HOT ... IN MORE WAYS THAN ONE WATER PARKS, MARGARITAS AND GREAT FOOD MAKE PALM SPRINGS COOL - EVEN IN SUMMER.

Byline: Dereck Andrade Staff Writer

PALM SPRINGS - The temperatures can soar well above 115 degrees at this time of year in the Coachella Valley, but that doesn't deter many visitors headed to the desert mecca - particularly those hunting for bargains.

Many hotels and tourism operations slash their prices during the summer to lure travelers out into the searing heat.

``It's a dry heat,'' quipped Linda Fort of the Palm Springs Bureau of Tourism. ``There's golf, tennis, biking - you just do it before 11 a.m. But once the sun goes over the mountains, then the valley really cools off.''

The Uprising Outdoor Adventure Center, a rock-climbing training school, is one of several attractions offering discounts at this time of year. A normal day pass costs $39, but currently it is $25. That includes rock- climbing equipment, a full-day pass and a 30-minute lesson with an instructor.

``Outdoor climbing when it is 120 degrees can be a little difficult and challenging at times,'' said David Berry, a supervisor and instructor at the popular rock-climbing center located at 1500 S. Gene Autry Trail.

Tired of the heat? Then merely walk across the parking lot from Uprising and head to Knott's Soak City Water Park U.S.A., a great place to cool off during the summer months.

Many Palm Springs hotels provide discounted tickets to the water park, but you need to request them from the front desk.

The 21-acre park opened in March to the throngs of sun worshippers who like their sun with a twist - wild-water rides that are fun for the kids but still tame enough for more mature guests.

Adults can play for $21.95, while kids ages 3-11 get in for $14.95 ($12.95 for all ages after 4 p.m. daily). You have unlimited use of the water park's 18 rides, including the seven-story-high Tidal Wave Tower.

If you're looking for a hotel off the beaten path that won't set you back, try the Caliente Tropics at 411 E. Palm Canyon Drive.

It's Palm Springs' only smoke-free hotel that also welcomes pets. The South Seas-style resort will run $75 and up for a one-night stay during the summer. It's clean, well managed, and the staff is quite friendly. Call in advance to get the best rate.

The money you save at local attractions and at your hotel can help you afford some of the finer dining experiences Palm Springs has to offer.

If you're looking for the quintessential Palm Springs power breakfast, look no further than Bit of Country at 418 S. Indian Canyon Drive, one block north of the trendy Palm Canyon Drive in Palm Springs. KCET's Huell Howser recently made this diner famous in one of his television shows.

Owned by Peter and Jana Dallas for the past 20 years, the small diner-style eatery with counter seats is open from 6 a.m. to 2 p.m. daily, serving up some of the best biscuits and gravy, scrambled eggs and hash browns this side of Atlanta.

But choose to sit outside, weather permitting, and enjoy a pristine view of the San Jacinto Mountains.

If you're the type to enjoy a frothy afternoon cocktail, head to a Palm Springs favorite, La Casuelas Terraza at 222 S. Palm Canyon Drive, for a cool margarita on the rocks. Choose their Top Shelf version and the afternoon will be a breeze.

A favorite Palm Springs dinner destination is the Chop House at 262 S. Palm Canyon Drive, owned by restaurateur Lee Morcus.

With its prime-aged beef and a slew of steaks from which to choose, plus an extensive list of fine wines, the Chop House is the ultimate way to end a day of sun and fun in the low desert. Don't be surprised if a celebrity happens in.

Palm Springs suffered a 5 percent decrease in tourist business last year, which was attributed to the general slump in travel in the wake of the Sept. 11 terror attacks. But the decision by many Southern California vacationers to stay closer to home also contributed to the region enjoying its best spring season in history, according to Fort of the Bureau of Tourism.

PALM SPRINGS IN SUMMER

Uprising Outdoor Adventure Center: 1500 S. Gene Autry Trail; [phone].

Knott's Soak City U.S.A.: 1500 S. Gene Autry Trail; [phone].

Caliente Tropics: 411 E. Palm Canyon Drive; [phone]; www.calientetropics.com.

Information: The Palm Springs Visitor Information and Reservation Center can be reached at [phone]; www.palm-springs.org.

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The Tidal Wave Tower is one of the main attractions at Knott's Soak City U.S.A. water park in Palm Springs.