One of the greatest things about living in L.A. is how easy it is to get out of L.A. Nearby beach getaways and ski excursions abound, but on the list of easy weekend trips is the often overlooked, but delightfully charming, mountain village of Idyllwild. Nestled among pine trees and home to an abundance of log cabins, it's just a couple hours east of Los Angeles, though you feel as if you're much farther north. Idyllwild is the perfect place for the ambitious outdoorsman, the California sophisticate or the chilled-out hippie. You can hike, rock-climb and mountain-bike, as well as shop the unique boutiques, go wine tasting and enjoy good dining in the town square. But there's also a vibe here, something that tells you you've found the good life. Ask the local folks, and many will tell you how they came to Idyllwild for a visit — and never left. After one weekend, you start to see why. idyllwildtowncrier.com. —Ali Trachta

Advertising disclosure: We may receive compensation for some of the links in our stories. Thank you for supporting LA Weekly and our advertisers.