Idyllwild

This fir-hugged township up in the San Jacinto Mountains is only 11mi (18km) as the crow flies from Palm Springs, but the hour-long winding route to get there makes its cedar-scented air and alpine attitude feel otherworldly. As befits a mountain village, it offers plenty of hiking, rock climbing and camping, but there’s also a local art scene that’s worth investigating. It’s best explored at Art in the Park – an open-air art fair that showcases the talents of local artists with a mountain backdrop. Recommended by local insider Jessica Weil