Overview
Dateland is a tiny settlement in Yuma County, Arizona, most notable for farming Medjool and other types of dates. The town was once a World War II training outpost and the site of a Japanese internment camp. Today, it is a fun little road stop, the best place to pull off the road between Gila Bend and Yuma.
3 sights · 1 places to stay
Updated from Wikivoyage on 1 October 2026 · Something wrong or missing? Improve it on Wikivoyage
Best things about Dateland
Painted Rock Petroglyph Site
This archeological site contains hundreds of pre-Columbian petroglyphs and is managed by the Bureau of Land Management. Picnic tables and vaulted toilets available, primitive camping possible (no water). Most heavily vis…
Sears Point
Hundreds of petroglyphs can be seen on the basalt outcrops overlooking the Gila River; many can be spotted from the parking lot. The site is managed by the Bureau of Land Management. Keep your car on the road, and stay o…
Aztec ghost town
A former station on the Southern Pacific Railroad line between Phoenix and Yuma. Remains include two standing buildings and foundations, visible right off the interstate.
Plan your trip
Best time to visit & weather
Most comfortable: Nov–Apr. Summer highs reach about 104°F; winter lows dip to about 41°F. Very hot (May, Jun, Jul, Aug, Sep, Oct) — plan outdoor time for mornings. Wettest: Aug and Jul. (climate data from nearby Organ Pipe Cactus National Monument)
Blue bars: average daily high and low (°F). Purple columns: average monthly rain and melted snow (inches).
Getting there
- From you: to see whether to drive or fly, and how long it takes.
- YUM Yuma International Airport / Marine Corps Air Station Yuma, Yuma — 63 mi away. Directions
- PHX Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport, Phoenix — 99 mi away (major hub). Directions
The only real access to Dateland—and in fact, the only reason why Dateland still exists—is Interstate 8.
Full “Get in” guide ↓Budget & where to stay
No prices are listed for this place yet. See the Sleep guide ↓ for options.
Sample 1-day itinerary
Day 1
- Morning Painted Rock Petroglyph Site, Sears Point
- Afternoon Aztec ghost town
Stops are grouped by area so each day needs little backtracking. Check opening hours before you go.
Food for you
What to ask about, for your diet
Diet labels come from each listing's description and cuisine; “likely” means the cuisine usually has good choices, not a promise. Check with the restaurant. Open the food finder
Photos
Map
Every listing with a location. Tap a pin for its Google Maps link.
Get in
The only real access to Dateland—and in fact, the only reason why Dateland still exists—is Interstate 8.
See
See Painted Rock Petroglyph Site
This archeological site contains hundreds of pre-Columbian petroglyphs and is managed by the Bureau of Land Management. Picnic tables and vaulted toilets available, primitive camping possible (no water). Most heavily visited from October to April; watch out for rattlesnakes.
See Aztec ghost town
A former station on the Southern Pacific Railroad line between Phoenix and Yuma. Remains include two standing buildings and foundations, visible right off the interstate.
Do
- Fill up on gas if you're down to a quarter-tank or less. Gasoline in this region of Arizona is scarce, and you don't want to get stranded in the desert. Dateland's gas prices are surprisingly reasonable considering the isolated and remote location.
Buy
Sleep
Without an RV, the closest available lodging is in Gila Bend, or west in Wellton.
Go next
- Yuma, Arizona
- Gila Bend, Arizona
- Tucson, Arizona
- Casa Grande, Arizona
- Phoenix, Arizona
Nearby
My experience
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