About Idyllwild

Escape the hustle and bustle of city life and venture to a small community in Riverside County. Nestled in the San Jacinto Mountains, Idyllwild is a charming town with a population of less than 2,800.

The popular Southern California destination is part of three adjacent unincorporated communities, with Idyllwild being the largest. Idyllwild also includes the hamlets of Garner Valley and Mountain Center. What makes Idyllwild so unique is its relaxing atmosphere. It’s the ultimate getaway for nature lovers, as well as travelers looking to rest and recharge.

History of Idyllwild

Idyllwild has a rich and interesting history that dates back many decades. The small community now known as Idyllwild was once referred to as Strawberry Valley due to the vast number of wild strawberries found throughout the area. The creek that runs along the community is Strawberry Creek. 

In 1889, Sarah and George Hannahs created a summer camp near their sawmill, naming the building Camp Idyllwilde. Just a year later a toll road was built in Hemet, opening the community of Idyllwild to logging, tourism, and settlement. In 1893, a post office was established in the town that was now referred to as ‘Rayneta’ after the Hannahs’ son Raymond. 

However, it was Mrs. Laura Rutledge that was credited for naming Idyllwild. In 1901, she and her husband managed a sanatorium for patients with tuberculosis, a resort originally named “Idyllwild Among the Pines” and eventually just “Idyllwild.” By the end of 1901, the town’s name had officially been changed to Idyllwild. 

The community has gone through many changes since its humble beginnings. The invention of the automobile made Idyllwild a popular vacation spot for tourists in Southern California. The town was known as an alpine village and offered hotels and other tourist attractions. From the 1930s to 1950s, the town actively produced “knotty pine furniture,” which is now considered collectible and can be found in many local homes and cabins.

Attractions in Idyllwild

The small mountain town of Idyllwild offers a wide range of activities and attractions. The kid- and pet-friendly community is best known for its outdoor adventures. Hiking, biking, boating, fishing, and other outdoor activities are plentiful. Outdoor enthusiasts also enjoy exploring Mount San Jacinto State Park, Lake Fulmor, and Idyllwild Regional Park which all offer breathtaking views and an abundance of wildlife and flora.

In town, visits will discover a quieter way of life that offers a nice break from the busy city. Idyllwild has a variety of locally-owned shops and boutiques that sell unique items you won’t find anywhere else. There are also several art galleries and a winery for those who enjoy the finer things in life. Local eateries offer tasty offerings that intertwine elements from many different culinary traditions. 

The Idyllwild Nature Center is also a popular attraction that offers families a host of educational activities, such as guided tours and environmental programs. The center has many events throughout the seasons, such as the well-known Butterfly Daze and Lemon Lily Restoration Day. After learning about Idyllwild, you can see its beauty up close by heading out on one of the trails.

To learn even more about the community of Idyllwild and its extensive history, visitors may want to spend an afternoon at the Idyllwild Area Historical Society Museum. The award-winning museum is operated by the Idyllwild Area Historical Society and is dedicated to preserving the history of the San Jacinto Mountains. The museum is housed in a rustic cabin built in the 1930s and offers rotating exhibits that relate to many subjects of interest, such as logging camps, filmmaking, cattle ranching, and road travel.

Must-Visit Spots in Idyllwild

While exploring Idyllwild, you’ll come across many unique restaurants and shopping destinations. If you have time, be sure to visit them all. However, if you only have time to stop into a few, consider our top picks. Grandpa’s House of Jerky offers tasty treats for meat-lovers, including a wide selection of jerky ranging from alligator to kangaroo. If you prefer something a little sweeter, head to The Town Baker for a specialty coffee, cinnamon roll, scone, caramel pecan roll, or one of many other delectable treats. 

You’ll also want to check out some of the local shopping options. Idyllwild Gift Shop is a great little shop open every day of the week. Visitors can find a range of goods, such as candles, clothing, holiday décor, and glassware. The Funky Bazaar is also a must-visit. The antique store offers a unique assortment of local arts, crafts, antiques, and collectibles, such as first-edition books and collector-grade vinyl records. If you’re looking for a unique gift to bring home, Ephemera sells vintage jewelry, clothes, art, and other goodies. 

When to Visit Idyllwild

When planning a time to visit Idyllwild, you’ll first want to consider the weather. The weather in Idyllwild is fairly nice year-round but some months are considerably warmer than others. In January, you’ll find cooler weather with temperatures that range from 25°F to 75°F. By June, the weather starts to get considerably warmer, perfect for those who want to explore Idyllwild on foot.

September is considered the best time to visit the community as the weather is warm and rainfall is minimal. The winter months can be a little humid and the amount of rainfall is higher. The afternoons can be quite pleasant but the evenings may be a little chillier. If it’s dry weather that you’re looking for, consider traveling in April, May, or June. You’ll want to consider what activities you want to do while in Idyllwild when choosing a month to visit.

In addition to the weather, you’ll want to check out the area’s annual events. Many travelers prefer to visit Idyllwild when the town is hosting its most celebrated events, such as the Lemon Lily Festival, the 4th of July Carnival, Jazz in the Pines, Harvest Festival, Halloween Costume Parade, Art Walk & Wine Tasting, or its Annual Christmas Tree Lighting celebration. These events offer tons of fun for families with events occurring nearly every month of the year.