Lauren’s Guide to Idy
Neighborhoods
It’s important to be a good Neighboor. When visiting, please be respectful of our community and help to keep it the quiet charming mountain town it is. If you are looking to enjoy some party time, idyllwild is not that town.
There are very strict rules & guidelines for vacation rentals to be able to operate in idyllwild. Every surrounding neighbor (no matter where you stay in Idy) has your host’s info & a 24hr complaint hotline #. Don’t be the reason a host loses their operating permit. You’ll be asked to vacate premises immediately with no refund.
Idyllwild-Pine Cove
It’s important to be a good Neighboor. When visiting, please be respectful of our community and help to keep it the quiet charming mountain town it is. If you are looking to enjoy some party time, idyllwild is not that town.
There are very strict rules & guidelines for vacation rentals to be able to operate in idyllwild. Every surrounding neighbor (no matter where you stay in Idy) has your host’s info & a 24hr complaint hotline #. Don’t be the reason a host loses their operating permit. You’ll be asked to vacate premises immediately with no refund.
Things to do
Idy is known for Lilacs! Beautiful Lilac bush garden just a few blocks from the cabin. Bring some wine or a picnic and enjoy the space. They open while the lilacs are in bloom… usually sometime in April through May/June.
Alpenglow Lilac Gardens
25025 Fern Valley RoadIdy is known for Lilacs! Beautiful Lilac bush garden just a few blocks from the cabin. Bring some wine or a picnic and enjoy the space. They open while the lilacs are in bloom… usually sometime in April through May/June.
Meet the Mayor, Mayor Max (yes, we actually elected a dog as our Mayor!) He is usually in town weekdays at 4pm & weekends @ 2pm. You can also meet his “deputies” Mitzi & Mikey, and Vice President Meadow (His siblings😂). You can also call to arrange a private meet & greet.
119 locals recommend
Idyllwild-Pine Cove
Meet the Mayor, Mayor Max (yes, we actually elected a dog as our Mayor!) He is usually in town weekdays at 4pm & weekends @ 2pm. You can also meet his “deputies” Mitzi & Mikey, and Vice President Meadow (His siblings😂). You can also call to arrange a private meet & greet.
Explore the shops of Downtown Idyllwild! There are so many cute little shops to buy souvenirs and check out local artwork.
119 locals recommend
Idyllwild-Pine Cove
Explore the shops of Downtown Idyllwild! There are so many cute little shops to buy souvenirs and check out local artwork.
Pines-to-Palms”scenic byway:
This is a famous, beautiful stretch of highway 74 that takes you from idyllwild to Palm Springs…takes about an hour each way. Beautiful day-drive.
119 locals recommend
Idyllwild-Pine Cove
Pines-to-Palms”scenic byway:
This is a famous, beautiful stretch of highway 74 that takes you from idyllwild to Palm Springs…takes about an hour each way. Beautiful day-drive.
Check out a movie at the rustic… a neat theater in the middle of downtown.
58 locals recommend
The Rustic Theatre, Idyllwild
54290 N Circle DrCheck out a movie at the rustic… a neat theater in the middle of downtown.
Living Free is a nonprofit animal sanctuary whose primary mission is to rescue dogs and cats whose time is up at public shelters. Also home to War Horse Creek, an immersive transition training program using rescued wild mustangs to assist veterans as they adjust to civilian life
They offer tours of 5 people or less at a time. Call to reserve.
8 locals recommend
Living Free Animal Sanctuary
54250 Keen Camp RdLiving Free is a nonprofit animal sanctuary whose primary mission is to rescue dogs and cats whose time is up at public shelters. Also home to War Horse Creek, an immersive transition training program using rescued wild mustangs to assist veterans as they adjust to civilian life
They offer tours of 5 people or less at a time. Call to reserve.
Bring your fishing gear or have a picnic by the lake. There is a little cafe and a store that offers boat rentals and fishing licenses. An adventure pass is required to park there. Swimming is not permitted.
48 locals recommend
Lake Hemet
Bring your fishing gear or have a picnic by the lake. There is a little cafe and a store that offers boat rentals and fishing licenses. An adventure pass is required to park there. Swimming is not permitted.
Stop by the Idyllwild Museum and soak up some history.
28 locals recommend
Idyllwild Area Historical Society
54470 N Circle DrStop by the Idyllwild Museum and soak up some history.
Silver Pines Lodge
25955 Cedar StreetStop by the silver pines lodge and check out the large Koi pond.
Check out the FREE summer concert series starting Thurs July 7th, and every Thursday after that for 8 consecutive weeks.
Butterfield Amphitheater
54201 CA-243Check out the FREE summer concert series starting Thurs July 7th, and every Thursday after that for 8 consecutive weeks.
