Or go mild in the desert

Does your taste tend more toward poolside R&R than to rock climbing? Head to Palm Springs.

The two pools at the Mediterranean-inspired Korakia Pensione (pictured) not only are open 24 hours but are heated as warm as 100° for cool desert nights. Black-and-white movies are projected on the courtyard wall. From $169; korakia.com

In fall, you can cruise the midcentury modern architecture by bike (Korakia lends two-wheelers to guests). The app Palm Springs Modern: Mid-Century Architecture Tours ($4.95) includes more than 80 landmarks in its three tours.

The Riviera Palm Springs’ Circa 59 restaurant highlights local fall ingredients. Its red leather banquettes, oversize chandeliers, and vintage photos will take you back to the resort’s roots as a Rat Pack hot spot. $$$; psriviera.com

Yes, the Palm Springs Aerial Tramway is touristy. But its rotating glass-walled cable cars are the perfect “mild” way to “hike” up 6,000 feet, from desert cactus to alpine trees, in just 10 minutes. $24 round-trip; snowshoe rental $18/day; pstramway.com