Idyllwild, California
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
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
Click on map to enlarge.
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
Articles about Idyllwild
Hot Tea
Guide
by Ron Campbell of Merkaba, Idyllwild, CA
