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Located 5,000 feet up in the San Jacinto Mountains lies the charming town of Idyllwild: the perfect adventure getaway from city life. Located just two hours from Los Angeles International Airport, the town is easily accessible making it the perfect destination for a quick getaway.
Idyllwild offers something for everyone, whether you want to spend your days exploring the plethora of incredible hiking trails, take a casual stroll through the quaint village center and enjoy some wine tasting, or let out your adventurous side by rock climbing and horseback riding through its steep landscapes.
Despite being more popular in the summer with gorgeous rivers to swim in and hike the gorgeous sunny mountain trails, Idyllwild is an all-year-round destination with each season offering unique experiences. The town offers snowy mountain landscapes in the winter months, blossoming flower fields in spring, and gorgeous autumnal colors in fall.
Idyllwild is a small resort town, but it boasts a huge state park area around it, which can make it difficult when choosing where to stay. However, it is well equipped for tourists meaning there is a great selection of places to stay.
When choosing where to stay in Idyllwild, it is best to get an idea of what you want to see and do in order to figure out which area is best for you.
In this guide, I have explained which are the best areas of Idyllwild to stay in and included some of my top suggestions for where to stay in Idyllwild. I have taken into account different travel styles, group sizes, and budgets, so you’ll be sure to find something for you in this list.
Let’s take a look!
Looking for a specific place to stay? These are our highest recommendations for places to stay in Idyllwild.
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The Nest | Best Bed & Breakfast in Idyllwild
This quaint bed and breakfast is located in the cool area of Lily Creek and is nestled amongst nature providing guests with some of the most spectacular mountain views. The cottage is equipped with top-of-the-range facilities including a private patio, fireplace, and luxurious hot tub. The cottage can fit up to two guests making it a great place to stay in Idyllwild for both couples and solo travelers.
Moody Ruby One Bedroom with Yoga Loft | Best Budget Accommodation in Idyllwild
Located just outside of Lily Creek and near the village center, this unique one-bedroom home provides a warming and homely atmosphere. The accommodation is equipped with an incredible loft perfectly designed for yoga with a relaxed, rustic, and spacious design throughout the property.
3 BR Seasonal Creek W/ Hot Tub | Best Luxury Accommodation in Idyllwild
This picturesque home is cozily snuggled between charming treetops and is traditionally decorated with high-beamed ceilings with a modern twist. The cottage has three spacious bedrooms along with a beautiful open-plan living space along with a rustic wooden deck with incredible forest views. It is also primely located just a short drive from the village center.
Village Centre
Located in the heart of Idyllwild and within walking distance to the area’s plethora of outdoor activities, the village center is the perfect place to stay for your first time in Idyllwild.
Lily Creek
When it comes to hotels and resorts Lily Creek is very limited, but this adds to its unique, off-the-beaten-path location. Here you will find beautiful woodland cottages along with plenty of budget-friendly lodges and accommodation options.
Near San Jacinto State Park
If you’re looking to experience some of the town’s best hiking spots and incredible landscapes then staying just a stone’s throw away from Idyllwild’s famous San Jacinto National Park is a great option.
Idyllwild is a beautiful resort town located in California’s riverside country amongst the incredible San Jacinto Mountains.
Despite it being relatively small in size there is a range of places to stay here, from the off-the-beaten-path rural cottages to town center apartments. In this guide, I have broken down three of our top neighborhoods to stay in including the different lodging options and tips on things to do nearby.
Beginning of course with the village center, the cultural hub to Idyllwild. Here is where you will find the greatest selection of things to do including museums, monuments, restaurants, bars, and cafes.
Alternatively, if you fancy staying in somewhere a little quieter with a relaxed and slow-paced atmosphere then look no further than Lily Creek. It is just a short walk from the village center tranquil neighborhood is home to quaint cottages surrounded by beautiful woodlands. Lily Creek is just off the highway making it super accessible if you’re on a California road trip.
One of the key landmarks in Idyllwild is San Jacinto State Park, and with lots of accommodation options surrounding the park, it makes it a convenient place to stay if you want to explore nature and embark on some of the hiking trails.
The neighborhood itself is very safe and has plenty of outdoor activities to explore which also makes it a great place to stay in Idyllwild for families.
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3 Best Neighborhoods to Stay in Idyllwild
Now that you have been briefly introduced to the three best neighborhoods in Idyllwild, let’s take a look, in more detail, at some of the best places to stay.
Each area caters to different interests, so I have also listed some of the top things to do in each area.
Enjoy!
