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Shields Date Garden is a historic Indio treasure. This family-owned farm has operated since 1924. It sits in the heart of the Coachella Valley. The farm welcomes visitors from around the world. You can tour the lush date groves and can sample sweet date varieties. You can enjoy their famous date shake. Shields offers a genuine taste of desert agriculture. It is a must-visit Indio destination.

Explore the Famous Date Gardens

The farm covers 75 acres of productive land. You see thousands of date palms. Each tree produces delicious fruit. The gardens are beautiful and peaceful. You take a self-guided walking tour. You learn how dates grow and are harvested. The tour explains the pollination process. It shows how farmers protect the fruit with paper bags. You gain a real appreciation for date farming.

Garden Tour Highlights

Self-Guided Walk: Explore the groves at your own pace.
Informative Signs: Read about date cultivation methods.
Beautiful Scenery: Enjoy the shaded palm avenues.
Photo Opportunities: Capture memories among the trees.

Experience the Legendary Date Shake

The Shields Date Garden cafe serves their famous date shake. This creamy beverage is a local icon. You taste real date puree blended with vanilla ice cream. The shake is both refreshing and rich. People travel for miles to try it. You can enjoy it at their old-fashioned fountain counter. The cafe also serves lunch and other date specialties.

Cafe and Shake Details

Famous Date Shake: A creamy blend of dates and ice cream.
Lunch Menu: Offers sandwiches, salads, and date-inspired dishes.
Old-Fashioned Fountain: Sit at the classic soda counter.
Date Samples: Taste different date varieties for free.

Watch the Historic Presentation Film

Shields Date Garden shows a unique film. It is called “The Romance and Sex Life of the Date.” This presentation has been running for decades. You learn about the date palm’s life cycle. The film uses charming vintage footage. It explains the careful hand-pollination process. This 30-minute film is both educational and entertaining. It is a quirky part of the Shields experience.

Film Presentation Facts

Historic Film: Shows several times daily in their theater.
Educational Content: Explains date palm pollination.
Charming Style: Features classic narration and footage.
Free Admission: Included with your visit to the gardens.

Shop in the Expansive Date Market

The farm store is a shopper’s paradise. You find every possible date product here. They sell fresh Medjool and Deglet Noor dates. The market offers date candy and date nectar. You can buy date sugar and stuffed dates. They also sell date-based beauty products. The market stocks other local food products too.

Market Products

Fresh Dates: Choose from multiple varieties and sizes.
Date Candy: Try date rolls and chocolate-covered dates.
Cooking Ingredients: Buy date sugar, syrup, and nectar.
Local Products: Purchase citrus, nuts, and jellies.

Learn the Rich History

The Shields family started this farm nearly a century ago. They helped establish the Coachella Valley’s date industry. The business remains family-owned today. You see historic photographs throughout the property. The building itself has classic Spanish-style architecture. This location embodies Indio’s agricultural heritage.

Historical Highlights

Family Ownership: The Shields family still operates the farm.
1924 Founding: The business began nearly 100 years ago.
Spanish Architecture: Admire the classic building design.
Industry Pioneer: Helped build the local date business.

“Your Sweet Indio Adventure Awaits”

Visiting Shields Date Garden

Operating Hours: Open daily from 9 AM to 5 PM, including holidays.
Admission: Free for both the gardens and the film.
Location: Centrally located and easy to find on Highway 111 in Indio.
Parking: Ample free parking is available for both cars and RVs.

Shields Date Garden offers a delightful experience for all ages. You taste incredible date shakes and learn about desert agriculture. You shop for unique local products. The farm provides a peaceful escape from modern life. It connects you directly with the Coachella Valley’s farming roots.

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Phone: (760) 347-0996
Website: shieldsdategarden.com
Address: Shields Date Garden, 80-225 CA-111, Indio, CA 92201
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