Before you read on... keep in mind that these are Indian Casinos and not Las Vegas. The San Diego area is bursting with casino action. If you are a day-tripper, one of the best parts of visiting the casinos is the drive to the rural areas of the county. Each casino has tried to spotlight the rural landscape and for some, it makes the trip all that much worthwhile. If you are not into casinos, then forget the gambling aspect and just enjoy the drive through the 'back country', stop for lunch or dinner at the casinos, sit by their pools, and enjoy San Diego's varied landscape.
1. Barona Valley Ranch Resort & Casino
Barona receives our #1 pick because in our opinion, it provides the best all around experience and it is just a 30-40 minute ride from downtown San Diego. Barona has come along way from the circus tent concept that it first used before the current resort was developed. Like the newer casinos, Barona has a hotel on site. Unlike some of the other casinos, Barona has its own golf course incorporated into the resort grounds.
The Casino area is large and features slots, off-track betting, bingo, and table games. Dining options range from sit-down restaurants, to walk-up fast food, and a large buffet with inside and outside seating. For some reason, Barona is the only casino buffet that offers outside seating. Weather permitting, sitting outside in the porch area offers diners with a panoramic view of the golf course and the beautiful landscaped surroundings.
In comparison with the other casinos, the naturally beautiful location of Barona coupled with the inviting interior of the casino makes Barona THE casino while in town.
Pala is conveniently located off the I-15 between Temecula and Escondido on Highway 76. Pala is a casino with a hotel, convention facilities, a spa, concert venues, and numerous dining facilities. It is a beautiful property that takes advantage of the mountain views.
The Casino features slots, table games, and a unique enclosed non-smoking gambling area. To add to the fun, a live band performs everyday to entertain the gamblers. The Spa is located outside of the hotel area just off the pool area. The Spa is unique because some of its treatment rooms are located in lattice-covered rooms. The Spa has fitness equipment in addition to treatment options.
The Hotel is very nice and features 507 rooms. Consider staying a night here if your plans include wine tasting in Temecula as the drive is not far. We would also suggest staying at the hotel if you want to catch one of the big name concerts that Pala has been attracting more and more.
Dining options vary from sit-down venues to a buffet to quick dining. We really like the quality and the variety of the Terrace Buffet at Pala. The dining area is spacious and offers views of the mountains. The presentation of the food is appealing and the service is consistently good. In our opinion, it is one of the best casino buffet's in town.
Harrah's family of casinos keeps the good times rolling in San Diego's North County. The same Harrah's style, music, and sense of fun from Las Vegas have been transplanted in Rincon.
The Rincon tribe partnered with Harrah's to develop its casino, hotel and concert venue. Of all the major Indian casinos, Harrah's is located furthest away from the main highways and can be a bit of trek so get an early start. If you attend a concert here, seriously consider booking a room at this hotel - you don't want to be driving in the dark on these roads.
Located in San Diego's beautiful Pauma Valley, the drive to Harrah's can be a lovely (but long) experience. Harrah's recently added another hotel tower (it now has 622 rooms!). The Casino features slots, table games and bingo. Dining options include sit-down dining and a buffet. The buffet room has no windows and is a bit small for the large number of people that seem to frequent this venue.
If you would like to know more about the American Indian experience in San Diego and the Southwest, please consider viewing Survival in the Weave - Kumeyaay.
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