scenic day walking along the Pacific Coast.

General Notes

The Retreat Difference: This unique, often basic and no-frills experience at a Road Scholar Retreat includes opportunities for early morning exercise, interaction with the local community for insight into local life, an authentic farm-to-table or locally sourced meal, and a live performance or event.
Featured Expert
All trip experts
Profile Image
Taelen Thomas
Taelen Thomas, local Carmel Bay bard and master of the oral tradition, is known for his golden, resonant voice and powerful stage presence. He creates and performs biological dramas in which he “brings to life” literary personalities including Dylan Thomas, Robert Burns, John Steinbeck, Jack London, and Mark Twain, often performing with musicians. The most recent edition of Taelen's poetry is entitled “Inside of a Galloping Buffalo.” He has recorded a powerful CD of the poetry of Robinson Jeffers, commissioned by the Tor House Foundation.

Please note: This expert may not be available for every date of this program.

Profile Image of Taelen Thomas
Taelen Thomas View biography
Taelen Thomas, local Carmel Bay bard and master of the oral tradition, is known for his golden, resonant voice and powerful stage presence. He creates and performs biological dramas in which he “brings to life” literary personalities including Dylan Thomas, Robert Burns, John Steinbeck, Jack London, and Mark Twain, often performing with musicians. The most recent edition of Taelen's poetry is entitled “Inside of a Galloping Buffalo.” He has recorded a powerful CD of the poetry of Robinson Jeffers, commissioned by the Tor House Foundation.
Profile Image of Rick Yramategui
Rick Yramategui View biography
Rick Yramategui first performed a Joplin rag at Shakey's Pizza Parlor in Los Alamitos, California while in high school in the 70s. He received a bachelor’s degree in music education from Whitworth College. He serves as pastor of Carmel Valley Community Chapel, performs with the Carmel Piano Trio, and was the pianist for a revival of George Gershwin's musical, “Oh, Kay!” He is passionate about the connection between music and spirituality.
Profile Image of Rick Fournier
Rick Fournier View biography
Rick Fournier is an avid birder who has lived in Monterey for the past 40 years. He has been operating a birding-adventure company in central California for 24 years, leads groups for regional Audubon Societies, at the Elkhorn Slough National Estuarine Research Reserve, and conducts avian wetland monitoring for the Moss Landing Marine Labs. He spent 4½ years in the Big Sur Ornithology Lab’s mist net program.
Profile Image of Gael Gallagher
Gael Gallagher View biography
Gael Gallagher has a passion for the Monterey Bay area and pursues ongoing coursework in local history, ecology, architecture, and the natural sciences. Gael serves as a docent a the Point Lobos State Reserve and is a guide/trainer at the Monterey Bay Aquarium. She is also docent at the National Steinbeck Center and is an instructor for the National Wildlife Federation's Conservation Summit.
Profile Image of Deanna Ross
Deanna Ross View biography
Deanna Ross is a dancer, choreographer, and teacher. Born in California, she began her studies at age seven at the Redwood Empire Ballet in Santa Rosa, then spent 12 years at the San Francisco, Pennsylvania, and Milwaukee Ballet Schools, the HARID Conservatory, and the North Carolina School of the Arts. Deanna lives in Monterey, Ca., where she has choreographed numerous works, and has served as Bay Area guest artist. She also teaches ballet, modern dance, dance improvisation, E-STRETCH, slow breathing and stretching.
Profile Image of Rene Kimzey
Rene Kimzey View biography
Rene Kimzey is a Hoosier at heart, transplanted to California a decade ago. She and her rescue dog, Peg, reside in a historic home in lovely Old Town Monterey which they embrace for its beauty and cultural richness. She holds a bachelor’s and master’s of education from George Mason University. After a career in healthcare, she delved into special events work, volunteering her time at many local organizations. Rene enjoys being a Group Leader for Hidden Valley, sharing her passion for Monterey, and helping others.
Profile Image of Matthew Shea
Matthew Shea View biography
Matthew Shea’s roots in the Carmel Valley go back two generations. The son of a master gardener, Matthew grew up with an inherent understanding of the valley, its horticulture, and ecology. After graduating from Oregon State University and successfully managing 1000’s of acres of vineyards in Oregon, he returned to focus on the Estate Vineyards of Bernardus Winery in Carmel Valley. Using his background in organic, sustainable agriculture, Matt has brought a balance to the vineyard through increasing diversity, composting, and water and soil management.
Profile Image of Peter Meckel
Peter Meckel View biography
Peter Meckel is the founder and General Director of Hidden Valley Music Seminars. Born and raised in the Midwest, he attended university at Rockford University in Illinois, and Occidental College in California. His leadership of Hidden Valley has resulted in one of the most respected opera training centers in America and a major contributor of arts education programs for vocalists, instrumentalists, and dancers. Students from throughout the world come to study with master teachers from many of America’s most prestigious orchestras and opera companies.
Profile Image of Diane Salmon
Diane Salmon View biography
Diane Salmon grew up in San Diego, California, but fell in love with Monterey, where she moved after finishing her degree in microbiology and internship for Clinical Laboratory Scientist. While working at the local hospital, she hiked trails amid the area’s the breathtaking natural beauty. She moved to the San Francisco Bay area for several years and became board certified in infection control. After returning to Monterey and working at the local hospital, Diane is now a docent at Point Lobos State Natural Reserve.
Profile Image of Jim Covel
Jim Covel View biography
Jim Covel recently retired as Director of Training & Interpretation for the Monterey Bay Aquarium where he trained and managed hundreds of volunteers. He has worked as a park ranger and interpreter, leading environmental education programs for the Southgate Recreation and Park District in Sacramento and the East Bay Regional Park District in the SF Bay Area. Jim has also served as a visiting lecturer at UC Davis, CSU Sacramento and CSU Monterey Bay, teaching courses from resource management to outdoor recreation and ecotourism.
Profile Image of Rene Kimzey
Rene Kimzey View biography
Rene Kimzey is a Hoosier at heart, transplanted to California a decade ago. She and her rescue dog, Peg, reside in a historic home in lovely Old Town Monterey which they embrace for its beauty and cultural richness. She holds a bachelor’s and master’s of education from George Mason University. After a career in healthcare, she delved into special events work, volunteering her time at many local organizations. Rene enjoys being a Group Leader for Hidden Valley, sharing her passion for Monterey, and helping others.
Visit the Road Scholar Bookshop
You can find many of the books we recommend at the Road Scholar store on bookshop.org, a website that supports local bookstores.





Recommended For You

loading spinner