Located within the Southern California county of Riverside, Idyllwild, California, is a picturesque community surrounded by the pine trees of the San Jacinto Mountains and the San Bernardino National Forest.
Often called “Mile-high Idyllwild” due to its elevation, the mountain resort offers visitors the opportunity to partake in outdoor adventures such as mountain biking, hiking, rock climbing, and horseback riding. Camping, fishing, and nature walks are also part of the location’s appeal to outdoor enthusiasts and nature lovers.
Of course, there are other things to do in Idyllwild, California, for visitors who are more of the “indoorsy” type. Art galleries, pottery shops, wine tasting, plenty of stores, and many restaurants are also located within this beautiful resort town. Whether you’re enjoying a solo getaway or part of a family vacation, you will surely find various activities you’ll love!
Discover a hidden gem in Idyllwild, California – the Silver Pines Lodge. Set in a picturesque location among tall pine trees, this lodge offers a unique and peaceful getaway. Guests can enjoy accommodations with free WiFi and private parking, as well as access to a fitness room.
Nestled in the hills of Idyllwild, Silver Pines Lodge is the perfect place to escape the hustle and bustle of everyday life. This historic lodge, built in the 1920s, offers breathtaking views of Strawberry Creek and the surrounding mountains. Guests can enjoy free Wi-Fi, cable TV, and a refrigerator and microwave in each room.
The Creekstone is a unique boutique hotel that offers visitors a chic mountain retreat in Idyllwild. Our newly renovated hotel features 9 stylishly designed rooms, 7 with manzanita fireplaces, and a lively drawing room for Idyllwild’s sophisticates and adventurers. The perfect place for a romantic getaway
TL;DR
Need the gen on the best of Idyllwild right now? Here’s a quick list of the best things to do in Idyllwild, California.
- Most significant landmark – San Jacinto Peak
- Best park – Mount San Jacinto State Park
- Best free activity – Living Free Animal Sanctuary Tour
- Best activity for kids – Idyllwild Nature Center
- Best activity for adults – Middle Ridge Winery
- Best food – Fratellos’s Authentic Italian Food
- Best nightlife – Rustic Theater
- Best all-around accommodation – The Grand Idyllwild Lodge
The Best Fun Things to Do in Idyllwild, CA
1. Climb Tahquitz Peak
Address: San Jacinto Mountain Range, Idyllwild, CA
Idyllwild is known for its rock climbing and bouldering opportunities, and one of the most famous peaks to conquer is Tahquitz. The degree of difficulty is currently rated between 5.10-5.15, with just over 200 climbing routes snaking along its face. The peak offers a stunning look at the surrounding area and even holds a fire lookout station due to its commanding views of the entire county and beyond.
Tahquitz is Southern California’s largest rock, and new routes continue throughout the peak. Though its original rating throughout the 1960s and 70s was only between 5.0-5.9, the upgrade in climbing shoes, technology, and equipment also allowed for an upgrade in the rating. Tahquitz Peak requires a permit in order to climb, which can be obtained at the Idyllwild Ranger Station.
See Related: Fun & Best Things to Do in Oceanside, California
2. Climb Suicide Rock
Address: San Jacinto Mountain Range, Idyllwild, CA
Suicide Rock lies just to the north of Tahquitz, and though it is smaller, it has over a hundred more routes than its larger neighbor. With an average rating of 5.11, Suicide has shorter routes than Tahquitz, with the Valhalla route being especially well-known in the climbing community.
Suicide Rock became a popular climbing location during the 1970s and 1980s as Tahquitz began to see a decline in the number of climbers. The Stone Masters, led by John Long, was the first group of climbers to complete the 5.11-rated route of Valhalla in 1970. Like Tahquitz, Suicide Rock also requires a permit in order to climb.
