LA Weekend | Idyllwild 🌲 A Day Trip Guide to the Forest Town 🐾

🌲 If you don’t want to travel too far but still want a refreshing weekend escape, I’ve discovered a hidden gem—Idyllwild, a charming forest town! 🏁 The "Five Hairpin Turns" Challenge The town is nestled on a mountain top, requiring a thrilling 1-hour drive along winding cliffside roads. Not for the faint-hearted or those with a fear of heights! 🚗💨 🪞 Lake Fulmor According to guides, this is a stunning artificial lake—but we realized too late that you need a $5 Adventure Pass to visit. Since we didn’t have one, we had to skip it and move on… 🎣❌ 🛸 Donaldson Futuro House Who can resist a "spaceship" in the middle of the forest? 🛸✨ This futuristic gem, designed by a Finnish architect in 1968, is one of only 20 remaining in the U.S. It was a short-lived experimental design, with production ending in the mid-1970s. A must-see for its unique vibe! ☕️ Idyllwild Park The heart of the town, where shops, galleries, and restaurants cluster. Rumor has it there’s a farmers’ market on Sunday mornings! • Idyllwild Area Historical Society Museum 🐻: A small but cute museum with a giant bear statue out front—worth a quick visit if you have time. • Idyllwild Gardens 💐: Filled with plants, flowerpots, and adorable souvenirs—decorated with love! • Idyllwild Ice Cream Shop 🍦: A local favorite! We tried passion fruit and lavender flavors—so refreshing! • Fratello’s Ristorante & Pizzeria 🍕: Enjoy pizza while listening to live jazz! Two talented elderly musicians played classic tunes—such a vibe! 🎶 • Wooley’s 🎩: Recognizable by the giant hat out front, this spot sells clothes and souvenirs. We bought a funny gorilla figurine as a keepsake! • Brewpub 🍺: A popular American-style beer hall. Their juicy beef burger was a surprise hit! Perfect with a cold beer while admiring the mountain views. 🍔🍻 🧗♀️ Hiking Trails We parked at Regional Park ($6/person) and hiked to the Nature Center—about 40 minutes one way. The trail was dotted with mysterious red-barked trees shedding their skin. At the Nature Center, we explored exhibits of local plants and wildlife. Many also recommend the Ernie Maxwell Scenic Trail—a bit more challenging, with a downhill start and uphill return. #SouthernCalifornia #Idyllwild #AdventureDiary #WeekendGetaway #ForestTown #HiddenGem #DayTrip #ExploreLA #NatureLovers #HikingTrails