Palm Springs

Visiting Palm Springs is like getting two vacations in one weekend.

Enjoy a cool dip in the pool at Caliente Tropics Resort, a hip, mid-century-era Hawaiian-style motel complete with poolside cabanas and tikis, for about $80 per night.

On the second day, the Palm Springs Aerial Tramway will whisk you to the top of Mt. San Jacinto for $22.95 round trip. Stroll in the snow and take in breathtaking views of the desert floor below.

In between, you can enjoy a bounty of fabulous restaurants and exciting nightlife. For a sublime breakfast, go to Elmer’s for hazelnut-stuffed French toast, Cafe Totonaca for tasty vegetarian fare or Rick’s for massive loaded omelettes. For lunch, Tyler’s Burgers is a must. For amazing Mexican dinners, try Las Casuelas Terraza or El Mirasol.

For more fun in the sun, tour the Elvis Honeymoon Hideaway for $35. Finally, check out Sonny Bono’s statue and Liberace’s star on the walk of fame, then sample the best date shakes ever at Palm Springs Fudge and Chocolates downtown.