Village Centre – Where to Stay in Idyllwild for First Time Visitors
Located in the heart of Idyllwild and within walking distance to the area’s plethora of outdoor activities, the village center is the perfect place to stay for your first-time visit to Idyllwild.
Idyllwild has a very laid-back atmosphere but if you’re looking for somewhere to stay that’s more lively, then the village center is your best option. Here is where most of the action takes place, with lots of shops, restaurants, wineries, and art galleries to explore.
The pedestrian-friendly area is the perfect place to stroll around the quaint cobbled streets which look beautiful amongst the spectacular backdrops of the nearby mountains.
Being centrally located means there are plenty of accommodation options in the Village Centre from budget-friendly B&Bs to luxury hotels.
The Wine Loft Idyllwild | Best Bed & Breakfast in Village Centre
This beautiful loft is perfectly located overlooking the village center and has been remodeled to create a comfortable two-bedroom apartment for up to four guests. The loft also includes a spacious and warm living room along with two decks that offer breathtaking views of the mountainous surroundings.
Pine Hollow | Best Luxury Accommodation in Village Centre
Featuring spectacular views right from the onsite patio, Pine Hollow is a luxurious yet traditional holiday home nestled in the village center. Located within walking distance to Idyllwild’s largest selection of shops and restaurants guests staying at the Pine Hollow are in the prime position to explore its laid-back but charming atmosphere.
Crestview Lodge | Coolest Accommodation Option in Village Centre
Nestled in beautiful surrounding woodland lies the quaint Crestview Lodge. The cozy holiday home provides spacious living areas and warming bedrooms making it a perfect place to relax after exploring Idyllwild’s great selection of outdoor activities. Located just outside of the village center guests staying at Crestview Lodge have the best of both worlds as they are close enough to explore the area’s vibrant atmosphere whilst also being tucked away in a quiet location if they want to relax.
Top Things to Do Near the Village Centre:
- Explore Idyllwild Park.
- Make the trip to Mt San Jacinto State Park.
- Wander the Devils Slide Trail.
- Indulge on food at Fratello’s Ristorante & Pizzeria.
- Try local bear Idyllwild Brewpub.
- Wander along the main promenade of shops.
- Dip into some of the nearby wineries and sample some Californian wine.
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View on OspreyLily Creek – Coolest Area to Stay in Idyllwild
When it comes to hotels and resorts Lily Creek is very limited, but this adds to its unique, off-the-beaten-path charm. Here you will find beautiful woodland cottages along with plenty of budget-friendly lodges and accommodation options.
Being slightly out of the main village center, Lily Creek is a haven of fun for outdoor adventurers. In winter, snow falls creating beautiful icy landscapes perfect for snow trekking, and in the summer months, the sun glows over the heaps of scenic trails.
Despite just being a short distance to the center staying in Lily Creek you will feel a very local experience, with not a whole lot in the way of shops and restaurants. Lily Creek’s relaxed charm and authenticity have certainly earned its stripes as the coolest area to stay in Idyllwild.
The Nest | Best Bed & Breakfast in Lily Creek
This is quaint and spacious holiday home boasts some of the most spectacular mountain views in Idyllwild, which can be viewed from its private patio which is equipped with a luxurious hot tub. The cottage can fit two guests with an open plan and warming interior making it the perfect place to wind down after a day of exploring.
Moody Ruby One bedroom with Yoga Loft | Best Budget Accommodation in Lily Creek
This home can be best described as a homage to growing up in Idyllwild with a feeling of comfort and nature all in one. Moody lodge is a one-bed, one-bath home with an open loft making it the perfect place to stay in Idyllwild for couples or solo travelers.
Spacious, creekside home w/wood fireplace | Best Luxury Accommodation in Lily Creek
This contemporary, cabin-style home is located alongside the two beautiful creeks of Strawberry Creek and Lily Creek. The large home can fit up to eight guests and is equipped with comfortable furnishings, a cozy wood fireplace, and a deck with an outdoor BBQ. This would be the ideal cabin to stay in for Christmas in California.
Top things to do and see near in Lily Creek:
- Sleep amongst the stars in Idyllwild Park.
- Explore the hiking trails in Idyllwild Park.
- Walk the trails at Humber Park.
- Take the scenic trail towards the Village Centre.
- Let out your adventurous side and hike the Ernie Maxwell Scenic Trail 3E07.
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Grab an eSIM!Near San Jacinto State Park – Where to Stay in Idyllwild for Families
If you’re looking to experience some of the town’s best hiking spots and incredible landscapes then staying just a stone’s throw away from Idyllwild’s famous San Jacinto National Park is a great option.
