Things to do & places to visit in Idyllwild, California, United States

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.

Idyllwild city in California, United States. Timezone: America/Los_Angeles, current date and time: Friday, May 03, 2024, 17:18.

Top things to do (22)

Top places to visit (30 attractions) view more »

5.0 Idyllwild Earth 'N Fire (15 reviews)
- Paint fun
Friday: 12:30 PM - 5:00 PM Spent 1-2 hours Paint & Pottery Studios

Established in 1996, Earth N Fire is a paint your own pottery studio and a popular Idyllwild destination for thousands of families. See more..
5.0 Mountain Pottery (8 reviews)
- Fun workshop
Friday: 11:00 AM - 5:00 PM Spent 1-2 hours Paint & Pottery Studios • Art Galleries • Lessons & Workshops

Mountain Pottery is a ceramics studio and gallery shop located in beautiful Idyllwild California. The Gallery Shop has a wide variety of beautiful ceramics locally handcrafted. Something for everyone. We offer a wide variety of classes and workshops in clay hand-building, sculpture and wheel-throwing for all ages and all experience levels by appointment 5 days a week. We will customize a class for 2 or more people or for private parties. Memberships also available. Please visit our website for more details. Call or stop by. See more..
5.0 The Sage & The Butterfly (7 reviews)
- Really Cool Stuff.
Speciality & Gift Shops

We are now an Online-Only shop. Follow us on Facebook Instagram to see when we'll do a pop-up or festival. Unique eco shop the Sage & the Butterfly is an extension of our ORG BY VIO brand. After almost three years at our Idyllwild, California location, the Sage & the Butterfly is now an online-only eco shop with random pop ups, trunk shows and festivals. Husband and wife owners, Dylan (the Sage) and Violeta (the Butterfly), have embarked on a journey, living, creating and traveling across the US, Canada, Alaska and, maybe even, Central and South America, indefinitely. the Sage & the Butterfly is spreading its wings. Shop exquisite treasures from our ORG BY VIO boho jewelry collection handmade by Amazon rainforest artisans, handcrafted accessories knives and men's razors by Dylan Farnham of Sage Blades, Violeta Villacorta handmade accessories and custom-made garments, among other lines by designers and artisans that we know and love. Like the Sage & the Butterfly on Facebook and follow on Instagram. Made in the USA gift boxes, bags, shipping and printed materials are post-consumer recycled or FSC content, printed with plant-based inks. Clear bags are plant-based. Handcrafted * One-of-a-kind * Jewelry * Accessories * Wearable Art * Women's accessories * Men's accessories * Men's Razors * Handcrafted Knives * Made in California * Made in the USA * Made in the Amazon Rainforest * Sustainable Design * Fairly traded * Ethical See more..
5.0 Everitt's Minerals and Gallery (5 reviews)
- Wonderful Collection, Nice Owner
Friday: 11:00 AM - 6:00 PM Spent 1-2 hours Speciality & Gift Shops • Art Galleries

Everett’s has a very large and eclectic collection of minerals, stones and Native American handicrafts. The owner is very knowledgeable and extremely helpful. Really enjoyed exploring this great store. See more..
5.0 Idyllwild Pilates and Massage (2 reviews)
- Swedish Massage
Yoga & Pilates
Karen has a nice little studio with a very cozy and relaxing massage room. I had an excellent one hour Swedish for $65; a great deal. I’m hiking the PCT and this was a nice treat to have while in town. See more..
5.0 Idyllwild Bible Church (2 reviews)
- A lovely church at the Idyllwild
Spent 1-2 hours Churches & Cathedrals

I like all the trees at the Idyllwild Bible Church. There is parking places as well. The church is all in brown. They have stained-glass windows. After church, small kids can play with a playground and plastic cars. That is fun for the kids. I like that! See more..
5.0 Idyllwild Gardens (1 review)
- RELAX, EXPLORE and BE INSPIRED
Speciality & Gift Shops
What a gem of a place! Get lost in the Idyllwild Gardens, an outstanding nursery and garden/lawn gift place right in the heart of Idyllwild. So much creativity has gone into creating each little area of the space. And while there are plenty of plants and items to tempt you to buy (we couldn't resist), you can just hang out and sit amongst the beauty. In fact, the staff was so friendly and inviting, telling us to come back with a book or magazine and just sit in the gardens for awhile, to chill out. So that's exactly what we did - a few hours later, we returned with just our books and journals and simply sat in the space while normal business went on around us. Gorgeous items here and so much creative thought has gone into creating the space. Enjoy and breathe in the mountain air amongst the flowers and plants. See more..
5.0 Eastside Reservoir Project (1 review)
- friends vacation
Dams
A giant recently built dam. See more..
5.0 Town Gallery (1 review)
- Great new Gallery
Art Galleries
Lots of local art in an attractive setting. Right in downtown Idyllwild with many restaurants and shops around. See more..
5.0 Nomad Ventures (1 review)
- Hiking Equipment Dream land
Spent < 1 hour Speciality & Gift Shops
If your looking for hiking equipment of any kind novice to expert and above, this is the place. They have everything you could possibly need at good prices. The owner has been here for 35 years and has great recommendations on places to go. This is a first stop place before you go walking or hiking in the area. See more..
5.0 Georgia's (1 review)
- Harmony embedded in rocks
Spent 1-2 hours Speciality & Gift Shops
Outside you may find two piles of fluoride stones that you may buy per lbs (its affordable). Inside you may find interesting and unique items such as boxes from iron wood, not mention crystals, rock statues and paleontological fossils. The sales associate (lady) is mesmerizing you with her charm, aura, charisma and openness, it was truly a pleasure to communicate with her.If you buy more things respectively you get a better deal (discount). See more..
5.0 The Vinyl Vault (1 review)
- Spin me around
Friday: 10:30 AM - 5:30 PM Speciality & Gift Shops
The biggest little record store on the mountain. We carefully take time to inspect and grade all of our vinyl. Each record is priced according to the quality and rarity. Each record is priced according to the quality and rarity. With the average price of our quality vinyl around 10 bucks, and our famous $3 discount record bins you are sure to find something in the vault! See more..
4.5 Mount San Jacinto State Park and Wilderness (196 reviews)
- Take only photos; leave only foot steps. Leave no trace. Stop movement. Inhale. Release.
State Parks • Mountains

