California Local: My Favorite Spot for a Weekend Trip Is Idyllwild

One of the best things about living in Santa Monica is having the ocean on one side and the mountains on the other.

Although there are plenty of mountainous spots nearby to choose from for a getaway, my husband and I keep going back to the small town of Idyllwild.

We’ve been there at least 20 times over the past decade, and it remains one of our favorite places to visit.

Idyllwild is about a two-hour drive east of Los Angeles, and the winding road up into the mountains feels like part of the adventure as the urban sprawl below shrinks in the distance.

Before you know it, you’re surrounded by towering pines and crisp alpine air in a town that feels much farther from LA than it is.

With a population of around 4,000 people and an elevation of about 5,300 feet (just over a mile high), Idyllwild feels like a real escape from the big city while still being close enough for a quick overnight or an extended stay.

The town feels wonderfully old-school

Downtown Idyllwild is small enough to explore on foot, with woodsy architecture, independent shops and restaurants, and easy parking all around.

At night, the town cab get very quiet except for the sounds of wildlife that add to the feeling of being close to nature.

Over the years, we’ve stayed in little local lodges, inns, B&Bs, family-owned cabins, and whole-home rentals. Most of them have been within walking distance of downtown.

Even though some spots have come and gone, it still feels like the same charming village, especially since you won’t find major chain businesses, fast-food joints, or strip malls.

The town’s local grocery stores are also independent, so if you need a big-box store, you’ll have to drive back down the mountain.

There’s enough to do without feeling like you need an itinerary

Idyllwild is isolated, but it isn’t boring. I’ve enjoyed arts and crafts, gardening lectures, wine tastings, holiday festivals, and outdoor concerts.

Naturally, there are lots of good hiking trails, but my husband and I tend to stay in town, taking easy strolls, browsing the shops, eating at restaurants, and relaxing among the pines.

It’s fun chatting with locals, from store owners and lodge managers to bikers who pass through town.

There’s also a historic movie theater, the Idyllwild Nature Center with its museum and community events, and the renowned Idyllwild Arts Academy boarding school, all of which contribute to the town’s cultural and creative character.

Since there’s always something happening, we usually arrive without any set plans. That said, we’ve often taken the two-hour drive just to hear our friend Keith McCabe — who we met 10 years ago in Idyllwild — play acoustic guitar at one of the local restaurants or bars.

I must also mention that the town’s mayor is a dog

Yes, it’s true. Idyllwild is an unincorporated community with no official local government, but in 2012, residents elected a canine as their mayor.

Mayor Max is an adorable golden retriever (the current Mayor Max is actually the third generation to hold the title), and I’ve had the supreme pleasure of meeting all three over the years.

Mayor Max’s duties include attending meet-and-greets, taking photos, spreading joy and goodwill, and promoting the town.

You can catch him on certain days of the week in the back of his caretaker’s pickup truck in the middle of town (or get in touch with his people via email to arrange a visit).

Every season offers a fresh way to enjoy the town

Over the years, we’ve experienced snow, holiday festivals, warm-weather trips, and plenty of dry seasons. Being that this is Southern California, Idyllwild has had more than its fair share of droughts, fires, and occasional deluges.

Strawberry Creek, which runs through the town, isn’t always flowing and can look dramatically different depending on rain and snowmelt.

But no matter what time of year we go, there’s something invigorating about being up there so close to nature, surrounded by those mountain peaks and soaking in the nostalgic simplicity of it all.

It’s a great place to make memories with the people you love

I’ve made so many great memories in this small mountain town with friends and family, including my grandparents, who recently passed.

My husband and I even have friends who decided to get married there after we introduced them to Idyllwild — and he officiated the wedding!

After all these years, Idyllwild remains one of our go-to places when we want an easy escape from the hustle and bustle of city life. It harks back to a simpler time, allowing us to be surrounded by nature and enjoy a slower pace for a few days.