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The Viejas Casino & Outlet Center is located at Willows Road just off I-8. Take the Willows Road exit and follow the signs to Viejas. The complex is owned and operated by the Viejas Band of Kumeyaay Indians. The Viejas Band was one of the first Indian nations to begin a casino operation in the San Diego County. Unlike the newer casinos (like Harrah's and Pala), their complex does not have a hotel - yet. What they do offer is an opportunity to visit their land without having to gamble - you can shop instead.
The Outlet Center features 60 company stores and does so in a setting that befits the rural Indian land. Native American music is piped in and small bronze statues of the area wildlife are located around the water features. Meandering paths lead shoppers through what is basically an outdoor mall. The numerous benches located throughout the well landscaped center invite shoppers to stop and relax. The Outlet Center also has a park area for evening concerts and a dining area under a giant tepee-like structure with a dancing water fountain.
The Casino is applying the final touches to its new lounge addition which is the place to go if you want to experience the newest in gaming. The lounge was designed to attract a younger gambling crowd but everyone seems to be enjoying the last time we checked. Viejas is known more for its card and game tables then its slots. If poker and Pai Gow are more your speed then this is the place for you.
Dining at Viejas ranges in styles from Chinese, Steakhouse, American Diner to Buffet in the Casino to fast food offerings at the Outlet Center (fish tacos, hamburgers, pizza, and fried chicken). We were disappointed in our last visit to the Casino's Buffet (June 2006) and would try walking across the street to dine at one of the Outlet Center's fast food places.
We will say that Viejas was one of the first casinos to open. It it has fallen behind some of the other casinos in providing that 'Vegas' feel and style and parts have become outdated. Still the landscape, shopping, concerts, and experience of checking it out (and comparing) is worth the drive. For those coming in a large group, Viejas will provide roundrtrip transportation for groups of 35 or more. Please refer to the website for more information on group transportation.
Sycuan boasts that it is the closest casino to San Diego. It probably is but it is a casino that is designed to keep the outside from the inside. The reason why this venue does not appeal to us is because there are no windows except for the entrance. The gaming area is dark and congested (because of its proximity to San Diego, it does get a lot of people) and the buffet area is one of the least appealing in terms of variety, size and lack of ambiance.
Sycuan does just fine despite our personal complaints - they are one of the biggest charitable contributors in San Diego and for that we tip our hat to them. However, all that generosity does not make us want to put our quarters in the slot at this casino.
The one thing that is unique about Sycuan is that it has its own golf course but it is not on the property (like Barona) it is located a few miles away. The Singing Hills Golf Course is a very nice play to play, stay and dine. It is too bad that the casino cannot replicate the lovely outdoor surroundings of the golf course.
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.
This Golden Acorn has tried to make itself known on the local Indian casino scene but has faced an uphill battle with its infrastructure. The Golden Acorn is located on the way to the Imperial Valley and does provide some respite for travelers and truckers. This casino is small in comparison to the others but if you just want to stop in on the way to the Eastern Desert or back to San Diego, then this is certainly a place to consider. There is a restaurant, a gas station, but alas, no hotel.
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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