Founded in 1912, Oasis Date Gardens in Thermal, Riverside County, has been growing and selling dates for over a century. The place got certified organic back in 2000, and they’re serious about it—you can actually see the date palms out back and walk through the grounds with your dog on a leash. The whole operation feels like stepping into an older California, the kind of place that’s been doing one thing really well for generations.

The layout works well for a dog visit. There’s a picnic area where you can sit down, and the gardens themselves are walkable without feeling cramped. It’s not a huge elaborate setup, but that’s kind of the point—it’s genuine and low-key. You get to see how dates actually grow and the business operates, which is more interesting than a lot of tourist spots that are all flash.

The retail side has the dates you’d expect—Medjools, Deglets, and some specialty varieties—plus date shakes and other date-based products. They also stock gifts and local items, though the main draw is really the dates themselves. If you’ve only had supermarket dates, the fresh ones here are noticeably different. The place smells like you’d imagine a date garden would: warm and slightly sweet.

Thermal is pretty small and pretty hot in summer, so plan accordingly if you’re going with your dog. Early morning or late afternoon makes more sense than midday. The town itself doesn’t have much else nearby, so you’re coming here specifically for the date gardens, which means you’ll have quiet grounds and fewer crowds. Bring water for your dog and wear sunscreen—there’s not a ton of shade out there, even with all those palm trees.