See Related: Best Palm Springs Restaurants You Can’t Miss
3. Hiking in Mount San Jacinto State Park
Address: 25905 Highway 243, Idyllwild, CA 92549 (Park Headquarters)
Mount San Jacinto State Park covers 14,000 acres of land and features the highest peak in the California State Park System. At nearly 11,000 feet, San Jacinto Peak is immediately recognizable as the tallest point in the San Jacinto Mountains.
The state park offers many trails, camping sites, horseback riding trails, and overnight backpacking destinations. Its extensive trail system has dozens of hikes ranging in difficulty from easy to very hard.
Each provides a different opportunity to experience a scenic overlook, rocky outcrops, alpine meadows, or some of the area’s beautiful wildlife. The most popular hike in the park is a loop of 4.5 miles that leads through Round Valley, where you can see the stunning alpine meadow and a historic 1930s ranger station.
The park contains numerous day hikes and hikes that lead to overnight campsites. Regardless of your hike, you must purchase a permit before entering the park. This brochure provides more information on the state park’s trails and permits requirements. If you’re looking for an awesome hotel near the state park, check out the Silver Pines Lodge!
See Related: Fun & Best Things To Do In Richmond, California
4. Palm Springs Aerial Tramway
Address: 1 Tram Way, Palm Springs, CA 92262
Thinking about a unique day trip from Idyllwind? Mount San Jacinto State Park can be accessed by car or via the spectacular Palm Springs Aerial Tramway. This tramway transports passengers 2.5 miles between the Mountain Station, located on the edge of the Mount San Jacinto State Wilderness, and the Valley Station in Chino Canyon. It is one of the world’s longest and largest single-lift passenger tramways, with a lift of nearly 6,000 feet!
Despite the distance traveled and the elevation change, the journey from one station to another only takes about 10 minutes. The tram car has a unique feature: it slowly rotates to allow passengers to enjoy a full view of the surrounding mountain range and the valley below.
The tram runs every day of the week though hours vary depending on the day of the week and time of year. Be sure to check here for hours of operation before you go!
See Related: Northern California vs Southern California: What’s the Difference?
5. Camping in Mount San Jacinto State Park
Address: 25905 Highway 243, Idyllwild, CA 92549 (Park Headquarters)
The Mount San Jacinto State Park offers wilderness campgrounds that can only be reached by hiking and campgrounds where trailers and motorhomes (as long as they are no longer than 24 feet) can be parked. The Idyllwild and Stone Creek Campgrounds strongly recommend reservations as spots can fill quickly, especially during the summer!
These developed campgrounds offer accessible features such as campsites, showers, parking, restrooms, and picnic areas. The Stone Creek Campground also includes an accessible trail and is a pet-friendly campground.
The Idyllwild campground welcomes dogs but is not allowed at other locations in the park, including the San Jacinto Wilderness area (except for service animals). Please review this brochure or visit the website for more information on camping and available campgrounds.
See Related: Fun & Best Things to Do in Ramona, California
6. Idyllwild Nature Center
Address: 25225 Highway 243, Idyllwild, CA 92549
The Idyllwild Nature Center is located 1 mile northwest of Idyllwild and features nature walks, guided tours, and field study trips, as well as children’s activities and educational programs. Many of the opportunities offered by the nature center can take place during a scheduled appointment in order to provide a more personalized or specific visitor experience.
Most of the programs at the Idyllwild Nature Center focus on topics such as mountain ecology, the Cahuilla Native culture, local habitats, and the history of the San Jacinto Mountains.
In addition to the nature programs, the Idyllwild Nature Center also offers Snow Play for children and adults during the winter season! The Nature Center requires a fee for adults, children, and dogs (they must remain on a leash). Special events and Snow Play may require additional fees.
Please visit the website for more information on the programs and activities offered by the Idyllwild Nature Center. If you’re worn out after a full day of nature center adventures, consider staying at The Grand Idyllwild Lodge just down the road!
