Alex & Jen’s guidebook to Idyllwild
Hikes & Sightseeing
For a small town of 2,500 residents, Idyllwild has a remarkable selection of quality restaurants and a variety of dining. Idyllwild gets very busy on the weekends so it is highly recommended to make a reservation early if you are dining at that restaurant.
MEET MAYOR MAX
Mayor Max knows exactly where he stands with voters in Idyllwild, California. Max is a golden retriever who has won three consecutive elections in a small, picturesque town.
Phyllis Mueller is Max's chief of staff and she funds the mayor's office out of her house. Idyllwild doesn't have a local government, so residents there elect a ceremonial mayor.
"Our animal rescue group came up with the idea to have it be a fundraiser where you paid a dollar a vote," said Mueller.
https://www.mayormax.com/
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Idyllwild-Pine Cove
For a small town of 2,500 residents, Idyllwild has a remarkable selection of quality restaurants and a variety of dining. Idyllwild gets very busy on the weekends so it is highly recommended to make a reservation early if you are dining at that restaurant.
MEET MAYOR MAX
Mayor Max knows exactly where he stands with voters in Idyllwild, California. Max is a golden retriever who has won three consecutive elections in a small, picturesque town.
Phyllis Mueller is Max's chief of staff and she funds the mayor's office out of her house. Idyllwild doesn't have a local government, so residents there elect a ceremonial mayor.
"Our animal rescue group came up with the idea to have it be a fundraiser where you paid a dollar a vote," said Mueller.
https://www.mayormax.com/
We have kiddos, so our favorite is the Ernie Maxwell scenic trail which is .9 miles up Fern Valley the street our cabin is on. It is about 4.5 miles there and back and is beautiful.
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Ernie Maxwell Scenic Trail 3E07
Fern Valley RoadWe have kiddos, so our favorite is the Ernie Maxwell scenic trail which is .9 miles up Fern Valley the street our cabin is on. It is about 4.5 miles there and back and is beautiful.
Suicide Rock is another great hike it is about 7 miles out and back. It is uphill on the way there and downhill on the way back.
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Suicide Rock
Suicide Rock is another great hike it is about 7 miles out and back. It is uphill on the way there and downhill on the way back.
(Not a bike, but a nice walk we recommend walking up inspiration point. Head straight up Double View Drive until it dead ends. It is about a 20-minute walk and you can see the entire valley below. Be careful of cars driving up there at sunset. This isn’t recommended if you are walking with small kids as the cars can drive fast.
Inspiration Point
(Not a bike, but a nice walk we recommend walking up inspiration point. Head straight up Double View Drive until it dead ends. It is about a 20-minute walk and you can see the entire valley below. Be careful of cars driving up there at sunset. This isn’t recommended if you are walking with small kids as the cars can drive fast.
We love the Idyllwild gardens, they have great souvenirs and amazing plants-it is a must-see.
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Idyllwild Garden
North Circle DriveWe love the Idyllwild gardens, they have great souvenirs and amazing plants-it is a must-see.
Our kids absolutely love this park and we always seem to meet and make great new friends here.
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Idyllwild Community Center Kids' Playground
26184 Banning-Idyllwild Panoramic HwyOur kids absolutely love this park and we always seem to meet and make great new friends here.
Food scene
Our favorite place in Idyllwild. A higher-end gourmet menu of delicious options. The quality of food competes with the best of what you might find in the city - but you're in a tiny town at 8500 ft elevation. Book in advance. This is one of Idyllwild's most popular dining spots. Go Thursday nights for Jazz night. Beautiful back patio dining area with heat lamps.
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FERRO
25840 Cedar StOur favorite place in Idyllwild. A higher-end gourmet menu of delicious options. The quality of food competes with the best of what you might find in the city - but you're in a tiny town at 8500 ft elevation. Book in advance. This is one of Idyllwild's most popular dining spots. Go Thursday nights for Jazz night. Beautiful back patio dining area with heat lamps.
Great for pickup or dine-in pizza and pasta. We often pick up from here on our way to town.
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Fratello’s Ristorante & Pizzeria
54295 Ridgeview DrGreat for pickup or dine-in pizza and pasta. We often pick up from here on our way to town.
In the mood for pizza? Another option to consider. Very filling. Thick chewy crust. Many options. Always packed. You can order for pick up or eat outside in their cafe.
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Idyllwild Pizza Company
54391 Village Center DrIn the mood for pizza? Another option to consider. Very filling. Thick chewy crust. Many options. Always packed. You can order for pick up or eat outside in their cafe.
: Lovely dining spot for lunch or dinner. Near our other top Idyllwild favorite spot: Ferro. Be sure to make reservations! This is a highly popular spot and gets booked up early on busy weekends. Check the schedule for when they are open. Fantastic menu. Cozy, eclectic vibe. Be sure to check out the gallery next door too!
