Located just two hours from both Los Angeles and San Diego, Idyllwild is a unique getaway in Southern California. it's the only mountain village that hasn't been overrun by ski resorts and chain restaurants. (In fact there are NO chain businesses or resorts in town!) As a result, the town maintains its character and walkability. It's regularly voted as "the best mountain getaway" by the LA Weekly, and for good reason. As the location of the world reknown Idyllwild Arts Academy, the town takes its reputation as being one of the nations top small towns for the arts very seriously . Galleries, restaurants, festivals- you will find them all here in easy walking distance from each other. And within an hour's drive, you can find yourself in Palm Springs, Joshua Tree National Park, Morongo Indian Casino, or the Temecula Wine Country. Check out the links on this page for some of our recommendations
RESTAURNTS
Hands down - the best breakfast in Idyllwild. Sunday brunch is the best and the salad bar is always fresh
With a cozy bar, great ambience and a varied menu- this is the place to wind down!
Pastas, steaks, seafood and a full bar-in a traditional mountain chalet setting
Where the locals go. Located in a strip mall off the circle, this is where you go for some seriously good pizza - take away available
People swear by this place. The best Italian on the mountain, set in a series of cottages, with live music most evenings.
ENTERTAINMENT
The only place to catch a movie on the mountain!
Theres always something going on. Check the listing for performances, Jazzfest information and concerts.
OUTSIDE
15 minutes from The Hideout,
Lake Hemet features camping, boating,
and fishing.
5 miles from The Hideout, this lake
is 2 acres of mountain beauty,
stocked with trout in the summer,
it also offers year round picnic
facilities , and easy lake side hiking
For day hiking, this is the spot.
In the shadow of Taquitz Peak,
the natural beauty can't be beat.
And the sledding is top notch in
winter.
DAY TRIPS
The best place for music in the desert. Located in
Pioneertown, an old west movie set of a town (that
was, in fact, built as a movie set for westerns)
JOSHUA TREE NATIONAL PARK (68 miles)
Camping, hiking, and rock climbing in a natural setting completely unique to the Southern California
desert. And to top it off, outside the park, there is great antique shopping, bars and restaurants.
The biggest casino in the area and the best bet if you are looking for a little Vegas without the drive
TEMECULA WINE COUNTRY (37 miles)
The best wineries and tours in
Southern California
This former movie colony has all you
expect and more. From incredible
mid century architecture, to Hollywood
history, and a thriving gay scene.
LOCATION
HIGHWAY INFORMATION
The HideOut is off the 243, the main freeway into town from LA, which means that regardless of the time of year, its usually easy to get to, in most vehicles. However, there are times when chains are required, and you should always check the condition of the highway beforehand, if you are traveling in winter
Check local highway conditions here
SR74, to Mountain Center from Hemet or Palm Desert:
http://www.dot.ca.gov/hq/roadinfo/sr74
SR243, to Idyllwild from Banning or Mountain Center:
http://www.dot.ca.gov/hq/roadinfo/sr243
SR 79, to SR371, below Anza, from Temecula:
http://www.dot.ca.gov/hq/roadinfo/sr79
SR 371, to Garner Valley from SR79 through Anza:
http://www.dot.ca.gov/hq/roadinfo/sr371