Annual tree lighting ceremony! Saturday after thanksgiving, festivities start at 2pm: Santa visits, live music, vendors, games, and more! Tree lighting is at sundown (around 5:15pm)
Town Center
54265 Village Center DrAnnual tree lighting ceremony! Saturday after thanksgiving, festivities start at 2pm: Santa visits, live music, vendors, games, and more! Tree lighting is at sundown (around 5:15pm)
The Great Annual Pumpkin Carnival -Halloween celebration! Costume parade downtown starting at 4:15pm on Halloween. trick or treat at downtown businesses, live music & vendors, costume contests for kids, adults , & dogs!
Town Center
54265 Village Center DrThe Great Annual Pumpkin Carnival -Halloween celebration! Costume parade downtown starting at 4:15pm on Halloween. trick or treat at downtown businesses, live music & vendors, costume contests for kids, adults , & dogs!
A paint your own pottery store in the middle of downtown idyllwild.
16 locals recommend
Earth 'n' Fire
54225 N Circle DrA paint your own pottery store in the middle of downtown idyllwild.
Mountain Maniacs Arcade
54225 N Circle DrFun little arcade in the middle of downtown!
Cafe Aroma
54750 N Circle DrLive music at cafe aroma this summer
Mountain Pottery
54240 N Circle DrCall to schedule a pottery class during your stay!
Need to hit the gym during your stay? Check out this new establishment that welcomes both locals & visitors.
Pharos Athletic Club Idyllwild
Need to hit the gym during your stay? Check out this new establishment that welcomes both locals & visitors.
There is a self service laundry mat in town as well as a laundry pick up & delivery service
Idyllwild Laundry Service
There is a self service laundry mat in town as well as a laundry pick up & delivery service
Idyllwild delivery service
There are only 2 small markets in town. If you need items from a store such as sprouts, etc… you can schedule a delivery from this Lady who will drive down the hill & pick up your groceries for you.
Idyllwild-Pine Cove
Idyllwild delivery service
There are only 2 small markets in town. If you need items from a store such as sprouts, etc… you can schedule a delivery from this Lady who will drive down the hill & pick up your groceries for you.
Sunset!!! This is a really beautiful spot to go check out a gorgeous sunset. A little hard to find through maps, but if you take double view rd to the end you will find it. There are often other people here, playing music & doing artwork.
Inspiration Point, Idyllwild-Pine Cove, CA 92549, USA
Sunset!!! This is a really beautiful spot to go check out a gorgeous sunset. A little hard to find through maps, but if you take double view rd to the end you will find it. There are often other people here, playing music & doing artwork.
Food scene
Great food & drinks… close to the cabin. This is the best spot in idyllwild. Many vegan & gluten free options as well. This is a busy spot, I recommend making reservations. -Dog friendly
111 locals recommend
Cafe Aroma
54750 N Circle DrGreat food & drinks… close to the cabin. This is the best spot in idyllwild. Many vegan & gluten free options as well. This is a busy spot, I recommend making reservations. -Dog friendly
Try the pork chop or chicken cordon bleu & Manhattan cocktail. The patio has a great view of Tahquitz Rock. -Dog friendly
75 locals recommend
Restaurant Gastrognome
54381 Ridgeview DrTry the pork chop or chicken cordon bleu & Manhattan cocktail. The patio has a great view of Tahquitz Rock. -Dog friendly
Excellent breakfast spot. Everything is delicious! Great patio to sit and people watch. Dog friendly.
36 locals recommend
Mama's Egg House
54241 Ridgeview DrExcellent breakfast spot. Everything is delicious! Great patio to sit and people watch. Dog friendly.
Great spot to grab an ice cold beer after a long hike :) huge shaded patio area that looks out to the pines. They have a food menu (with doggy options!) as well.
135 locals recommend
Idyllwild Brewpub
54423 Village Center DrGreat spot to grab an ice cold beer after a long hike :) huge shaded patio area that looks out to the pines. They have a food menu (with doggy options!) as well.
The Wine Finch
54225 North Circle DriveEnjoy a glass of wine or a cold beer overlooking town center.
Alpaca Coffee & Tea
26600 CA-243Great brunch / lunch spot that just opened up in 2022.
Hiking
This is a popular spot located about 1 mile from the cabin. I recommend going early on the weekends as parking fills up. There are two trailheads, a large parking area & restrooms (parking lot for humber park is closed in the winter… the Ernie maxwell trail can be accessed via the south ridge trail road - you’d be starting the trail from the end vs. the start)
Ernie Maxwell Trail:
Probably the most popular hike in Idy. No permit needed, dogs allowed. Great for kids as it’s not too long, relatively flat, and lots of shade.
Devil’s slide trail
This is a steep hike, beautiful with lots of views. Go as far as you like. Bring crampons with you through May (Ice). Dogs allowed. You’ll need to grab a permit at the ranger’s station across from Idy Sushi before going.
72 locals recommend
Humber Park
24559 Fern Valley RdThis is a popular spot located about 1 mile from the cabin. I recommend going early on the weekends as parking fills up. There are two trailheads, a large parking area & restrooms (parking lot for humber park is closed in the winter… the Ernie maxwell trail can be accessed via the south ridge trail road - you’d be starting the trail from the end vs. the start)
Ernie Maxwell Trail:
Probably the most popular hike in Idy. No permit needed, dogs allowed. Great for kids as it’s not too long, relatively flat, and lots of shade.
