Located at an elevation of over 5,000 feet on the western slopes of Southern California’s San Jacinto Mountains, the village of Idyllwild is renowned for its cultural and arts environment, as well as its stunning natural beauty. Set amid towering alpine forests, majestic mountains, and tranquil meadows, Idyllwild is an historic town that has long had a reputation as an arts mecca. Idyllwild offers a peaceful and remote setting from urban distractions, although it is located just 2 hours by car from Los Angeles or San Diego. Students 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. The Idyllwild Arts campus is located only 2 miles from the center of town.
Directions
Set your GPS to 52500 Temecula Road, Idyllwild, CA 92549
From Los Angeles International Airport:
Head East on I-105 from S Sepulveda Blvd. Continue on I-105 E. Take I-10 E to CA-243 S/S 8th St in Banning. Take exit 100 from I-10 E. Follow CA-243 S to 52500 Temecula Rd.
From San Diego International Airport:
Head North on I-15, CA-79 S, CA-371 E and CA-74 W to Tollgate Rd in Idyllwild-Pine Cove. Continue on Tollgate Rd to 52500 Temecula Rd.
From Palm Springs International Airport:
Take N Farrell Dr and E Racquet Club Rd to CA-111 N/N Palm Canyon Dr. Follow CA-111 N, I-10 W and CA-243 S to Tollgate Rd in Idyllwild-Pine Cove. Continue on Tollgate to 52500 Temecula Rd.
From Ontario:
Get on I-10 E. Follow I-10 E to CA-243 S/S 8th St in Banning. Take exit 100 from I-10 E. Follow CA-243 S to 52500 Temecula Rd.
From Hemet:
Head east on CA-74 E/W Florida Ave toward N State St. Continue on CA-243 N to 52500 Temecula Rd.
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
Vacation Rentals:
If you want an amazing place to stay in Idyllwild, our very own design teacher of 16 years, Melissa Wilson, has designed three homes to meet all of your different needs. These homes are all upscale, newly remodeled and all have 5 star reviews. It is extremely important to Melissa that you always get 5 star treatment. The links are below or you can email her directly with any questions you may have: melissaw@idyllwildarts.org
Inns B&B’s & Hotels:
Campus Map
Restaurants
Café Aroma • CafeAroma.org • 951-659-5212 • 54750 North Circle Drive, Idyllwild CA 92549
Restaurant Gastrognome • gastrognome.com • 951-659-5055 • 54381 Ridgeview Drive, Idyllwild CA 92549
Higher Grounds Coffee House & Roaster • highergroundscoffee.com • 951-659-1379 • 54245 North Circle Drive, Idyllwild, CA
Idyll Awhile Wine Shoppe Bistro • idyllawhilewineshoppebistro.com • 951-659-9463 • 54254 North Circle Drive, Idyllwild, CA 92549
La Casita Mexican Restaurant • idyllwildlacasita.com • 951-659-6038 • 54650 North Circle Drive, Idyllwild CA
Lumber Mill Bar & Grill • idymill.com • 951-659-0315 • 25985 Hwy. 243, Idyllwild CA 92549• 951-659-2008 • 26600 Hwy 243, Idyllwild CA 92549
Mile High Cafe • milehighcafe.net • 951-659-2008 • 26600 Hwy 243, Idyllwild CA 92549
The Red Kettle • redkettleinc.com • 951-659-4063 • 54220 North Circle Drive, Idyllwild CA 92549
Ferro • ferrorestaurant.com • 951-659-0700 • 25840 Cedar Street, Idyllwild, CA 92549
Tommy’s Kitchen • 951-468-4222 • 54700 N Circle Dr, Idyllwild, CA 92549
Fratello’s Ristorante & Pizzeria • (951) 659-3900 • 54295 Ridgeview Drive, Idyllwild, CA 92549
Sugar Loaf • thesugarloafcafe.com • 442 400-9674 • 70111 California 74, Mountain Center, CA, 92561
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). The town features over 15 galleries representing the work of more than 200 artists. Idyllwild is filled with unique gift and antique shops, boutiques, galleries, and wide variety of dining options. There are hundreds of miles of hiking and mountain biking trails for all levels from gentle strolls to strenuous trails leading to the meadows and peaks that tower above the village. Fishing is also available within 20 minutes at Lake Fulmor and Lake Hemet.
Please note that Idyllwild does not have transportation services readily available in the Idyllwild area. If you have a car service drive you to Idyllwild, please make sure you pre-arrange for the car service to take you off the mountain. In some cases, you will need to have the car wait for you for the duration of your visit. Transportation options listed are informational only, and not an endorsement of those companies and services.
Palm Springs Airport area transportation service:
Shuttle Me Five Star 1-844-775-7827 shuttlemefivestar.com
Cardiff Limousine & Transportation 1-800-669-0355 or 1-760-568-1403 cardifflimo.com
VIP Express Transportation 1-760-322-2224 rideswithvip.com
Ontario International Airport area transportation service:
Super Shuttle 1-800-258-3826 supershuttle.com
Ontario Limo & Sedan Services 1-800-920-9987 ontariolimoservices.com
Ontario Uber Service 1-909-224-8712
Ride N’ Relax 1-323-674-9020 ridenrelax.com
Los Angeles International Airport area transportation service:
Super Shuttle 1-800-258-3826 supershuttle.com
LA Private Car Service 1-888-400-1919 laprivatecarservice.com
Ride N’ Relax 1-323-674-9020 ridenrelax.com
MGCLS Car Service 1-855-255-2557 laxcarservicemgcls.com