5 Best Casinos in San Diego for Gaming, Dining, and Getaways
San Diego isn’t just about beaches and sunshine — it’s also home to some of the most exciting casino resorts in Southern California. Whether you’re looking for thrilling slot machines, high-stakes poker rooms, luxury spa escapes, or gourmet dining, these casinos deliver the perfect blend of gaming action and resort relaxation.
Quick Casino Comparison Table
Casino Name | Distance from Downtown SD | Slots | Table Games | Hotel | Dining Highlights |
Sycuan Casino & Resort | 20 min | 2,800+ | 80 | Yes | Steakhouse, casual bites, poolside dining |
Seven Mile Casino | 10 min | Card games only | Blackjack, Poker, Baccarat | No | Bayfront restaurant, themed cocktails |
Pala Casino Spa Resort | 50 min | 2,000+ | 78 | Yes | Buffet, sushi, sports bar |
Jamul Casino | 25 min | 1,600+ | Poker, blackjack, roulette | No | Tony Gwynn’s Sports Pub, Prime Cut |
Morongo Casino Resort & Spa | 90 min | 2,000+ | Macau Baccarat, Blackjack | Yes | Upscale dining, poolside, buffet |
List of 5 best casinos in San Diego to check out!
From tribal casinos rich in local culture to high-end resort properties, these 5 best casinos in San Diego are perfect for a weekend getaway, special celebration, or spontaneous night out.
1. Sycuan Casino & Resort
- El Cajon, CA – 20 minutes from Downtown San Diego
Originally opened in the 1980s as a Bingo Palace, Sycuan Casino & Resort has transformed into a luxury Four-Diamond AAA property. It boasts a 12-story hotel with 300+ rooms, over 50 suites, and a full-service spa.
- Gaming: 2,800 slot machines, 80 table games, bingo, blackjack, craps, roulette, poker.
- Resort Features: Retreat Pool & Cabanas with lazy river, seasonal dining menu, full bar service.
- Dining: From casual pizza and burgers to a premium steakhouse.
📍 5469 Casino Way, El Cajon, CA 92019
📞 (619) 445-6002 | 🌐 sycuan.com
2. Seven Mile Casino
- Chula Vista, CA – 10 minutes from Downtown San Diego
Seven Mile Casino is an upscale cardroom featuring California Blackjack, Baccarat, Pai Gow, and Poker. The bayfront restaurant offers 1950s-inspired cocktails and hearty American classics.
- Gaming: Texas Hold’em, Omaha, Pai Gow Poker, EZ Baccarat, Blackjack.
- Unique Touch: Outdoor open-air pavilion gaming.
- Dining: Rambler Burger, Kettle Chip Nachos, breakfast all day.
📍 285 Bay Blvd, Chula Vista, CA 91910
📞 (619) 425-3333 | 🌐 sevenmilecasino.com
3. Pala Casino Spa Resort
- Pala, CA – 50 miles north of San Diego
Awarded the Four Diamond Award, Pala Casino Spa Resort is known for luxury accommodations and a full-service RV resort.
- Gaming: 2,000 slot & video machines, 78 table games, Pala Roulette, Pala Craps.
- Resort Features: Pool with cabanas, spa with relaxation treatments.
- Dining: 9 restaurants including an all-you-can-eat buffet, sushi, and sports bar.
📍 11154 CA Highway 76, Pala, CA 92059
📞 (877) 946-7252 | 🌐 palacasino.com
4. Jamul Casino San Diego
- Jamul, CA – 25 minutes from Downtown San Diego
Owned by the Jamul Indian Village of the Kumeyaay Nation, this casino offers over 1,600 machines and a mix of table games in a non-smoking environment.
- Gaming: Slots from pennies to $100, poker room, blackjack, roulette.
- Transportation: Free shuttle service from 10 San Diego locations.
- Dining: Tony Gwynn’s Sports Pub, Prime Cut steakhouse.
📍 14145 Campo Rd, Jamul, CA 91935
📞 (619) 315-2250 | 🌐 jamulcasinosd.com
5. Morongo Casino & Resort
- Cabazon, CA – 90 minutes from San Diego
At the base of the San Gorgonio Mountains, Morongo Casino offers high-limit gaming, fine dining, and entertainment.
- Gaming: Slots, Macau-style Squeeze Baccarat, exclusive Rooster Blackjack.
- Resort Features: Sage Spa with massages, aromatherapy, and reflexology.
- Nearby: Cabazon Outlets, Palm Springs attractions.
📍 49500 Seminole Dr, Cabazon, CA 92230
📞 (800) 252-4499 | 🌐 morongocasinoresort.com
Traveler Tips for San Diego Casinos
- Most casinos are 21+ only.
- Weekdays are less crowded; weekends offer more entertainment.
- Dress codes vary — upscale restaurants often require smart casual.
- Free parking is common; some offer valet and shuttle services.
Nearby Attractions
If you want to mix gaming with sightseeing, check out:
- Balboa Park & San Diego Zoo
- Gaslamp Quarter nightlife
- La Jolla Cove beaches
- Cabrillo National Monument
FAQs
Q: Which casino has the most slot machines in San Diego?
A: Sycuan Casino & Resort has over 2,800 slot machines.
Q: Can you smoke in San Diego casinos?
A: Many offer designated smoking and non-smoking areas; Jamul Casino has a non-smoking slots section.
Q: Which casino is best for poker in San Diego?
A: Seven Mile Casino is popular for its poker room and tournaments.
Q: Are there casino resorts with pools and spas near San Diego?
A: Yes — Sycuan, Pala, and Morongo all have luxury pools and spa facilities.
Why Trust Our Picks for the 5 Best Casinos in San Diego
We’ve been exploring San Diego’s entertainment scene for years, visiting casinos across the county and beyond. Our selections are based on:
- First-hand visits to experience gaming, dining, and amenities.
- Local expertise — we focus on what makes each San Diego casino unique.
- Traveler feedback from guests who’ve stayed, played, and reviewed these destinations.
- Balanced criteria including game variety, atmosphere, service, location, dining, and overall value.
By blending local insight with real visitor experiences, we ensure this guide gives you an honest, helpful look at the casinos worth your time.
Conclusion
From the vibrant gaming floors of Sycuan to the card tables at Seven Mile and the luxurious spa retreats at Pala and Morongo, these 5 best casinos in San Diego offer something for every type of player. Whether you’re here for high-stakes poker, a romantic getaway, or a weekend of entertainment, San Diego’s casino scene will keep the excitement going long after the sun sets.
