Location: Idyllwild
Top Things to do in Idyllwild
What to do and see in Idyllwild, United States: The Best Places and Tips
A small town in the heart of the San Jacinto Mountains, Idyllwild is the perfect escape from Southern California traffic and the bustle of modern life. The big draw is San Jacinto National Park, where you can explore more than 50 trails. Rent bikes in town for a leisurely ride on a flat trail, or if you prefer, choose more rugged terrain. Rock climbers can scale Tahquitz rock. For those less experienced, sign up for rock-climbing school or try bouldering on the smaller rocks. A hike through many of the forest trails will take you by mountain streams and lead you to peaks with views of the Coachella Valley below and, on clearer days, the Salton Sea hundreds of miles away. Idyllwild is small enough that wherever you stay, you’ll be close to nature. Head to town to browse local shops and restaurants.
Restaurants in Idyllwild
1. Mount San Jacinto State Park and Wilderness
Overall Ratings
5 based on 167 reviews
This 13,000-acre park offers over 50 miles of trails in the mountains soaring above the Sonora desert.
Reviewed By MandC0218 - Riverside, California
Hiked to Suicide Rock which was was such a great hiking experience working our way up to the summit with it's breathtaking and amazing views . Fresh air, the sounds of nature and these views made this one of our best hikes. There are many trails within Mount San Jacinto Park and each trail and the different seasons offer a unique experience. Highly recommended.
2. Idyllwild Nature Center
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 95 reviews
Reviewed By Vendrizzi - Moab, Utah
Very open spaced preserve. Their nature center provided a lot of local history and geographical information for tourists. We were there for a dog fundraiser for their local animal shelter. BUT BEWARE!!!! We were advised to be on high alert for rattlesnakes Even so a great place to spend the day wandering around nature enjoying beautiful scenery and views.
3. Middle Ridge Winery
Overall Ratings
5 based on 16 reviews
Idyllwild's own winery tasting room. Middle Ridge Winery was started in Idyllwild in 2006 and we now have our own 4000 sq. ft. "Tasting Gallery" located in the heart of Idyllwild. We feature our award-winning wine, gourmet light bites, art exhibits & live music in a rustic,yet elegant environment. The art is produced by members of the "Art Alliance of Idyllwild" where our talented artists supply us with their premium works.
Reviewed By Denise L - Nashvillle
After reading such positive TA reviews and other online resources, we decided to take the windy roads 50 minute drive from Palm Springs to Idyllwild. Melody & Chris Johnston, the owners, were onsite answering questions about their wines as well as the nice variety of artists who display there (33 I believe Chris said). Don't miss the adult coloring books- take a page and some colored pencils and enjoy coloring all types of pictures, some of which you just have to see to appreciate!
Tastings of 3 2-ounce pours was $14 and we tried 6 of them with our favorites being the Black Mountain blend and the pinot grigio. But I believe our favorite part of the afternoon was talking to Chris about the origins of the winery and the hours of hard work he and his wife Melody have spent on this gallery and winery. We learned that they spent 2 weeks stripping and white washing the walls to give it a more eclectic updated look. As well, many of gallery installations and interior walls are Chris's designs and are movable to have a changing look.
His grapes come from vinyards of Temecula where he actually makes his delicious wines.
Highly recommend a trip to this quaint town and winery as well as the cute shops around. The music was just beginning as we hated that we had to return to Palm Springs for dinner reservations.
4. Lake Fulmor
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 28 reviews
Reviewed By Markclo1 - Manchester, United Kingdom
A beautiful lake. Great trails around the lake, it's small and easy walk around with small children. This place is pristine, with stunning views of the Sam Jacinto mountains. Lots of picnic tables and great to places t rest. Wonderful forest surrounding the lake with more great trails
5. Idyllwild Park
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 22 reviews
Reviewed By SereneEcho - Hemet, CA
The day use area has quite a few shaded picnic tables, a grass Meadow to play in, & adjacent clean restrooms. The staff on site were very courteous & allowed us to enter the main campsite area (after our picnic in the day use area) so we could scope out a campsite when we return in June. There is no playground, but there are coin showers. The sites are pretty close together & no hookups from what I could tell. There is a download able map on the website & reservations can be made online
6. Indian Vista Scenic Overlook
Overall Ratings
4 based on 12 reviews
Reviewed By CrankingChick - Tucson, Arizona
This is a small parking area on the Palms to Pines Scenic Byway (CA243) with a scenic view. The parking area and viewpoint are paved and wheelchair accessible. There are no restrooms here. It's a quick stop about 9 miles north of Idyllwild, on the west side of the road.
7. Idyllwild Area Historical Society Museum
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 2 reviews
Great little museum in the heart of Idyllwild. Museum has a local person present to answer questions. Museum is free of charge. Has lots of pictures from the early days of the town.
Reviewed By SDPeterson - La Quinta, California
I was there during one of their local art festivals for which the town of Idyllwild is known for. It was fun to learn the history of Idyllwild and see the history of Idyllwild through the pictures and the docent's who tell the tale of early Idyllwild. The art was an added surprise feature many of the local and VERY talented artists who reside in the beautiful town. This is a must if you're a history buff or if only traveling to learn about the emergence of the darling town of Idyllwild.
8. Eastside Reservoir Project
Overall Ratings
5 based on 1 reviews
A giant recently built dam.
Reviewed By johnguarino509 - Cabazon, California
had a great time with friends had a blast i didn't even know this place existed and i will go back here again with my girlfriend and spend more time here awesome place to take the entire family
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