Devil’s slide trail
This is a steep hike, beautiful with lots of views. Go as far as you like. Bring crampons with you through May (Ice). Dogs allowed. You’ll need to grab a permit at the ranger’s station across from Idy Sushi before going.
Tahquitz Rock Via Friction Route - Great short hike, but steep! Close to the cabin. Amazing view from (almost) the top of Tahquitz rock. Use the Ernie Maxwell trailhead. Recommend using the All Trails app as the turn off is unmarked. I do not recommend bringing dogs or kids as it is steep, slippery, and breezy at the top.
Tahquitz Rock (Lily Rock)
Tahquitz Rock Via Friction Route - Great short hike, but steep! Close to the cabin. Amazing view from (almost) the top of Tahquitz rock. Use the Ernie Maxwell trailhead. Recommend using the All Trails app as the turn off is unmarked. I do not recommend bringing dogs or kids as it is steep, slippery, and breezy at the top.
This is a small day use lake with picnic tables & restrooms. There is a walking trail that goes around the lake. Really pretty drive to get there and tons of trailheads up the road on the 243 from the house. It can be closed in winter.
71 locals recommend
Lake Fulmor Day Use Area
Hall Decker RoadThis is a small day use lake with picnic tables & restrooms. There is a walking trail that goes around the lake. Really pretty drive to get there and tons of trailheads up the road on the 243 from the house. It can be closed in winter.
South ridge Trail”
Hard, 8 mile out-and-back hike (steep) great hike for winter hiking (bring crampons!) Not far from the cabin, great views along the way or even just a good place to go play in the snow. The road is usually closed, so you’ll have a pretty step hike for about a mile & a half before getting to the trail. There are dispersed camping spots along the way to the trail.
San Jacinto Wilderness
South ridge Trail”
Hard, 8 mile out-and-back hike (steep) great hike for winter hiking (bring crampons!) Not far from the cabin, great views along the way or even just a good place to go play in the snow. The road is usually closed, so you’ll have a pretty step hike for about a mile & a half before getting to the trail. There are dispersed camping spots along the way to the trail.
Deer Springs Trail
Beautiful hike with creek crossings. Grab a permit from the ranger station across from Idy Sushi before going. No dogs allowed on this trail. Located off the 243 highway on the right across from the wilderness center.
34 locals recommend
Mount San Jacinto State Park
25905 CA-243Deer Springs Trail
Beautiful hike with creek crossings. Grab a permit from the ranger station across from Idy Sushi before going. No dogs allowed on this trail. Located off the 243 highway on the right across from the wilderness center.
City advice
Getting around
Adventure Pass required
An adventure pass is required to be displayed in your vehicle on most trails in Idyllwild. We have one at the cabin for you to use during your stay. They can also be purchased from the village market and the gas station. $5 for a day pass, $30 for a year pass. Cash only.
Getting around
Plan your dining
Depending on the time of year, many restaurants in town are closed mon-weds, or have early closing hours, plan ahead when possible so you don’t miss out on an experience. The village market is a great store that has everything you need to make a delicious meal at the cabin :)
Don't miss
Farmers Market
Usually on sundays from 9a-2 by town hall. Full of all kinds of neat finds!
What to pack
Cramp-ons / shoe spikes
Be aware of icy / snowy hikes. I always suggest bringing cramp-ons/spikes for your boots if you’re hiking in fall-spring. The San Jacinto Mountains go to almost 11kft elevation
Getting around
Poison Oak
There is not much poison oak in Idyllwild, but it does exist, be aware. It can be very abundant on trails down the mountain and near creeks. Use caution. We have poison oak wipes at the cabin for your use (ok to use on pets too) just in case!
Getting around
Uber / Lift
Can be difficult to find… plan on walking and/or driving. There is usually plenty of parking available around town.
What to pack
Snow chains
Check the weather! Chains will be required for any vehicle that is not 4wd with snow tires in snowy/icy conditions. Check the cal trans website for road conditions & chain controls.
Getting around
BBQ Permits
Anyone using a BBQ has to get a free permit from the fire dept. charcoal BBQs are not allowed.
Book before you go
Be prepared!
If traveling in winter, carry chains. Even if you have 4wd w/ snow tires. Weather changes quickly on the mountain, and roads are icy in the morning & evening hours due to snow melt. Download the Caltrans QuickMap app for road conditions, & weather underground for accurate, detailed weather forecast by the hour.
Getting around
Trail permits
Some trails in idyllwild (such as devils slide) require hikers to have a permit (and yes, rangers are on the trail & check for this!) They do this to know who’s on the trails & control over-crowding. You can pick up a permit at the ranger station across from Idy sushi. Go early or the day before so they don’t run out of permits.