Idyllwild, California is a tiny, unincorporated mountain community in the San Jacinto Mountains. It sits at an elevation of about one mile, providing direct access to expansive pine forests, hiking and biking trails, and dramatic rock formations. From its golden retriever mayor to its reputation as an arts hub, keep reading for everything to know about this overlooked Southern California escape.
World Atlas recently named Idyllwild in its list of the best places to live in Southern California in 2025, citing its proximity to nature and tight-knit community.
Would you make the move?
History of Idyllwild
Origins, geography, and setting
This area of California was inhabited by the Cahuilla people for thousands of years until settlers arrived in the late 19th century. Before long, Idyllwild became a popular summer destination as new roads were constructed to increase accessibility, and it developed a reputation as an arts enclave, hosting festivals and even film productions over the decades.
To this day, Idyllwild has retained its rustic charm and small community, largely thanks to the surrounding San Jacinto Forest Reserve, which is protected from development.
Canine mayors
Idyllwild is famous for its canine mayors, who have been a recent addition to local lore. The tradition began in 2012 when the Idyllwild Animal Rescue Friends (ARF) held a fundraiser styled as a mayoral election open to dogs and cats, as Idyllwild is an unincorporated community with no official human mayor. A golden retriever named Max (Maximus Mighty-Dog Mueller) won, but sadly passed away after just nine months in office.
Mayor Max I was succeeded by Mayor Max II in 2013, another golden retriever who served for nine years and became an international celebrity. When Max II passed away in July 2022, he was succeeded by Mayor Max III, who continues the tradition today. Mayor Max’s duties include attending community events and spreading goodwill.
Things to do in Idyllwild
Outdoor activities
Idyllwild’s location in the San Jacinto Mountains makes for a diverse lineup of outdoor recreational activities. Many visitors make the drive to explore dozens of hiking trails in the surrounding wilderness, ranging from easy walks to strenuous climbs. The area’s blend of landscapes supports rock climbing, mountain biking, horseback riding, and camping.
Arts and culture
Although Idyllwild is a small and remote mountain community, it has a remarkable concentration of art galleries that celebrate its deeply woven arts and culture scene. Organizations such as the Art Alliance of Idyllwild and the Idyllwild Arts Academy work to nurture the town’s artistic heritage for generations to come.
Visiting from L.A.
Idyllwild is about 110 miles east of Los Angeles, which makes for about a 2-hour drive depending on traffic. The most scenic and popular route is via I-10 to Banning, then south on Highway 243 into the mountains. The town experiences all four seasons, so you can expect snow in the winter, wildflowers in the spring, warm and arid weather in the summer, and colorful foliage in the fall.