The Ultimate Camping weekend in Idyllwild California
Idyllwild, California is just a short two hours both San Diego and Los Angeles, which makes Idyllwild, California a perfect weekend getaway for those who are craving a weekend in the woods, cozy cabins, wineries, breweries, and hiking.
Idyllwild, California is most popularly known for its Mayer, Mayer Max, who is a Golden Retriever Dog always roaming around the town. I feel like you have to love Idyllwild because it has a dog for its Mayer.
Aside from that, Idyllwild is such a quaint mountain town away from the hustle and bustle of the city life.
How to Get to IdyllWild California
IdyllyWild California is located just two short hours from Los Angeles or San Diego. Whichever you’re driving from is a gorgeous, mountainous drive and such a fun way to kick off your weekend.
Where to Eat/Drink in Idyllwild California
The town of Idyllwild is quite small so the best part is that you can park your car downtown anywhere and walk around and hit whatever restaurant, winery or brewery that is calling your name.
A few stops to call out are
Middle Ridge Winery: Perched on the hillside, Middle Ridge Winery offers stunning views of the surrounding mountains, creating a serene backdrop for wine tasting. The family-owned winery specializes in handcrafted wines, with a focus on bold reds and crisp whites. Knowledgeable staff guide visitors through tastings, ensuring a delightful experience.
Gastrognome: Tucked away in the heart of Idyllwild, Gastrognome is a local favorite known for its rustic charm and delectable cuisine. The menu features a mix of American and European flavors, with an emphasis on fresh, seasonal ingredients. The outdoor patio provides a perfect setting to enjoy your meal amidst the mountain air.
Idyllwild Brewpub: Combining the love for craft beer and delicious pub fare, Idyllwild Brewpub is a must-visit for beer enthusiasts and foodies alike. The menu offers a variety of mouthwatering options, from gourmet burgers to creative vegetarian dishes, all paired with their own handcrafted beers.
Ferro Restaurant: For those seeking a taste of Italy in the mountains, Ferro Restaurant is the go-to spot. This cozy Italian eatery serves up authentic dishes prepared with love and precision. From traditional pasta dishes to savory seafood creations, Ferro offers a culinary journey through the heart of Italy.
Idyllwild Vineyards: Idyllwild Vineyards is a hidden gem producing high-quality wines in the mountainous terrain. The vineyard is known for its friendly atmosphere and picturesque setting. Visitors can enjoy tastings of their diverse selection of wines, including robust reds and refreshing whites, while taking in the beauty of the vineyard.
Idyll-Ales Brew House: A relative newcomer to the Idyllwild brewing scene, Idyll-Ales Brew House has quickly gained a reputation for its innovative and flavorful beers. The brewery focuses on small-batch production, ensuring that each brew is crafted with care. With a rotating selection on tap, visitors can always expect something new and exciting.
Where to Hike in Idyllwild California
We find all of our hikes using AllTrails and search for 5 star hikes with X amount of milage we are trying to hike that day or weekend so feel free to use that as a tool as well.
Tahquitz Peak Vis Devils Side
Rated: Highly Moderate
Distance: 8.3 Miles Out and Back Trail
Elevation Gain: 2,309 feet
Devils Slide Trail
*We did this one and loved it. We did have our dog, Cali which is why we chose this trail. It was dog friendly.
Rated: Highly Moderate
Distance: 6.6 Miles out and back
Elevation Gain: 1,699 feet
Idyllwild Perimeter Trail
Rated: Moderate
Distance: 3.3 Mile loop
Elevation Gain: 797 feef
Where to Camp in Idyllwild California
If you’re up for an adventure, camping at Black Mountain Yellow post sites is something special.
If you know us, you know we like to camp out in the boonies with no one around, so camping at yellow post sites with “designated campgrounds” means it must be a good spot.
Though these are yellow post sites, there are no hook ups, no restrooms and no running water so keep that in mind before you head up Black Mountain to the yellow post sites.
This campground is about 45 minutes north of Idyllwild town, so keep that in mind when planning your trip. We did head up to the campground first thing Saturday morning to claim a spot as there are only 6 yellow post sites (however there are other pull offs) and there is no way to know if they are taken or not so it’s a first come, first serve basis.
There are a few yellow posts with GREAT views.. we stayed at yellow post #4 and -OMG if it is open, definitely camp there. Check out the pictures below of our Yellow Post Site campground #4
What to Wear in Idyllwild California
For more suggestions on what to wear in Idyllwild California this quaint and quiet mountain town, check out this blog post.
I hope you enjoy your weekend in Idyllwild!! If you found this blog post helpful and/or do anything from the blog.. I would love to hear in the comments below!
x,
Christy
