Idyllwild
Population 3,870 | Elevation 5,413 ft
Idyllwild is a nature-lovers oasis located in the San Jacinto Mountains. It is a two-hour drive from Los Angeles and San Diego, and just one-hour drive from Palm Springs & Joshua Tree. At a mile high, residents and visitors enjoy an alpine forest abounding with wildlife. The seasons are lovely with the scent of lilacs in the air in spring, warm summers, vibrant autumn colors and snowy winters.
Home to music, adventure, art and harmony, Idyllwild attracts outdoor adventurers from around the world.
Dining
FERRO (Award Winning Italian Restaurant)
El Buen Cacao (Bean to bar Chocolate Shop)
Plant Food Supper Club (Fresh Juices & Nutrient Rich Vegetarian Food)
Mile High Cafe (Delicious Udon)
Cheap Tuesday Tacos at Los Gorditos
Cafe Aroma/ Gastronome/ Fratello's (Fantastic Restaurants)
The Town Baker (Good for Breakfast)
Tommy’s Kitchen (European Sunday Brunch)
Drinks
Middle Ridge Winery (Wine Tasting & Art Gallery)
Fireside Cocktails at IDYology
Idyllwild Brewpub (An $9 sampler flight is great for your first time there)
Coffee Tasting at Black Mountain Roasters
Sip a Cappuccino at Higher Grounds Coffee
Adventure
The San Jacinto Mountains are home to rock climbing, mountain biking and fantastic hikes. Pacific Crest Trail hikers pass through our town in March and April.
Enjoy Deer Springs Trail, which begins across the road from the Nature Center and takes you up to the very scenic Suicide Rock.
Head to Humber Park with a Forest Adventure Pass (or National Parks Pass), make the trip up to Tahquitz Peak (8,846 ft), or the incredibly elevated San Jacinto Peak (10,834 ft). This colossal destination is also accessible from the Palm Springs Ariel Tramway, which is the largest rotating aerial tramway in the world.
To line up your guided rock climbing experience head to Nomad Ventures, which is California's premiere outdoor adventure store.
Other suggested day adventures from The Jamesone Lodge include enjoying nearby Lake Hemet on a rented kayak, taking a horse ride down into the Garner Valley, or traveling to nearby Palm Springs to experience the fantastic galleries, museums, and food scene.
Music | Entertainment
Idyllwild International Festival Of Cinema (March)
Free Outdoor Summer Concert Series (Thursday Nights July-August)
Jazz In The Pines Festival at Idyllwild Arts Academy (August)
Art & Wine Walk (October)
Seasonal
Christmas Tree Lighting Ceremony (Saturday after Thanksgiving)
4th of July Parade
Halloween Parade
Town Yard Sale Weekend (Memorial Day and Labor Day)
Buy leather goods from Mountain Mikes
Idyllwild Historical Society (Open on Weekends)
Rustic Movie Cinema ($5 Tickets on Wednesdays)
The Help Center (an amazing, thrift store)
Treasure Hunt at The Fern Valley Emporium