One through five, most dog friendly places in the country, I’m gonna give Idyllwild a TEN! Idyllwild’s mayor is a golden retriever named Max. I mean, c’mon.
Nestled in the San Jacinto Mountains (only about 2.5 hours away from Los Angeles), you can get all the things you’re missing in LA! Pine trees, clean air and nice people–I kid, I kid. When you’re driving up here it feels like you’re going to the middle of nowhere but then a small town pops up and it is adorable.
We stayed in Strawberry Creek Bunkhouse ($99-129/night, ph. 951-659-2201) which allows dogs in selected rooms. Our room was so cozy and felt roomy with its high angled ceiling. In the mornings, they deliver a basket filled with delicious warm scones, juice, apples and oatmeal packets.
Other pet friendly accommodations:
Idyllwild Inn ($99-185/night, ph. 888-659-2552)
Woodland Park Manor ($99-205/night, ph. 951-659-2657)
There are plenty of pet friendly cabin vacation rentals around if you check AirBnB, Flipkey, VRBO, etc.
Outdoor activities include hiking, dog parks and trails. Idyllwild Nature Center allows leashed dogs ($4 for Adult tickets, $1 for dog).
Or check out the shops — which is what we did.
Hiking through the shops was SO TUFF, Weston got a frozen yogurt treat from the Ice Cream & Jerky store.
So many of the restaurants here are dog friendly! We loved La Casita for its tastes-like-your-grandmother’s-home-cooking-ifshe’smexican (must-try: Albondigas soup, rice & beans, Camarones Rancheros). Tommy’s Kitchen has an amazing roasted veggie sandwich on ciabatta bread, salad bar and potato waffles! At night time Ferro’s comes alive with a bright bar, 2 level seating and modern italian food. Try Cafe Aroma for live music (most nights), a beautiful outdoor patio and yummy food (garlic bisque, the complimentary olive bread, scampi appetizer, yellow squash casserole).
Other pet friendly restaurants:
Gastrognome ph. 951-659-5055
Lumber Mill Bar & Grill ph. 951-659-0315
Oma’s European Restaurant ph. 951-659-0203
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