Plan Your Visit

When’s the best time to book your Idyllwild cabin?

The beauty of Idyllwild is that it’s a year-round, four-season destination. Lodging and cabin rentals can be most expensive in summer, when tourists visit from across California and the U.S. If you’re looking to book a cabin for the summer, it’s best to look at least three to six months ahead of time.

If you’re looking to book a cabin in the fall or winter, it can be easier to make last-minute arrangements for your cabin, but it’s still a good idea to plan ahead if possible. Although there’s no skiing in Idyllwild, it’s still a popular winter destination and cabin rentals - around the holidays, particularly - can book fast.

Spring and fall are good times to visit - you can still enjoy the outdoor perks that Idyllwild has to offer, but there’s often better availability and prices compared to the summer.

Idyllwild’s most popular cabins often book months in advance, so if you’re flexible with your dates and plans, you can work with each cabin’s availability to plan your trip. There’s never a bad time to visit Idyllwild, and doing your research for the right cabin rental can be well worth the wait and effort.

Are there cabins available outside of Airbnb?

Yep! There are plenty of cabin rentals available on VRBO, though many of the same cabins are available on Airbnb with fewer fees and expenses. You can also find vacation rental cabins available from larger cabin management properties, or places like Woodland Park Manor.

In our experience, however, the best Idyllwild cabin rentals are usually Airbnbs (or VRBOs) that have been owned and updated for the best possible experience. Most of the cabin rentals we recommend have been professionally designed or updated, and offer first-class customer service, amenities and hospitality that you can’t find anywhere else. Renting with Airbnb also gives you access to cabin rentals that offer a more authentic residential stay that highlights everything Idyllwild has to offer.

What’s there to do in Idyllwild?

Although Idyllwild’s a small, cozy town, there’s plenty to do to fill your mile-high getaway. Most visitors hit the shops and restaurants downtown during the day, or explore nearby hiking trails, like Suicide Rock or Ernie Maxwell Scenic Trail.

There’s more exploring to be had at Mount San Jacinto State Park, and the Idyllwild Nature Center makes it easy to learn about the local landscape. Idyllwild Regional Park is a great spot to start or end your days, and there’s no shortage of places to eat and drink at spots like Mile High Cafe, Idyllwild Brewpub and Restaurant Gastrognome.

Where should I go hiking in the area?

The AllTrails page for Idyllwild has more than 30 trails to choose from in the San Jacinto Mountains. There are trails and routes for all types of hikers, from beginners with kids and pets, to challenging treks that take you through some of the most beautiful stretches of the San Jacinto Mountains.

What’s the weather like in Idyllwild?

At 5,413 feet of elevation, Idyllwild is cool throughout the year. January, February and March see average temperatures in the 30s to the 50s, with anywhere from six to nine inches of snowfall.

April and May temperatures can reach the 70s, and summertime weather, on average, ranges from temperatures in the 40s at night to high-80s during the day.

Fall weather includes average temperatures in the 50s and 60s, and several inches of precipitation. If you’re looking to visit while it’s snowing, the best times to stay are December through March, though each winter has its own trends.

You can learn more about Idyllwild’s climate here.

What’s the best way to get to Idyllwild?

Idyllwild is just two hours from Los Angeles (directions), a little over two hours from San Diego (directions), one hour from Palm Springs (directions), and five hours from Phoenix (directions).

Wherever you’re coming from, it’s a relatively easy drive into Idyllwild. Once you’re in town, the best way to get around is by car, though you can also walk or bike to shops and restaurants, depending on the location of your cabin rental.

What’s the real estate market like in Idyllwild?

The median values of homes in the Idyllwild area are in the mid-$300,000s. Zillow’s Idyllwild listings include many cabins and homes in the $300,000 to $600,000 range, with several high-end homes in the $800,000 to $1 million or more range.

I’m just looking for a hotel - what are my options?

Although a cabin is the best way to experience Idyllwild, there are several hotel options in the area, including Idyllwild Bunkhouse, The Fireside Inn and The Grand Idyllwild Lodge.