Sun Kitsched Fun: Palm Springs Restaurants, Hotels & More

50800 Seminole Dr, Cabazon, CA 92230 (map)

You saw it in "Pee Wee Herman's Big Adventure"--now see it in person. Cabazon's concrete dinosaurs have been a beloved tourist trap for half a century, and a trip to Palm Springs isn't complete without a stop at Dinny--the famed four-story high Brontosaurus--and his 65-foot comrade Tyrannosaurus Rex.

73-990 El Paseo, Palm Desert, CA 92260 (map)

This polished stretch of desert road just east of Palm Springs is a shopper's paradise for chic boutiques and eclectic galleries. (Think Tommy Bahamas, Saks, Tiffany as well as non-chain finds.) There's also a handful of cafes and restaurants, perfect for retail rejuvenation.

196 S Indian Canyon Dr, Palm Springs, CA 92262 (map)

Don't let the plain exterior fool you. This splurgey spot in the heart of downtown Palm Springs is the only place in town to get cosmopolitan cuisine with a heavy Austrian accent .... It's also the only place to indulge in a "menage a trois"--the kitchen's robust mixture of lobster, shrimp and scallops dressed in a licoricey, spicy-sweet cream sauce. Saucy!

155 S Palm Canyon Dr, Palm Springs, CA 92262 (map)

Overlooking the famous Sonny Bono statue in Mercado Plaza, this fun bistro pleases both the 20-something drinking crowd and the more mature diner with carefully crafted cocktails, chargrilled burgers and even steak and seafood selections. Oh yeah, and that killer pizza, too.

4200 E Palm Canyon Dr, Palm Springs, CA 92264 (map)

The quirkiest hotel in Palm Springs is also the quintessential breakfast spot, thanks to the onsite diner known as Norma's. Practically an institution since the day it opened, this peachy indoor/outdoor spot is where hotel guests and visitors alike can indulge in the famed Very Berry Brioche French Toast, Normalita's Huevos Rancheros, and Flat-As-A-Pancake crabcakes.

71959 Highway 111, Rancho Mirage, CA 92270 (map)

Who says you can't have a tropical getaway in the middle of the dessert? This island-inspired favorite dishes out Hawaiian-fusion classics like misoyaki butterfish and the popular melting hot chocolate souffle.

257 S Patencio Rd, Palm Springs, CA 92262 (map)

No phones, no TVs, no worries: This gorgeous little hideaway will feel like you've just escaped to Morocco (minus all the jetlag). Comprised of two villas on opposite sides of the small road, the retreat features two pools, flaming bonfires and the most relaxing scene this side of the 10 freeway.

726 N Indian Canyon Dr, Palm Springs, CA 92262 (map)

This '50s-style property was the first historic hotel to revive the mid-century design craze in Palm Springs and it's still going strong. With interiors that unite a sleek, almost Scandinavian look with retro glam accents, this hideaway is just blocks from downtown Palm Springs.

562 W Arenas Rd, Palm Springs, CA 92262 (map)

For those who turn up their noses at the new breed of neo-classical resorts popping up all over, this throwback offers refreshing authenticity. The hotel is a secluded bastion of hip sensibilities, peppered with beautiful people who look great just hanging out in their swimming garb.

4200 E Palm Canyon Dr, Palm Springs, CA 92264 (map)

Quirky, irreverant and utterly luxurious, this historic property may look like Austin Powers' wardrobe exploded all over it, but the real man behind its unmatched--and mismatched--look is acclaimed design guru Jonathan Adler. It's the place to do Palm Springs like you've never done it before.