Baller: High-style Casino Resorts in SD

San Diegans don't have to shuffle all the way out to Las Vegas to get Vegas-style treatment. There's plenty of Vegas right in our backyard. San Diego has one of the largest concentrations of casinos in all of California, many of them Vegas-style resort casinos. It's everything you need out of Vegas without all the hassle of getting there. For those looking for card games and slots, shopping, food and above all, four-star hospitality, a Sin City weekend is only a short car-ride away.

Discover a couple of grade-A resort casinos that really deliver ... in spades.

Barona Resort and Casino in Lakeside
Just outside of Lakeside and on a beautiful drive along the outskirts of the Cleveland National Forest is The Barona Resort and Casino, one of the largest Indian resort casinos in California. This luxury casino has more than 400 ranch-style guest rooms and suites, many with private balconies and stunning views of the golf course, along with 24-hour room service for all guests. The casino floor is stuffed with more than 90 gaming tables, a bingo hall and more than 2,000 slot machines. Barona can be a real treat to the adventurous gambler, as they tend to be the first in California to debut the latest gambling machines and games. They also are one of the only casinos that has off-site betting on thoroughbred racing. Step outside of the casino doors and guests are dazzled by the rest of Barona's amenities. The AmBience day spa does facials, massages, manicures and pedicures, and offers several day packages for sale.

The food there is fabulous; Barona received the Gold Medallion Award for Best Casino Dining four years running and has nine different dining options, from an 800-seat buffet to the upscale Barona Oaks Steakhouse. Across from the casino is the Barona Creek Country Club; an 18-hole par-72 rated as one of the best public access courses in California. Guests can even get a little dose of culture by visiting the Blackjack Hall of Fame and the Barona tribal museum. Between the golf, the gambling and the great food, Barona Resort and Casino has plenty of friendly distractions. For more information, visit bBrona.com.

Viejas Casino in Alpine
Head 30 minutes east of downtown San Diego and you'll hit the Viejas Casino, which is actually a casino, shopping district and outdoor concert venue all rolled into one. Viejas has plenty of gambling treats, featuring 370,000 square feet of slot machines, gaming tables and bingo. They also run off-track horse race betting, displayed on 12 50-inch flat screen televisions and 40 other monitors. Finally, there's a 20-table live poker room for card sharks looking to ante up some chips. Around the casino floor are six different restaurants and bars, including the newly trendy V-lounge, which overlooks the casino floor and features cocktails, appetizers and live music all centered around a striking circular bar.

Next door to the casino, guests can lose themselves in the 37 acres of shopping that make up the Viejas Outlet Center, certainly one of the most upscale discount shopping centers in the region. Along with 60 big name outlet clothing and accessory stores, the center also has eateries, a day spa, bowling and even an ice skating rink. Rounding out Viejas' amenities is The Dreamcatcher, a 2,000-seat outdoor concert hall that features national touring acts and stand-up comedy performances throughout the summer season. There are no rooms on site, but Viejas runs free shuttles back and forth to the Ayres Country Inn in Alpine, which is just a few miles down the road. Because it’s next to the freeway, Viejas is extremely easy to get to, and its close proximity to San Diego makes it a perfect day or weekend getaway destination. For more information, visit Viejas.com.

With great food, shopping, first-rate concerts and plenty of gambling, San Diego-area casinos are perfect destinations for those who need a little adventure or pampering in their life but don't have the time to pack the bags and haul off to Sin City. Joints like Barona and Viejas serve up Vegas-style treatment without all the Vegas-travel hassle.

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