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Cafe Aroma
54750 N Circle Dr: Lovely dining spot for lunch or dinner. Near our other top Idyllwild favorite spot: Ferro. Be sure to make reservations! This is a highly popular spot and gets booked up early on busy weekends. Check the schedule for when they are open. Fantastic menu. Cozy, eclectic vibe. Be sure to check out the gallery next door too!
Great local beer and food options. They also have a great outside deck for enjoying great views with a great meal.
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Idyllwild Brewpub
54423 Village Center DrGreat local beer and food options. They also have a great outside deck for enjoying great views with a great meal.
Only casual Mexican spot in town. We are from San Diego and Mexican food snobs and place is pretty decent for a small mountain town.
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La Casita
54650 N Circle DrOnly casual Mexican spot in town. We are from San Diego and Mexican food snobs and place is pretty decent for a small mountain town.
Our favorite breakfast shot in town. Not your greasy spoon, Mama’s has an elevated menu fit for foodies. If you are looking for a greasy spoon the local favorite spot is Red Kettle.
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Mama's Egg House
54241 Ridgeview DrOur favorite breakfast shot in town. Not your greasy spoon, Mama’s has an elevated menu fit for foodies. If you are looking for a greasy spoon the local favorite spot is Red Kettle.
Higher Grounds is in the center of town so if you are wandering around and need a boost visit this quintessentially Idyllwild old-school coffee shop. Filled with old locals, tourists, mountain folk... it is a snapshot of the character of the town. That said, if you are a coffee aficionado, we must share that we recommend the coffee and interior styling of the fantastic Alpaca cafe just outside town and next to Mile High Cafe. Try both!
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Higher Grounds
54245 N Circle DrHigher Grounds is in the center of town so if you are wandering around and need a boost visit this quintessentially Idyllwild old-school coffee shop. Filled with old locals, tourists, mountain folk... it is a snapshot of the character of the town. That said, if you are a coffee aficionado, we must share that we recommend the coffee and interior styling of the fantastic Alpaca cafe just outside town and next to Mile High Cafe. Try both!
Our favorite! Delicious coffee next to Mile High Cafe. Go to Mile High for breakfast or lunch but be sure to buy your coffee next door first. They share the building and don't mind you getting your coffee at Alpaca Cafe. A cool Lil place, friendly local service, and A+ coffee... the best in Idyllwild. Slightly out of town so you need to drive
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Alpaca Coffee & Tea
26600 CA-243Our favorite! Delicious coffee next to Mile High Cafe. Go to Mile High for breakfast or lunch but be sure to buy your coffee next door first. They share the building and don't mind you getting your coffee at Alpaca Cafe. A cool Lil place, friendly local service, and A+ coffee... the best in Idyllwild. Slightly out of town so you need to drive
We love heading over to Middle Ridge Winery and splitting a bottle of wine with friends on their patio. They also have good wine flight options.
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Middle Ridge Winery
54301 N Circle DrWe love heading over to Middle Ridge Winery and splitting a bottle of wine with friends on their patio. They also have good wine flight options.
Great spot to pick up gourmet breakfast or lunch options. They do have a small outside sitting area as well.
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Stevie’s Hungry Habit & Thirsty Rabbit
Great spot to pick up gourmet breakfast or lunch options. They do have a small outside sitting area as well.
Amelia’s Donuts & More
54300 N Circle DrIf you a donut fan then you must try Amelia's!
It is no surprise that this is our kid's favorite spot in town. From old school candies, chocolate galore, and hand-dipped frozen bananas and ice cream this is a must for those with a sweet tooth.
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Candy Cupboard
54250 N Circle DrIt is no surprise that this is our kid's favorite spot in town. From old school candies, chocolate galore, and hand-dipped frozen bananas and ice cream this is a must for those with a sweet tooth.
If you are looking for great ice cream then look no further. Right in the heart of town, this is a great place to enjoy a cup or a cone :)
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Idyllwild Ice Cream & Jerky
54282 N Circle DrIf you are looking for great ice cream then look no further. Right in the heart of town, this is a great place to enjoy a cup or a cone :)
Local Market
For Grocery Store, we recommend Village Market.
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Idyllwild Village Market
26000 CA-243For Grocery Store, we recommend Village Market.
Consejos para la ciudad
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Massage
If you are looking for some pampering, you may want to have a massage service come to the cabin. We highly recommend Jill Goeluck: (951) 223-1843. She does deep tissue, reiki, stone massage and will personalize your message to your liking. You can view her services at www.idyllwildmobilemassage.com
Reserva antes de ir
Check Winter Weather For Snow Conditions
Be safe and bring chains even if you have a 4 wheel drive car during snowy visits. We will have the driveway cleared for you but some of the roads can get icy especially when driving after the sun goes down.
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Respect The Wildlife
Please be respectful of the wildlife. We often see deer, squirrels, and birds right outside our windows. Also, there are a few local mountain lions so please do not leave any pets outside or off leash.
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Additional Hikes
Idyllwild has tons of hikes for people at all skill levels. We recommend checking out All Trails for a comprehensive list to find the best options for you!
https://www.alltrails.com/us/california/idyllwild-pine-cove