Visiting Idyllwild in Southern California is popular for a reason. Although this small town is typically touted as the top art destination in America, it also happens to be located in a breathtaking setting that is surrounded by natural beauty in every direction. Idyllwild is known for its expansive natural beauty, the kind hospitality of its inhabitants, and incredible offerings of opportunity throughout the neighboring area. There’s just something about this secluded, beautiful space that requires a solid bit of time spent outside, breathing deeply, enjoying the grand and great experience within this beautiful town in Southern California.

If you love the outdoors and you’re craving a dose of fresh air and mountain scenery, then you’ll have to take some time to explore this paradise only two short hours from San Diego or Los Angeles.

You'll find the picturesque town of Idyllwild nestled in the San Jacinto Mountains surrounded by fragrant pine trees and scenic mountain views. Since it's known perhaps as the most beautiful town in Southern California, it should be no surprise that Idyllwild is a photo-taking paradise.
yelp/kristen m.
Although many people are familiar with Idyllwild for its annual summer festival --Idyllwild Jazz In The Pines -- it's also a popular location for those seeking an outdoorsy oasis that's accessible all year long.
flickr/ron t.
Unlike other parts of Southern California, Idyllwild experiences all four seasons. So, if you want a dose of snow in the winter or some crunchy leaves in autumn, then this is one spot where you'll get your seasonal fix without traveling far from home. Visiting Idyllwild in Southern California is perfect for those looking to get outside and enjoy a bit of SoCal beauty!
tripadvisor/moody m.
When you arrive in Idyllwild, the first thing you might notice is this handsome rock in the background that creates a beautiful backdrop in the center of town. This is Tahquitz Rock. You can admire Tahquitz Rock from afar if you'd like. Or...
flickr/don graham
You can scale this towering boulder if you're feeling adventurous during your trip to Idyllwild.
flickr/ryan grimm

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If scaling rocks isn't your kind of adventure, you can head to Idyllwild Nature Center where you will find an abundance of scenic hikes in the San Jacinto Wilderness.
yelp/walker s.
You'll appreciate the clearly marked trails that will guide you through the forest setting.
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Just pick a route and follow the arrows and see where the trail leads you.
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If you enjoy camping, you'll find campsites at nearby Idyllwild County Park located right in the heart of the wilderness. If you're a guest at the campground, you'll receive a discount at the Idyllwild Nature Center. Camping has its perks!
yelp/kate g.
Idyllwild is also close to a serene lake. Lake Fulmor, approximately 10 miles away, is only a short drive from Idyllwild. It's a truly unique getaway spots in Southern California.
flickr/don graham
To add some variety to your trip, spend part of the day at the lake then head back to Idyllwild for an overnight stay. It's truly one of the most beautiful places in Southern California.
No matter how you spend your time in Idyllwild, there's no question that you'll leave this tiny town feeling refreshed. That's just one of the many benefits of spending time out in nature.
flickr/don graham

What are your favorite things about visiting Idyllwild in Southern California? If you haven’t been there yet, we highly recommend it. If you love trying out unique restaurants when you explore a new place, you might enjoy this quaint restaurant in Idyllwild that is located in a magnificent setting and also serves superb meals.

Fall in love with the beauty of Southern California with a visit to the Botanic Garden in Santa Barbara. It’s beautiful and great for a day out! 

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visiting Idyllwild in Southern California

Meghan Kraft | November 20, 2020

What are the most unique things to do in Southern California?

When visitors think about Southern California, they’re most likely to think about the beaches and museums found in the city. If you’re looking for something unique, perhaps even strange, then there’s also a heap of options. Head to the China Ranch Date Farm for an inside look at some of the most popular fruits in the state, or perhaps head to OstrichLand USA. Bet you didn’t know it existed! The Dublin Gulch Caves are a fantastic wonder worth pursuing, as is a somber and stunning walk through the Hollywood Forever Cemetery.

Where can I go in Southern California that only the locals know about?

Have you ever been to Skull Rock at Joshua Tree? Inside the Joshua Tree National Park, you can find a stunning rock that looks like a skull, and it’s fairly unknown to many folks that visit the area. The Carlsbad Flower Fields go wild with color every year, and for some reason, tourists remain fairly unaware! It’s a great spot to visit. Last but not least, the fascinating Yosemite National Park offers glamping experiences that are truly unreal. No grit, just glamour here!

Which hidden gems in Southern California should I visit?

If you ever find yourself in Santa Barbara, we’d recommend taking an afternoon off the beach or out of the shopping district to experience the history of the Santa Barbara Mission. You’ll feel like you’ve stepped back in time! It’s small and offers an inside look at how a Spanish mission once was designed and operated.

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Featured Addresses
Idyllwild, Idyllwild-Pine Cove, CA 92549, USA