The Essential Guide to Idyllwild, California

Southern California may not exactly be known for its blustery winters. But when temperatures fall and the days grow short, Golden State residents still feel the call to enjoy a quiet walk in the woods and cozy up by a fireplace. However, contrary to popular belief, quintessential winter experiences are not so hard to come by in famously sunny SoCal—in fact, you can find a prime mountain town destination just two hours from Los Angeles in Idyllwild, California.

I’ve visited Idyllwild throughout the year, and while every change of season brings something new to town, it’s particularly magical during winter. And I don’t use the word “magical” lightly. After hiking along peaceful trails (the 2,650-mile Pacific Crest Trail passes right by town), admiring the sunset behind snow-covered peaks, and warming up in a rustic cabin, you might forget that the beaches of L.A. and San Diego are just two hours away by car.

While Idyllwild’s hikes, fishing, and mountain biking trails tend to be the main attraction here, don’t miss out on the town itself. “Idyllwild has become a town all about connecting to nature and getting back to the basics,” says Ashley Stewart, a local and cofounder of Idyllwild Realty. “Our small town is full of cute, mom-and-pop shops and restaurants. We have a great presence in the art communities, as well as the outdoor community—hiking, rock climbing, and just enjoying nature.”

Whether you’re coming for the outdoor activities or simply to get away from the hustle and bustle of the city, the town is an ideal place to kick back and relax. Here’s what you need to know before planning a trip to Idyllwild, California.

Best Things to Do

Thanks to its prime location in the San Jacinto Mountains, Idyllwild allows for easy access to nature all year-round. Rock climbing at Tahquitz Rock and fishing at Lake Hemet are probably best saved for the warmer months of the year, but plenty of other outdoor activities kick into overdrive during winter.

Brave the chill and visit the Idyllwild Nature Center to learn about local ecology without the summer crowds, or try some of the lower-elevation treks in Mount San Jacinto State Park. While you don’t have to hike all the way to the peak of Mount San Jacinto (and probably shouldn’t, since the trail can get icy), you can tackle a shorter section of the Deer Springs Trail or the legendary Pacific Crest Trail to see stunning winter vistas.

If a visit to the top of Mount San Jacinto is a must but you’re not an experienced mountaineer, consider taking the long way—the Palm Springs Aerial Tramway. The world’s largest rotating tram car departs from Palm Springs, about an hour’s drive out of Idyllwild, and deposits you right at the summit within 10 miles of town. There, you can rent a pair of snowshoes from the Winter Adventure Center and explore Mount San Jacinto to your heart’s content.

All of this might sound a bit daunting, but fret not—for a more laidback stroll, you don’t even have to leave Idyllwild. “The easiest hiking trail is the Strawberry Creek Trail, which runs along the creek from Highway 243,” says Stewart. “Walking among the trees and ferns, all while hearing the trickling creek, brings you to the closest peaceful setting in Idyllwild.”

When it’s time to warm up from your adventures, head to the center of town to soak up some of Idyllwild’s infectious energy. “If it’s a full winter day, I always enjoy hopping in and out of the shops, browsing their shelves,” says Stewart. Adorable cabins house many of Idyllwild’s stores, like Speakeasy Bookmarket and El Sereno boutique, just two of the dozen-plus independent retailers up and down Idyllwild’s main drag. You can also find locally made art at places like Town Gallery to take home with you. If you’d like to try some of the local wines in the area, head to Middle Ridge Winery, where you can sample flights of regionally grown vinos. Pro tip: the winery hosts live music performances on Sundays.

Where to Eat and Drink

When it comes to dining, Idyllwild has an impressively wide variety of great eateries—no small feat for a secluded mountain town. “Every restaurant up here has great food and even better people,” says Stewart.

If you’re seeking a caffeine hit to kick off a day of exploration, Red Kettle should be first on your list. You can order up homestyle eats like chicken-fried steak and the hefty “junkyard omelette,” paired with a classic cup of joe. “Red Kettle is a great spot for locals as well as visitors,” says Stewart. “Coffee first thing in the morning with a table full of locals is the best start to any day.”

Keep the good vibes going with lunch or dinner at the Idyllwild Pizza Company, an institution esteemed for its heaping portions and lively ambiance. The fully loaded pies here will hit the spot for any hungry hikers, and you can finish off your meal with a craft cocktail or pint of Idyllwild IPA at the Idyllwild Brewpub, a minute’s walk away. 

Idyllwild also has several excellent fine dining restaurants. Located on the quieter end of Circle Drive, Cafe Aroma serves a menu featuring everything from beef ragu to kimchi mac ‘n’ cheese and Duck à l’orange. “Cafe Aroma is a quaint, small restaurant with great options for all visitors, with vegan pastas and the best vegan queso around, not to mention the vegan crème brûlée,” says Stewart.

Where to Stay

Most accommodations in Idyllwild embrace the town’s mountain setting. Expect cabin-chic architecture with plenty of exposed wood beams and stone fireplaces at stays like the historic Idyllwild Inn, which also has fun amenities like Jacuzzis.

The center of town houses Idyllwild Inn, one of the oldest facilities dating back to 1904, offering the true walk-into-town experience,” says Stewart. “Some of the older cabins have people’s messages carved into the walls from their family trips over the years.”

A little over a mile away, you can also find Idyllwild Inn’s sister property, Tahquitz Pines Retreat. Tucked into the trees a short drive from downtown, the hotel has outdoor fire pits, multiple sports courts, and an on-site spa.

During warmer weather—or if you’re comfortable spending the night outdoors during winter—you’ll have a plethora of campgrounds to choose from. Idyllwild Campground, located within Mount San Jacinto State Park, has 34 campsites, some with electric hookups, right in the center of town. Another option, Stone Creek Campground, is 10 minutes out of town and is ideal for stargazing on clear nights.