7. Idyllwild Area Historical Society Museum
Address: 54470 North Circle Drive, Idyllwild, CA 92549
The Idyllwild Area Historical Society Museum provides exhibits and historical information on life in the early days of Idyllwild, the Idyllwild Inn, and the Emerson Family Legacy. These permanent exhibits contain documents, artifacts, and examples of Idyllwild’s economic and social development between 1917 and 1945. The museum also contains a featured exhibit periodically changing to focus on another aspect of the area’s interesting history.
In addition to the exhibits, the museum also hosts various special events and has a small gift shop. The museum shop carries books about Idyllwild’s history, the San Jacinto mountains, and various other local topics. It also offers souvenirs such as shirts, postcards, art by local artists, magnets, and water bottles. More information on the Idyllwild Area Historical Society Museum can be found by visiting their website.
See Related: Fun & Best Things To Do In Cambria, California
8. Middle Ridge Winery
Address: 54301 N. Circle Drive, Idyllwild, CA 92549
The Middle Ridge Winery offers a unique experience where wine tasting and art combine to create a warm and artistic atmosphere. The winery hosts art gallery shows featuring pieces by local artists, including sculptors, painters, photographers, and winemakers.
The winery uses grapes from vineyards throughout California to create fine wines that locals and tourists enjoy. Wine tasting can be enjoyed Friday through Monday, beginning at noon.
Closing hours differ by day and may extend beyond the times listed on the website. It’s always a good idea to call ahead and see if the wine tasting room will be open later than planned.
9. Mountain Pottery
Address: 54240 Pine Crest Ave, “B,” Idyllwild, CA 92549
Mountain Pottery Shop and Studio allows visitors to take home a piece of local art with beautiful items on sale. Each piece is hand thrown, hand built, and one-of-a-kind, so you never know what you’ll find from one visit to the next! The friendly atmosphere invites guests to shop and enjoy the unique items crafted by the community of local artists.
Mountain Pottery is also a studio that offers classes on Saturdays, Sundays, and by appointment. Instructors will assist each guest as they work to create a piece on the potter’s wheel. The studio will then glaze and fire the pieces, which can be picked up a few weeks after the lesson.
This activity is a perfect way to bring home a piece of your Idyllwild visit that you crafted yourself! Visit the shop and studio’s website to learn more about the items for sale and the classes offered.
See Related: Fun & Best Things to do in Murphys, California
10. Idyllwild Regional Park
Address: 54000 Riverside County Playground Road, Idyllwild, CA 92549
Idyllwild Regional Park provides over 200 acres of beautiful scenery and which can be viewed while enjoying one of the five hiking trails while staying at one of the eighty-eight campsites or while picnicking at one of the many provided tables.
The park offers some of the best outdoor activities in the area for hiking, climbing, biking, and exploring. It is a pet-friendly location, so you can bring along your puppy pal to enjoy it all with you!
Idyllwild Park provides campsites access to restrooms, coin-operated showers, potable water, picnic tables, and fire rings. A camping fee is required for anyone staying at the campground. A day-use permit is required for everyone else who enters the park. Idyllwild Park also hosts seasonal events such as Snow Play during winter. An additional fee may be required for such activities.
To learn more about Idyllwild Regional Park and its many outdoor activities, please visit its website. And, if you love the mountain ambiance of Idyllwild but don’t want to spend the night outdoors, consider staying at Walden in the Wood, surrounded by trees, fresh air, and stunning views instead!
11. Lake Fulmor
Address: Off State Route 243, Idyllwild, CA 92549
Another of Idyllwild, California’s tourist attractions for outdoor enthusiasts, is the lovely Lake Fulmor. With a smooth, mirror-like surface, Lake Fulmor offers beautiful scenery, an easy walking trail, fishing, and picnicking. The serene environment, combined with the tranquil feel of the surrounding pine trees, makes this an ideal location for a quiet afternoon or evening getaway.
Some of the wildlife that can be spotted on the loop trail around Lake Fulmor include tree frogs, dragonflies, ground squirrels, butterflies, and Steller’s Jays. Within the lake itself, Rainbow Trout may be found (if the fish have been recently planted).
