Palm Springs, California

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No matter how you approach Palm Springs, be it through the Colorado Desert by car, or by plane via the Sonny Bono Concourse at "America's Resortport," once you arrive you'll find yourself in a very different place indeed.

Streets signs bear the names of the Hollywood glitterati who put the place on the map in the 1930s, 40s and 50s: Frank Sinatra, Bob Hope, Dinah Shore and Gene Autry, to name a few. Classic mid-century modern architecture (a solid testament to those infamous glamour days) is still evident in opulent homes that dot the hillsides, lay hidden in the flats and cozy up to magnificent Mount San Jacinto. Trendy hotels and shops along Palm Canyon Drive work to keep the vintage style alive.

Although this oasis is a living reminder of its past, Palm Springs, along with a string of neighboring desert resort cities along Highway 111 in the Coachella Valley, also affords visitors the opportunity to participate in some of the finest modern-day recreation (or relaxation, if you'd rather) in the world. Golf on championship courses? World-class resorts? Spas? Restaurants? Fashion? Culture? Adventure? It's all there. For more information, visit palm-springs.org

EAT
Six essential dining experiences, from casual neighborhood bistros to elegant landmarks

El Mirasol Cantina Mexicana Sit on the patio, or under the palapas inside, and order up authentic dishes like house-special pollo en mole poblano and chicharron en tomatillo salsa. Open daily for lunch and dinner. Entrées from $10.75. Casual dress.
VITALS: Located across the street from World Bank. 140 E. Palm Canyon Drive, (760) 323-0721.

Bangkok Five "Lucky" Teachanarong presides over this elegant Thai restaurant, which features high-beamed ceilings and rice-paper lanterns. Thai sausage salads, crispy duck and whole catfish with spicy chili sauce are specials. Open nightly for dinner. Entrées from $11.95. Smart casual dress.
VITALS: Located on Highway 111, between Country Club Drive and Frank Sinatra Drive. 70-026 Highway 111, Rancho Mirage, (760) 770-9508, bangkok5.com.

Citron Against a crisp citrus-and-white backdrop, colorful dishes like sweet carrot soup, saffron seafood risotto, and steak frites with red wine sauce and spinach stand out. Whet your appetite by sipping a sugar-rimmed "Citron Blue" martini at the bar. Open daily for breakfast, lunch and dinner. Dinner entrées from $15. Smart casual dress.
VITALS: Located in the Viceroy Palm Springs resort. 415 S. Belardo Road, Palm Springs, (760) 320-4117, viceroypalmsprings.com/dining.

Norma's Sit garden-side for unforgettable breakfasts (foie gras brioche French toast or "Zillion dollar" lobster frittatas) under the orange-and-yellow canopies at this eclectic eatery at the Parker Palm Springs. Lunch is fun, too. Open for breakfast, lunch and brunch, Wednesday through Sunday: 7 am to 3 pm; Monday and Tuesday: 7 am to 10 pm. Entrées from $12. Casual dress.
VITALS: Located in the Parker Palm Springs, 4200 E. Palm Canyon Drive, (760) 321-4630, theparkerpalmsprings.com.

Le Vallauris Set in an historical landmark with Louis XV furnishings and a tree-lined dining patio, Le Vallauris ranks high on over-the-top elegance and service. Daily offerings of Mediterranean-French cuisine are handwritten on a large board displayed on your table like a piece of art. Try the popular seared whitefish with mustard sauce. Open daily for lunch, dinner and Sunday brunch. Dinner entrées from $22.50. Smart casual dress.
VITALS: Located in the historic Roberson House, 385 W. Tahquitz Canyon Way, Palm Springs. (760) 325-5059, levallauris.com.

Zin American Bistro A casual neighborhood bistro with white tablecloths and butter-yellow walls, Zin satisfies cravings for modern French fare (try the roasted mussels with chorizo or the braised lamb shank). Open nightly for dinner. Dinner entrées from $14. Casual dress.
VITALS: Located at the corner of Arenas and Palm Canyon, 198 S. Palm Canyon Drive, Palm Springs, (760) 322-6300, zinamericanbistro.com.