Borrego Valley Inn (3), 405 Palm  Canyon Dr. (800-333-5810) ($150–$235). This southwestern-style adobe inn features 15 rooms with private patios, kitchenettes, two pools and two spas. Credit cards: AE, DISC, MC, VISA.

The Palms at Indian Head (1), 2220 Hoberg Rd., P.O. Box 525, Borrego Springs, CA 92004 (800-519-2624) ($99–$259). This historic inn features 12 cozy rooms with beautiful desert views, an Olympic-sized swimming pool and Jacuzzi. Plus, enjoy delicious steaks and seafood in a romantic setting at their Krazy Coyote Bar and Grill (1). Credit cards: AE, DC, DISC, MC, VISA. All rates are are subject to change without notice.

Carlee's Place (5) 660 Palm Canyon Dr. (760-767-3262) is open daily for lunch and dinner, 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. Nightly specials are from 5 p.m. to 9 p.m. and include great-tasting burgers, steaks and pasta which are served in an informal setting with a large screen TV and pool table.

Kendall's Cafe (4) at The Mall on Palm Canyon Dr. (760-767-3491) is open daily for breakfast, lunch and dinner from 6 a.m. to 8 p.m.. It is a favorite coffee shop and local favorite.

The Red Ocotillo (6) 818 Palm Canyon Dr. (760-767-7400) Is open daily for breakfast, lunch and dinner, 7 a.m. to 9 p.m. and feature delicious breakfast and brunch entrees and a pet friendly patio.

The Visitor’s Center is open daily 9 a.m.–5 p.m., Oct. 1–May 31. During the hot season, June 1–Sept. 30, the Visitor’s Center is open 9 a.m.–5 p.m. on weekends and holidays. It’s closed weekdays. Most of Borrego Springs’ 644,000 visitors come in the spring when the wildflowers are in full bloom. So be sure to bring your camera. A must-see attraction is the Anza-Borrego Desert State Park Visitor’s Center (2) (760-767-4205). Here you will be introduced to the natural beauty of the desert with over 1,000 species of plants, 56 species of reptiles and amphibians, 297 varieties of birds and 116 different species of butterflies. The center also has fascinating displays and special multi-projector slide shows about the desert.

Camping Also popular for campers and RV enthusiasts is to stay overnight in the park. Depending on the season and accommodations requested, overnight fees at the Anza-Borrego State Park (7) (760-767-4205) are ($7–$29). To book reservations call (800-444-7275).

Ocotillo Airstrip is a great way for pilots to visit this remote area. The strip's two runways, one 2,475 feet long and the other 4,210 feet, sit on a dry lake bed about 100 miles east of downtown San Diego. A small café, gas station and general store are directly across State Route 78. Tie-downs are available at the airstrip's transient area.

The Borrego Airport at 1820 Palm Canyon Drive (760-767-7415) is three miles east of Borrego Springs and 100 miles northeast of downtown San Diego.