This peaceful lake offers mountain recreation for those who enjoy a slower-paced, less strenuous outdoor experience. Lake Fulmor is available for day use only, and an Adventure Pass is required for entry. Visit the Lake Fulmor website for additional information on fish planting and seasonal events or updates.
See Related: Fun & Best Things to Do in Venice Beach, California
12. The Ernie Maxwell Scenic Trail
Address: Fern Valley Rd, Idyllwild, CA 92549
The Ernie Maxwell Scenic Trail is a well-known hike and one of the best places to visit in Idyllwild. It begins in Humber Park and descends 700 feet over 2.6 miles. It is considered an easy, scenic hike that crosses streams on its way to the bottom and offers beautiful views of the surrounding countryside.
The hike is popular amongst amateur and professional botanists alike as many different species of trees line either side of the trail. Since this hike winds into the San Jacinto Wilderness Area, it is open to foot traffic only, and bicycles are not allowed. There is also a minimal fee required to access Humber Park. For more information on fees and hours, check the website.
13. The Indian Vista Scenic Overlook
Address: Banning-Idyllwild Panoramic Highway, Banning, CA 92220
If you don’t mind traveling a few miles outside Idyllwild, you can visit the Indian Vista Scenic Overlook. Located 9.5 miles northwest of the mountain resort, the overlook is ideal for spotting wildlife while enjoying the magnificent scenery.
Red-tailed Hawks and Ravens are often found flying overhead, while several lizard species enjoy sunning themselves in the warmer months on the nearby rocks. Patient visitors may also be rewarded with a sighting of some of the larger wildlife, which includes the gray fox, coyote, deer, and even bobcats.
For those who enjoy studying flora and fauna, the Indian Vista Scenic Overlook has many tree and plant species, including Chaparral and Oak. More information on the area status, hours, and conditions can be found by visiting the website.
See Related: Fun & Best Things to Do in Riverside, California
14. Living Free Animal Sanctuary
Address: 54250 Keen Camp Rd, Mountain Center, CA 92561
Animal lovers may be tempted to add a new member to the family after paying Living Free Animal Sanctuary a visit! Founded by Emily Jo Beard, a lady with a serious love for all life on Earth, Living Free Animal Sanctuary is in the neighboring Mountain Center about 10 minutes down the road. This marvelous animal sanctuary famously rehabilitates and rehomes cats and dogs with love and care.
They’re constantly on the lookout for volunteers and new pet parents, and they’re available for tours too! They also operate a wonderful therapy program, pairing veterans with mustangs as part of a transition process. Vets can relax and learn horsemanship amid gorgeous surroundings with War Horse Creek. And they are gorgeous surroundings. But it ain’t all good looks and fluff babies – there’s history here too!
Living Free Animal Sanctuary is in the corner of California, once home to the Cahuilla Tribe, and many archeological artifacts remain. The Sanctuary has made painstaking efforts to preserve these finds and honor the heritage of the Cahuilla.
15. Rustic Theatre
Address: 54290 N Circle Dr, Idyllwild-Pine Cove, CA 92549
Founded as an awesome side gig in 1952 by husband and wife Nina Mae and Glenn Froehlich, Rustic Theatre is arguably the unique movie theater in California.
From the outside, you’d be forgiven for thinking it was a lodge or cafe. However, inside this unassuming building, you’ll find a gift shop, a cafe serving favorite pub eats, and a compact movie theater with comfy chairs to sink into!
They have frequent showings of the latest blockbusters, a classic movie club, and an odd live performance here and there. You can check their calendar to see what’s up.
See Related: Fun & Best Things to Do in Brentwood, California
Getting Around Idyllwild, CA
By Car
As a mountain community, Idyllwild, California, has little in the way of public transportation. The best way to navigate the mountain resort is with a car. Since many tourist attractions and popular destinations lie off the main road, a car is the surest way to access all the places you’ll want to visit. Do yourself a favor and get a car sported ahead of time with someone like Kayak.
