My favorite place in California is a tiny mountain town that's worth visiting in every season — also, its mayor is a dog

I try to see Mayor Max whenever visiting the mountain town of Idyllwild. Mar Yvette One of my favorite escapes from Los Angeles is the rustic, uncrowded mountain town of Idyllwild. The tiny community is isolated but offers plenty to see and do year-round. It offers a laid-back getaway where you can be immersed in nature and meet a local dog celebrity. One of the best things about living in Santa Monica is having the ocean on one side and the mountains on the other. Although there are plenty of mountainous spots nearby to choose from for a getaway, my husband and I keep going back to the small town of Idyllwild. We've been there at least 20 times over the past decade, and it remains one of our favorite places to visit.