Barona Resort & Casino

Barona Resort & Casino — Gaming Floor

Barona Resort & Casino stands as Southern California’s premier fully non-smoking gaming destination, situated in the scenic Barona Valley approximately 30 miles northeast of downtown San Diego. This AAA Four Diamond property operates on 5,500 acres of pristine land owned by the Barona Group of Capitan Grande Band of Mission Indians, offering an expansive 340,000-square-foot gaming floor that ranks among the largest in the region. The casino maintains a unique 18+ minimum age requirement, welcoming younger guests than most California casinos while maintaining its commitment to providing a smoke-free environment since its transformation in 2002.

The gaming floor features over 2,000 slot machines and video poker terminals, ranging from classic reels to the latest progressive jackpot games that have earned Barona recognition as having San Diego’s “loosest slots” for more than 12 consecutive years. Furthermore, the property houses 60 table games including blackjack, baccarat, pai gow poker, Mississippi Stud, three-card poker, and California-style craps played with cards rather than dice due to state gaming regulations. The dedicated poker room attracts both casual players and serious competitors with daily tournaments and cash games across multiple limit structures. Additionally, Barona partners with BetMGM to offer comprehensive sports betting services, allowing guests to wager on professional and collegiate sports year-round.

Club Barona’s four-tier loyalty program rewards regular visitors with cashback, dining credits, complimentary hotel stays, and exclusive VIP event invitations. The program’s benefits scale significantly as players advance through the Bronze, Silver, Gold, and Platinum levels, with top-tier members receiving personalized service and access to high-limit gaming areas. Notably, the casino operates 24 hours daily, seven days a week, ensuring guests can enjoy gaming action at any time while taking advantage of complimentary self-parking and valet services.

Hotel & Accommodations

The resort portion of Barona Resort & Casino encompasses 397 elegantly appointed guest rooms and suites, all designed with a classic California ranch aesthetic that reflects the property’s stunning natural surroundings. Each accommodation features modern amenities including flat-screen televisions, complimentary Wi-Fi, premium bedding, and spacious bathrooms with luxury toiletries. The rooms showcase warm earth tones and rustic furnishings that create a sophisticated yet comfortable atmosphere, with many offering panoramic views of the Barona Valley’s rolling hills and pristine landscapes.

However, the true luxury lies in the property’s 33 suites, which provide expanded living spaces, separate seating areas, and enhanced amenities for guests seeking premium accommodations. The suites cater particularly well to high-rollers and VIP Club Barona members, offering additional space for entertaining and relaxation after gaming sessions. In addition to standard amenities, suite guests enjoy priority reservations at restaurants, expedited check-in services, and access to exclusive areas throughout the resort.

Dining & Nightlife

Barona Resort & Casino offers an impressive collection of dining venues that have earned numerous accolades from local publications and guests alike. Barona Oaks Steakhouse serves as the property’s flagship restaurant, consistently voted “San Diego’s Best Steakhouse” by Union-Tribune readers for its exceptional prime steaks, fresh seafood, and extensive wine selection in an intimate, upscale setting. Italian Cucina complements the fine dining options with authentic Italian cuisine featuring house-made pastas, wood-fired pizzas, and carefully curated Italian and California wine pairings.

Meanwhile, guests seeking diverse international flavors can visit Ho Wan Noodle Shop for traditional Chinese cuisine including hand-pulled noodles, dim sum, and Szechuan specialties prepared by experienced chefs. Sage Café provides all-day casual dining with American classics, fresh salads, and comfort food favorites, while Plaza Grill operates 24 hours to satisfy late-night cravings with burgers, sandwiches, and quick bites. Seasons Fresh Buffet rounds out the dining portfolio with rotating stations featuring American, Asian, Mexican, and seafood selections that change seasonally to highlight fresh, local ingredients.

The Barona Entertainment Center serves as the primary nightlife destination, hosting live music performances, comedy shows, and special events throughout the year. This versatile venue accommodates everything from intimate acoustic sets to major touring acts, providing guests with world-class entertainment beyond the gaming floor. As a result of the casino’s non-smoking policy and alcohol restrictions on the gaming floor, the dining venues that serve alcohol create distinct social spaces where guests can enjoy cocktails and wine in comfortable, well-appointed settings.

Amenities & Entertainment

The resort’s amenities extend far beyond gaming, establishing Barona as a comprehensive destination resort among casinos in San Diego Area. Spa Barona offers a full menu of rejuvenating treatments including therapeutic massages, revitalizing facials, body treatments, and complete salon services in a tranquil environment designed to complement the natural beauty of the surrounding valley. The spa’s treatment rooms feature floor-to-ceiling windows that showcase the property’s pristine landscapes, creating a serene atmosphere for relaxation and renewal.

Furthermore, the Barona Creek Golf Club has earned recognition as one of Golfweek Magazine’s “Top 10 Casino Courses” for 16 consecutive years, featuring an 18-hole championship layout stretching nearly 7,400 yards across the valley floor. The course incorporates over 100 strategically placed bunkers, multiple water hazards, and elevation changes that challenge golfers of all skill levels while providing spectacular views of the surrounding mountains and canyons. The golf facility includes a full-service pro shop, practice facilities, and professional instruction for players looking to improve their game.

The outdoor pool area provides a resort-style retreat during warmer months, featuring comfortable lounge seating and poolside service that allows guests to relax between gaming sessions or golf rounds. Additionally, the property’s events center accommodates groups ranging from 25 to 600 guests for weddings, corporate retreats, and private celebrations, with dedicated event planning staff and customizable catering options from the resort’s award-winning culinary team.

Plan Your Visit

Located in the heart of San Diego County’s backcountry, Barona Resort & Casino sits approximately 45 minutes from San Diego International Airport and major downtown hotels via Interstate 8 and Highway 67. The property provides complimentary self-parking and valet services, eliminating parking concerns for day visitors and overnight guests alike. Notably, the resort’s location offers easy access to other regional attractions including the San Diego Zoo Safari Park, Julian’s historic gold rush town, and numerous hiking trails in the Cleveland National Forest.

The casino operates 24 hours daily with no closures for holidays, ensuring gaming action remains available year-round. However, restaurant hours vary by venue, with Plaza Grill offering 24-hour service while other dining options maintain specific operating schedules that guests should verify before arrival. The 18+ age requirement makes Barona particularly appealing to younger adults who cannot access 21+ gaming establishments, though all guests must present valid identification for entry to the gaming floor.

Reservations for hotel accommodations, restaurant dining, spa treatments, and golf tee times can be made online or by calling the resort directly. Club Barona members receive priority booking privileges and exclusive rates on rooms and amenities, making membership enrollment beneficial for frequent visitors. As a result of the property’s popularity and limited room inventory, advance reservations are strongly recommended, particularly during peak seasons and special events when demand significantly exceeds availability.

Frequently Asked Questions