Welcome to Idyllwild, California

Hot Links About Idyllwild Attractions Lodging in Idyllwild Weather, Map & Directions Events Dining, Shops & Services in Idyllwild Visitor, Relocation & Community Information Articles about Idyllwild Idyllwild coupons and discounts

About Idyllwild, CA
Idyllwild is nestled in the San Jacinto Mountains, in the midst of miles of unspoiled beauty and pristine forests. It is serene and tranquil, surrounded by natural beauty, making it the ideal getaway--whether you seek romance, relaxation, communion with nature or a family vacation.

Strolling through town you will see art studios and galleries, specialty shops and boutiques and a variety of restaurants and coffee shops. There is a wide selection of lodging accommodations from elegant to rustic and you can camp, picnic, hike, mountain bike, horseback ride, fish and rock climb.

The Cahuilla Indians settled in the San Jacinto mountains in the Idyllwild area about 2500 years ago. Because of the profusion of wild strawberries growing along the banks of a stream, the area became known as Strawberry Valley. In the early 1850s prospectors began working the area and by the 1860s settlers brought ranching and farming to the area. The mountain area soon opened up to more settlers, lumbermen and vacationers.

In the summer of 1890, a tented resort was opened just west of Strawberry Creek and was called Camp Idylwilde. It was situated where the Tree Monument in the center town now stands. This was followed by a general store and a Post Office. A large two story Sanatorium for the treatment of tuberculosis patients eventually replaced the tented resort in the early 1900s and the area evolved as a vacation mecca for tourists and health-seekers because of the cool, clean air.  The Sanatorium was replaced by the Strawberry Valley Hotel which later became a resort called Idyllwild Among the Pines.

Idyllwild, California -  Attractions & Activities
Idyllwild is a beautiful outdoors destination offering camping, fishing, hiking, rock climbing, biking and horseback riding. It is also a superior shopping destination with a variety of boutiques, art galleries, restaurants and specialty shops. It is fast becoming a popular wedding and honeymoon destination.

Cahuilla Casino - (951) 763-1200

Gilman Historic Ranch and Wagon Museum: Preserves and interprets the history of California from the Cahuilla Indians to the settlement of Southern California, the San Gorgonio Pass, and homestead ranch of James Marshall Gilman. A Riverside County Regional Park and Open-Space District. 16th and Wilson Streets, Banning, CA 92220. Tel: (951) 922-9200. For details, click here.

Idyllwild Arts Academy & Parks Exhibition Center - (951) 659-2171
Idyllwild Area Historical Society Museum - (951) 659-2717
Idyllwild County Park - County Park Road in Idyllwild

Idyllwild Park Nature Center - Explore...Create...Create...and Imagine...Share the magnificence of the San Jacinto mountains, explore hiking trails, join Jr. Nature programs, take field trips and tours. Auditorium available for receptions, parties and community functions.
25225 Hwy 243, PO Box 341, Idyllwild, CA 92549
(951) 659-3850
For details, click here.
 

Lake Fulmor - Hwy 243, ten miles north of Idyllwild
Lake Hemet - Hwy 74, five miles east of Mountain Center
Mt. San Jacinto State Park - (951) 659-2607
Santa Rosa & San Jacinto  Mountains National Monument - (760) 568-9918
Tahquitz Rock & Suicide Rock
Tree Monument - Center of Town

Idyllwild, California - Weather, Maps & Directions

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For printer friendly map and directions, click here.


 

From Los Angeles (about 100 miles)
Take Freeway 60 or Interstate 10 to Banning.
Exit Highway 243 to Idyllwild.

From Orange County (about 93 miles)
Take Freeway 91 to Freeway 60, and then Interstate 10
to Banning.  Exit Highway 243 to Idyllwild.

From Palm Springs (about 47 miles)
Take Interstate 10 to Banning.
Exit 243 to Idyllwild.

From Palm Desert (about 47 miles)
Take Highway 111 to Highway 74, and then
Highway 243 to Idyllwild.

From San Diego (about 114 miles)
Take Interstate 15 to Hwy 79 South, then take Highway 371
to Highway 74, and then take Highway 243 to Idyllwild.

Idyllwild, CA - Visitor, Relocation & Community Information

Idyllwild Chamber of Commerce: The Chamber office and Visitor’s Center is located in the Village at the corner of Hwy 243 and Ridgeview, across from the Shell station. PO Box 304, 54245 No. Circle Drive #B2, Idyllwild, CA 92544; 951-659-3259 or Toll Free at 888-659-3259;
Fax No.: 951-659-6216  www.IdyllwildChamber.com

Articles about Idyllwild

Growing Live Tea Plants for Your Own Tea by Ron Campbell of Merkaba, Idyllwild, CA