Between Palm Springs & Temecula Is A Laid-Back California Mountain Town With A Dog As Its Mayor

When you're planning a trip to California, you can hit the usual suspects like Los Angeles and San Francisco, but if you skip some of the more inland and mountainous locations, you're really missing out. Some of these cities and towns are off the beaten path and far more laid-back and relaxing than the major cities. Around a 50-mile drive west from Palm Springs (during which you have to drive around canyons and Idyllwild Regional Park), and 48 miles northeast of the hidden-gem wine region of Temecula, sits Idyllwild, a lovely mountain town that has a dog for a mayor — and an awfully cute one at that. 

Idyllwild is in the San Jacinto Mountains at an elevation of 5,400 feet above sea level, so it's great in the summer if you're looking for cooler temperatures, perfect for colorful foliage in late fall, and ideal in the winter if you're searching for snowy landscapes. It's also a beautiful place to enjoy stargazing far away from large cities.

You can make a day of spotting the painted aluminum deer scattered around the village (or get a map of the sculptures from the historical society), join the Art Walk & Wine Tasting in October, or explore the art galleries around town. Spend the evening watching a flick at The Rustic Theatre, which has been around since 1952, or learn about the history of the area at the Idyllwild Area Historical Society.

Hiking is a popular pastime in Idyllwild, and many trails allow you to bring your dog with you. One of those trails is the Ernie Maxwell Trail, which is 5 miles out and back, with an elevation gain of over 740 feet. You'll have some stunning views and lots of shade, with some stream crossings. However, with this and any of the other hikes in the area, make sure you've adjusted to the altitude, and stop if you feel short of breath. If you're an experienced hiker, you can head up to the summit of San Jacinto Peak. You can also try the Deer Springs Trail to Suicide Rock, which starts about 1 mile north of town, though this one doesn't allow dogs and requires a permit. You can get yours from Mount San Jacinto State Park.

Right in town, behind the Idyllwild Brewpub, you'll find the Strawberry Creek Path, which is just under 1.5 miles. It goes along a creek and has lots of shade. It's also dog-friendly, though note that for all the hikes, dogs must be on a leash. You should also be aware that there may be rattlesnakes on these trails, so keep an eye out, especially if your four-legged friend is with you.

In the heart of Idyllwild, you can spend your time checking out cool and unique shops, like The Funky Bazaar, where you'll find unusual gifts, steampunk decor, and fun clothing. When you're ready for mealtime, stop by the popular Idyllwild Brewpub to try one of the beers brewed on site. It also has craft cocktails; dishes such as crispy Brussels sprouts, pulled pork sandwiches, burgers, and seafood; and a heated patio. Another highly rated option is Mama's Egg House, which has breakfast options until 4 p.m. and, according to the restaurant's website, a dinner menu coming soon. Note that it's closed Tuesday and Wednesday.

Arguably one of the best things about Idyllwild is its government, which may seem like an odd thing to say, until you realize that it's run by dogs. In fact, as of this writing, Mayor Max the golden retriever is the third canine mayor since 2012. Idyllwild is an unincorporated town, so there is technically no mayor's office. However, Idyllwild Animal Rescue Friends started the whole thing, asking people to vote for a small fee, raising $31,000 for the organization. Maximus Mighty-Dog Mueller was the first mayor, followed by Max the Second. The current mayor is Max the Third, who started his term in 2022 at the age of three months. In fact, the entire cabinet is made up of dogs. Mayor Max makes appearances all over town, and you can see his schedule on his website here.

As you probably expect, Idyllwild is a very dog-friendly town. According to the website and app BringFido, you can bring your dog to restaurants like Idyllwild Brewpub, Restaurant Gastrognome, Mama's Egg House, and more. (Restaurants don't always let dogs inside, but many places have patios.) Some stores will let your furry friend in as well, including Mountain Paws, a pet shop that has supplies, toys, and snacks.

The closest airport to Idyllwild is Palm Springs International Airport (PSP), about 50 miles away. You may want to add Palm Springs to your trip if you visit in colder weather — it's one of the best winter destinations in California for a weekend getaway, according to visitors. You'll need a car, though it's a beautiful area for a road trip. If you decide to visit and have a Costco membership, the big-box store has plenty of supplies to level up your next road trip.