This 13,000-acre park offers over 50 miles of trails in the mountains soaring above the Sonora desert. See more..
4.5 Idyllwild Nature Center (140 reviews)
- Lovely wilds with great vistas
Nature & Wildlife Areas

A notice about the Japanese art of “Tree Bathing” welcomes you at the entrance and established my orientation to the time there. I breathed in the freshness of trees while likewise supporting them with my exhalations. I clambered over rocks and enjoyed their powerful and calm presence while admiring distant vistas. I examined a large pine cone breaking apart to start the next generation of pines. You don’t need to do more than this to get a feeling of being reinvigorated and restored. See more..
4.5 Lake Fulmor (51 reviews)
- Beautiful Lake Fulmor
Spent 1-2 hours Bodies of Water

I love Lake Fulmor. I've been there during several different seasons and it's always beautiful. It is a popular place so if you go on a weekend expect to share your experience with other photographers, picnicers, and fishermen. Walking around the lake is free but you need to purchase a permit to park your car across the street. Permits aren't available at the site but can be bought at a few places ten miles up the mountain. Lake Fulmor is a definite must see. I always leave feeling refreshed. Don't miss it! See more..
4.5 Idyllwild Park (36 reviews)
- Nice campsite in a great location
Parks

We have been camping many places in Southern California but this campground is one of the best! The bathrooms and showers are clean, there aren't so many spaces that the campground gets too crowded, and there are very few motorhome spaces - and those spaces are separated from the rest - so people in tents and pop ups can actually enjoy nature without having to hear generators all day! The ranger was insanely nice, the trails were close and the views were amazing but the best part is that this place is dog friendly! Unlike other places, dogs are actually allowed on the trails here. It seemed like every other site had at least one pup. Our golden retriever had a blast on the trails and the kids were able to enjoy hiking with the dog. All in all a great weekend! The (kind of) negatives: some spaces are really close together. Many aren't, but check out a map before you book. Most spaces are right on the road and they let people in until about 9:30 pm -if you want "quiet time" at 7 pm, try to book one of the (very few) spaces away from the road. See more..
4.5 Middle Ridge Winery (32 reviews)
- One of the highlights of our weekend
Friday: 12:00 PM - 7:00 PM Spent 2-3 hours Art Galleries • Wineries & Vineyards • Theatre & Performances

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, tasty 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. We also offer up personalized tasting experiences for groups. Customized catering is available. Live music for your enjoyment is scheduled on the weekends, weather permitting. See more..
4.5 The Rustic Theater & Entertainment Center (23 reviews)
- More than expected in a small, mountain town.
Friday: 2:00 PM - 9:30 PM Spent More than 3 hours Movie Theaters

Although I lived in Idyllwild years ago, I never went to the Theater. On this recent trip back, I was able to go to the Theater and see what it had to offer. From the outside, it doesn't look that impressive, but I believe it actually holds close to 250 people. The lobby is cozy and has that small town feel. The staff is very friendly and helpful. Ticket prices are low compared to theaters I know and it feels like more of a fun experience that at other places. There's only 1 screen, but the welcoming feel of the theater is definitely worth the visit. Standard movie snacks are available for purchase. See more..
4.5 Merkaba Tea (12 reviews)
- Tea and more.
Spent 1-2 hours Speciality & Gift Shops

I ventured in this shop looking for some legit black tea, and I found it, and so much more. I bought a few really delicious-smelling blends. After coming back from a month in Ireland, the store-bought "Irish Breakfast Tea" just was not doing it for me. Not only did I find tea, but spices, and even came back with a pair of mukluk slipper socks for my feet. Such a great place! Stop in if you make it up to Idyllwild, or, you can visit them online. See more..
4.5 Mountain Paws Pet Boutique (8 reviews)
- Wonderful shop!
Friday: 11:00 AM - 5:00 PM Spent < 1 hour Speciality & Gift Shops