For Seniors
Forest Folk provides an Idyllwild Shuttle Service for seniors within the Idyllwild, California, mountain communities. It offers free transit to and from specific locations in the area, with days and times changing depending on the season. Check their website for the latest updates and schedules.
Palm Springs Aerial Tramway
Though the tramway can’t help you get around within Idyllwild, California, it can give you access to the high country wilderness by linking Palm Springs with Mount San Jacinto State Park. It also provides a spectacular scenic overlook while traveling between the tram stops in either direction. The tramway operates most days of the year though times vary depending on the season and day of the week. Check the website before you travel to ensure the trams are operational.
FAQ
What is Idyllwild, CA, known for?
Idyllwild is perhaps best known for its stunning surroundings, including the Mount San Jacinto State Park, the San Bernardino Mountains, The San Jacinto Mountains, Idyllwild Park, and Lake Fulmor. However, it is also known for the knotty pine furniture that was handcrafted in the area and highly popular throughout the mid-1900s. Many of the cabins feature these pieces, which are now considered highly collectible.
Is Idyllwild, CA, worth visiting?
Yes! There are so many incredible hiking trails, biking trails, environmental education programs, nature center activities, and outdoor experiences that you will definitely want to visit Idyllwild, California! The Middle Ridge Winery, local art galleries, and amazing restaurants like Fratello’s give you an excellent reason to enjoy the day or even the weekend here!
What are the best things to do in Idyllwild, CA, with kids?
The Idyllwild Area Historical Society Museum is a great way to acquaint your kids with Idyllwild, California. Follow that up with the Idyllwild Nature Center, and one of its easy hikes, and the whole family will have the chance to learn about the local environment while also enjoying the beautiful conifer forests. The Palm Springs Aerial Tramway is another great attraction that children and adults enjoy – as long as no one is afraid of heights!
What are the best free things to do in Idyllwild, CA?
Since much of the area is surrounded by state and federal parks, many of the things to do in Idyllwild, California, require entrance fees. However, the local art galleries and shops are free to explore, and the Living Free Animal Sanctuary offers free tours of its facilities. You can also enjoy taking pictures in the beautiful mountain town and town proper while enjoying the peaceful feel of the relaxed atmosphere.
What are the best places to visit in Idyllwild, CA, if it’s raining?
You can still visit most of the state and federal park attractions, even in the rain. Some areas may not be accessible due to safety precautions, but many of the nature walks and hikes can still be completed in rainy conditions. If you want to make sure you stay dry, visit The Idyllwild Area Historical Society Museum, the Middle Ridge Winery Tasting Room, or one of the shops that sell the fine custom furniture that Idyllwild has long been known for.
Related Resources:
- Best Cancel Anytime Travel Insurance
- Best Credit Cards for Traveling: Our Top Picks
- Best Carry-On Essentials for Travel
- Best Travel Agent Tools to Use
Lock In Your Travel Now
Find Cheap Flights
Use Skyscanner to find flight deals. As my personal favorite flight search engine, Skyscanner scours websites and airlines across the globe, leaving no stone unturned to help you find the best deal possible. And if you really want to take your savings to new heights, pair Skyscanner with Going (Formerly Scott's Cheap Flights). With access to exclusive mistake fares delivered straight to your inbox, you'll be packing your bags and jetting off on your next adventure before you know it.
Travel Insurance
Travel insurance is a low cost way to ensure your travel plans go smooth no matter what's thrown at it. Cover yourself against illness, injury and theft, and protect the arrangements you've made with our flexible travel cancellation insurance. My favorite options for travel insurance are:
Book Your Accommodation
In order to capture the widest selection of properties and the best price, use Booking.com as they have the cheapest rates for guesthouses, hotels, luxury condos, B&Bs and so much more.
Want More Destination Ideas Direct to Your Inbox?
Be sure to join the ViaTravelers Newsletter for expert tips, tricks and inspiration for your next travel journey!
Discover the Best Travel Tools
Be sure to visit our page on our favorite travel resources to learn how you too can visit over 10 countries in year.