The area is full of accommodation options perfectly designed for outdoor lovers with chalets, bed & breakfasts, and hotels offering great tours and equipment. It is also a great place to stay in Idyllwild for families with the neighborhood providing a quiet and safe atmosphere but also having plenty of things to do to keep the kids entertained.
The village center is also easily reached on foot, just a 10-15 minute walk away from the neighborhood. This means guests staying in the neighborhood won’t have to trek far to reach the town’s main area for restaurants, cafes, and bars.
3 BR Seasonal Creak W/ Hot Tub | Best Luxury Accommodation near San Jacinto State Park
This stunning cabin is beautifully snuggled between beautiful woodlands and is equipped with high-beamed ceilings and a modern kitchen and living space creating a luxurious and charming feel. The cabin is just a short walk away from San Jacinto State Park along with being less than a mile to Downtown Idyllwild and its village center. Guests love that the property offers a rustic wooden deck that includes a hot tub where they can enjoy the lush forest views.
Cabins in the clouds | Best Budget Accommodation near San Jacinto State Park
This budget-friendly cabin is tucked away amongst the wilderness and is surrounded by towering Pines and Cedars trees. The property is in the perfect location to explore nature with plenty of hiking trails on its doorstep along with being just a short drive to the famous lakes of Lake Hemet and Lake Fulmor. If you’re backpacking California and fancy taking a short hiking trip, this would be the ideal budget accommodation to base yourself in.
Idyllwild Dairy Cottage | Best Bed & Breakfast near San Jacinto State Park
This charming cottage is the perfect place to stay in Idyllwild for a romantic weekend getaway with guests falling in love with the home’s country charm. The cottage is beautifully and meticulously decorated to give an appealing ambiance as well as celebrate the property’s long history. The cottage is spacious and open planned and set up like a studio boasting a hot tub and deluxe queen-size bed.
Top things to do and see Near San Jacinto State Park :
- Go mountain biking in San Jacinto State Park.
- Hike to highest peak of San Jacinto State Park.
- Visit Idyllwild Area Historical Society.
- Take a trip to Idyllwild Nature Center.
- Wander the Deer Springs Trailhead.
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Hide Yo’ Money!What To Pack For Idyllwild
Pants, socks, underwear, soap?! Take it from me, packing for a hostel stay is not always quite as straightforward as it seems. Working out what to bring and what to leave at home is an art I have perfected over many years.
Ear Plugs
Snoring dorm-mates can ruin your nights rest and seriously damage the hostel experience. This is why I always travel with a pack of decent ear plugs.
Hanging Laundry Bag
Trust us, this is an absolute game changer. Super compact, a hanging mesh laundry bag stops your dirty clothes from stinking, you don’t know how much you need one of these… so just get it, thank us later.
Sea To Summit Micro Towel
Hostel towels are scummy and take forever to dry. Microfibre towels dry quickly, are compact, lightweight, and can be used as a blanket or yoga mat if need be.
Monopoly Deal
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Grayl Geopress Water Bottle
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Check out my definitive Hotel Packing list for even more top packing tips!
Don’t Forget Travel Insurance for Idyllwild
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Final Thoughts on Where to Stay in Idyllwild
So that’s Idyllwild, a small and yet stunning town in California, surrounded by incredible mountains, beautiful walking trails, and glistening rivers. With the town being reasonably small no matter which neighborhood you choose, you won’t be too far from the action.
In case you’re still unsure on where to stay in Idyllwild here is a quick rundown…
If you’re looking for where to stay to be amongst the hustle and bustle of Idyllwild, staying in the village center is the place to be. Or, perhaps you’re heading on a family getaway and want a safe and relaxed location with plenty of things to keep the kids entertained, then San Jacinto is your best bet.
Finally, you have arguably the coolest place to stay in Idyllwild, Lilly Creek, just outside of the village center. This neighborhood offers guests an off-the-beaten-path experience whilst also being within walking distance to the town’s main shops, restaurants and attractions.
Do you have a favourite place to stay on my list? Let me know in the comments!
- Check out our ultimate guide backpacking around USA.
- Figured out where you wanna stay? Now it’s time to pick the perfect hostel in USA.
- Or… maybe you want to check out some Airbnbs in USA instead.
- Next up you’re gonna need to know all the best places to visit in USA to plan your trip.
- Save yourself hassle and money and get an international sim card for USA.
- Swing by our super epic backpacking packing list to prep for your trip.
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