Restaurants & Nightlife

Agriculture is the Southern Desert’s prime industry with farms, ranches and verdant croplands stretching as far as the eye can see. The region produces 90 percent of dates grown in the nation, so a stop at Oasis Dates Gardens in Thermal and other cafes serving up creamy date shakes and other mouthwatering date delicacies should definitely be on your radar.

Like other regions in the California Desert, there’s no shortage of delicious fare to fill you up before or after a day of exploring. Whether you’re craving home-style Mexican food, an authentic Italian meal, steaks and seafood, or contemporary California cuisine, restaurants cover everything from bar bites to casual eats and white linen fine dining.