Idyllwild California is referred to as "The Dog Friendliest Town in America!" Mountain Paws Pet Boutique is a vital attraction and resource for this the town. It is a gathering center for dogs and their owners. Mayor Max greets visitors and locals out front. Mayor Max is a symbol of Love, Harmony and Goodwill. Yes...he's a Golden Retriever. Mountain Paws is a full service pet boutique which offers locally baked and a mega assortment of toys, accessories, edibles, and gifts. Special attention is placed on finding as much inventory that is made locally or within the USA. Mountain Paws hosts dog groups & events such as live music or mini fairs. There is a large deck in front that is a good place for resting and people/pet watching. Cindy's Armoire is the RESALE DEPARTMENT within Mountain Paws thats specializes in Vintage/Retro/Upscale women's apparel. A portion of profits are donated to local pet rescues. Mountain Paws also assists visitors with local information by providing a "Concierge" Service. You can send them a message to request guidance and suggestions for Dog Groups, Special Events, Catering, or anything you may want help with locally. Welcome to Idyllwild! "The Dog Friendliest Town in America!" See more..
4.5 Idyllwild Area Historical Society Museum (3 reviews)
- Wonderful Historical Journey of Idyllwild
Spent < 1 hour History Museums

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. See more..
4.5 Fern Valley Emporium (3 reviews)
- Old Timey Emporium
Spent < 1 hour Speciality & Gift Shops • Antique Shops

The Fern Valley Emporium is an old fashioned antique, junk, interesting stuff store. It has everything from antique stoves to a n old Wurlitzer juke box to jewelery, music media and everything in between crammed into an old house in Idyllwild. The proprietor was friendly and helpful and demonstrated the jukebox for us. He was willing to bargain on some items and we left with a few "priceless" mementos. See more..
4.5 Deer Springs Trailhead (2 reviews)
- Arrive early
Spent More than 3 hours Hiking Trails
There are just a few available parking spaces (maybe a dozen) right at the trailhead. There is an adjoining dirt lot that some park in, and then a couple spaces here and there along the road. Arrive early to get a spot. Otherwise, you may have to drive along the road and keep your eyes open for a place to park & walk. Since you'll be here to hike, walking a bit further shouldn't be a problem. See more..
4.0 Indian Vista Scenic Overlook (18 reviews)
- These huge boulders and views!
Spent 1-2 hours Nature & Wildlife Areas • Scenic Drives

We stopped to see the Indian Vista Scenic Overlook. There were boulders, several boulders. They were attractive! How did they came here? Nobody could move these boulders. Wow! I took a lot of pictures and even hiked a bit. I saw some beautiful views! A must see! See more..
4.0 the funky bazaar (11 reviews)
- Funky destination
Speciality & Gift Shops

Great art and curiosity destination. This is more then a shop It's a full blown mind funk. A whole pinterest board could be created just from this shop. Then add that there are awesome #Woodstock like concerts in the back presented by WORD OF MOUTH. This place is an art gallery, curio shop, idea catalyst, gift store, music venue, photography opportunity, concert venue, museum all wrapped up like a funky burrito. Go ahead take a bite. See more..
4.0 Idyllwild Electric Bikes (1 review)
- Great Way to Tour Idyllwild
Spent 2-3 hours Gear Rentals

Idyllwild Electric Bikes is the premier hotspot for Bike rentals in Idyllwild, California. With the power to cruise around the village effortlessly, Our bikes will electrify you with hill climbing power leaving you smiling every time! We currently offer Electric Bike Cruisers, Folders, Commuters, Mountain Bikes for all of your cycling needs! Come visit us Thursdays-Mondays each week! See more..
3.5 Idyllwild Soda Pop and Sweet Shop (3 reviews)
- Every kind of unusual soda imagine able
Spent < 1 hour Speciality & Gift Shops
Fun to look and buy.....all the odd and unusual soda and all the "penny" candies of the past and still popular. See more..
Idyllwild Therapeutic Massage (0 review)
Spent 1-2 hours Spas
Swedish & Deep Tissue Massage, Passive Stretching Trigger Point/Neuromuscular Therapy. Sound Healing, stress management techniques, and Natural Learning (a brain/mind theory of understanding how humans learn from life, based on research from multiple academic disciplines). My massages are tailored to your needs. I have experience, skill and success working on clients who are athletes, client See more..
Chapel Of The Pines (0 review)
Religious Sites
See more..
Swanktuary (0 review)
Speciality & Gift Shops
Swanktuary is a unique gift shop full of Zen and fun! The shop houses a collection of everything from vintage costume jewelry and hand blown glass, to candles, powdered incense, and other spiritual supplies. The shop also features lots of arts and crafts from local Idyllwild artisans! There is something for everyone at Swanktuary! And for all the travelers, we happily ship priority! See more..