Desert And Inland Empire

Explore Agritourism in California’s Desert and Inland Empire

Where else can you walk among the oldest trees on Earth, stand at the lowest point in North America, and dine on farm-fresh leafy greens—all in one day? That’s the magic of California’s Desert & Inland Empire region. Here, dramatic landscapes meet surprising agricultural abundance for one of the state’s most unexpected agritourism destinations.

Spanning four diverse counties—Imperial, Inyo, Riverside, and San Bernardino—this region is full of contrasts. It boasts both the highest and lowest elevations in the contiguous U.S., with Mount Whitney and Badwater Basin just 100 miles apart. It also contains San Bernardino County, the largest in the nation, where scenery ranges from alpine forests to the sunbaked Kelso Sand Dunes.

This region is home to bucket-list destinations like Palm Springs, Joshua Tree National Park, Death Valley National Park, and historic Route 66. It’s also a place where California-grown produce flourishes, even in extreme desert climates.

Thanks to year-round sunshine, innovative farming techniques, and a rich agricultural history, the region grows an incredible variety of crops. You’ll find everything from dates, citrus, and leafy greens to carrots, broccoli, cherries, and apples. Add in a growing number of farm stands, U-pick orchards, date farms, and farmers markets, and it’s easy to see why this area is a must-visit for food-loving travelers.

So whether you're cruising Route 66, glamping beneath star-studded desert skies, or sipping freshly-squeezed orange juice next to the original navel orange tree, you’ll discover a region rooted in agriculture, culture, and awe-inspiring nature.