Hidden Valley Institute
Folk singer Joan Baez and author John Steinbeck once lived nearby. So, too, photographer Ansel Adams. Composer Samuel Barber was a regular visitor. Clint Eastwood is seen driving his pickup around the valley. The Monkees’ Michael Nesmith lives here. Yet for all of its celebrity ties, the vibe of California’s Carmel Valley and its 4,407 residents is delightfully down to earth. For 35 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.
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.