By Heather Lee

TUCSON, ARIZ.

STAY Right downtown, the 1919 Hotel Congress once housed legendary outlaw John Dillinger. From $59.* (800) 722-8848, www.hotelcongress.com.

EAT Try anything served in the warm, hand-formed corn tortillas at Taquería Pico de Gallo, one of the city’s 150-plus Mexican eateries. (520) 623-8775.

PLAY For a primer on local wildlife, visit the renowned Arizona-Sonora Desert Museum. Go in the morning when the animals are most active. $12. (520) 883-2702, www.desertmuseum.org.

P.S. At Cortiva’s Desert Institute of the Healing Arts, relax with a 50-minute massage from a therapist in training for just $30. (520) 792-1191.

STAY Best Western Las Brisas Hotel resembles a villa with its flowering bougainvillea and arched corridors. From $89.* (800) 346-5714, www.bestwestern.com.

EAT Zin American Bistro (top) boasts a solid wine list as well as a $40 prix fixe dinner featuring a different country’s cuisine each month. (760) 322-6300.

PLAY For a sweeping view of the valley, hop on the aerial tram that climbs 5,800 feet up to Mount San Jacinto State Park. Take a sweater. $21.50.* (888) 515-8726, www.pstramway.com.

P.S. Golf in Palm Springs can be pricey. Save 10 to 50 percent by purchasing unsold tee times through Stand By Golf. (760) 321-2665.

STAY Newport Dunes Waterfront Resort has two dozen cottages in addition to its 382 RV sites. From $52. (800) 765-7661, www.newportdunes.com.

EAT Since 1951, the Crab Cooker has been serving affordable seafood on paper plates. Tip: Order the charcoal-broiled fish or cracked crab. (949) 673-0100.

PLAY Take a spin on the Ferris wheel (above) at the Balboa Fun Zone ($2.50, 949-673-0408, www.thebalboafunzone.com), then hop on the ferry to Balboa Island (60 cents, www.balboa-island.net).

P.S. The Blue Beet café offers fish tacos for just $1. But there’s a catch: They’re only available from 11 p.m. to 2 a.m. on Fridays and Saturdays. (949) 675-2338.

*Ask about the discount for AAA members.