Located at an elevation of 5,000 feet on the western slopes of California’s San Jacinto Mountains, Idyllwild’s campus is naturally beautiful, complete with alpine forests, mountains, and meadows. Remote from urban distractions, it is still just 2.5 hours by car from Los Angles or San Diego. Visitors can take advantage of Idyllwild’s broad choice of recreational activities on-campus, or by visiting the nearby town of Idyllwild, with its restaurants, specialty shops, and art galleries.

Driving Directions________________________________________________

From the Riverside Area thru Hemet:
Route 60 Riverside, towards Beaumont. Right on route 79, 8.3 miles to traffic light. Left onto Ramona Express Way, travel 8 miles to Florida Ave. Left at traffic light onto Route 74. Fifteen miles up mountain to Highway 243 at Mtn. Center. Left onto Route 243, four miles to Idyllwild. Left on Tollgate Road, one mile to campus.

From the Los Angeles Area thru Banning:
Route 10 or 60 East to Banning. Take the 8th St. exit to Route 243 which leads up the mountain 25 miles to Idyllwild. Continue one mile through the village. Right on Tollgate Road one mile to campus.

From the San Diego Area:
1) Highway 15 north to Temecula. Exit Highway 79 south toward Indio/Palm Desert. Highway 371 Turn (or bear) left onto (Continue towards Indio/Palm Desert). Left at Highway 74, 10 mile to Highway 243. Right four miles to Idyllwild. Left at Tollgate Road. 1 mile to campus.

2) Route 15 north to Winchester Road. Right on Winchester Road to Route 74; Right on Route 74 to Mtn. Center. Left on Route 243, 4 miles, left on Tollgate Road, 1 mile to campus.

Transportation

There is no public transportation to or within Idyllwild. Transportation is available via campus vans from Ontario International Airport or Palm Springs Regional Airport and Idyllwild. Arrangements must be made in advance.

 

Lodging_________________________________________________________________

The village offers many lodging alternatives, from luxury to rustic and includes motels, bed and breakfast inns, cabins and lodges. There are also public and private campgrounds in and around Idyllwild.

We have provided a list of lodging facilities in Idyllwild. The list is for information purposes only and should not be construed as an endorsement.

Motels and Inns
Atipahato Motel   951-659-2201
Bluebird Hill Lodge   951-659-2696
Cedar Street Inn   951-659-4789
Cottage Creek Inn   951-659-5188
Creekstone Inn   951-659-3342
Edelweiss Lodge   951-659-2787
Fern Village Chalets   951-659-2869
Fern Valley Inn   951-659-2205
Fireside Inn   951-659-2966
Idyllwild Inn   951-659-2552 or 888-659-2552
Knotty Pine Cabins   951-659-2933
Manzanita Cabins   951-659-3151
Mile High Country Inn   951-659-2931
Pine Cove Inn   951-659-5033 or 888-659-5033
Quiet Creek Inn   951-659-6110 or 800-450-6110
Rainbow Inn   951-659-0111
Silver Pines Lodge   951-659-4335
Strawberry Creek Inn   951-659-3202
Tahquitz Inn   951-659-4554
The Apple Inn 909-553-8951
Wilder Cabins   951-659-2926
Woodland Park Manor   951-659-2657

Cabins and Homes
Forest Realty   951-659-4617
Idyllwild Mountain Rentals   951-659-5349
Idyllwild Vacation Rentals   951-659-5015
Mountain Greenery   951-659-4628
Muir’s Mtn Vacation Rentals   951-659-4835

Camping
Idyllwild County Park   800-234-7275

 

Restaurants_____________________________________________________

Numerous restaurants and cafes are located in the village and feature a variety of cuisine from gourmet to classic fare.

Idyllwild Town Center
Gastrognome - Very fine lunch and dinner with exceptional ambience. Indoor and outdoor seating. The Gastrognome is located across the street from the Idyllwild Inn. Open every day - (951) 659-5055

Candy Cupboard - Old fashioned candy store serving fun items like shaved ice, chocolate dipped ice cream bars, novelty candy and very retro candy .... its basically a journey into the past ... have fun !! - (951) 659-5502

Omas Bakery - European Bakery - Breakfast and Lunch - (951) 659-2979

JavaLounge Idyllwild - Coffee, Tea and Pastries, open 6:00 AM to 11:00 PM. Many tables to hookup your laptop to Wireless Internet. Next to the totem pole - (951) 659-JAVA (5282)

Gary’s Meat - Deli Lunch and Dinner. They are located in the shopping center across from the US Post Office.

Idyllwild Green Organic Food Coop - (951) 659-2502

Idyllwild House of Jerky Jerky from Around the World - (951) 659-4504

Jo’anns Restaurant - Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner, Everyday (951) 659-0295 - Dead center of town eatery with live entertainment on Saturdays. Both indoor and outdoor seating. A Seatle’s Best coffee shop has just been added.

The Village Market - Market, deli, pizzas and coffee bar located at the intersection of Highway 243 and North Circle.

JC’s Red Kettle - Perhaps Idyllwild’s oldest eating establishment (though under different names). Colorful coffee shop with both indoor and outdoor dining.

The Greek Place - Greek Lunch & Dinner, Everyday - (951) 659-4540

Idyllwild Pizza - Lunch & Dinner, Everyday (951) 659-5900 - Located next door to the US Postal Office in the shopping center.

Close to Idyllwild Town Center
Idyllwild Cafe - Breakfast and Lunch Coffee Shop - (951) 659-2210

Mozart Haus - German Lunch and Dinner - (951) 659-5500

Hidden Village - Chinese food - (951) 659-2712

Fern Valley
The Creek House Fabulous dinners on Wed.,Thurs., Frid. & Sat. - Lunches on Sat. and Sun. Great Place to have your wedding or party.- (951) 659-0686

The Breadbasket - Great Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner with a fabulous deck. The omelets are amazing. - (951) 659-3506

La Casita - Mexican Food - (951) 659-6038

Aroma Cafe - Fine Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner. Lots of entertainment during the summer months. Say hi to Hubert and Frank... - (951) 659-5212.

Things to do in Idyllwild____________________________________________________

Idyllwild has earned the distinction of becoming one of the 100 Best Small Art Towns in America. (As designated in the book of the same name by John Villani, A John Muir publication) and features over 15 galleries representing the work of more than 200 artists. Idyllwild is filled with unique gift and antique shops, galleries, and restaurants of all types.

There are hundreds of miles of hiking trails for all levels from gentle strolls to strenuous trails leading to the meadows and peaks that tower above the village.
Fishing is available within 20 minutes at Lake Fulmore and Lake Hemet.

Addtional information______________________________________________________

Additional information regarding Idyllwild may be found on the following websites:

towncrier.com

idyllwildchamber.com

artinidyllwild.com

greencafe.com

Idyllwild Bureau of Tourism

Events

Idyllwild Jazz in the Pines

Green Cafe


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