For most San Diego locals, the craving for a casino vacation tends to take us outside our zip codes to Tahoe or Las Vegas. What we typically forget is San Diego is home to numerous casinos right in our own backyard. 

Just in time for summer, Pala Casino Spa and Resort announces the completion of its $100 million expansion. Located just 15 miles north of Escondido and 12 miles south of Temecula, Pala is the perfect destination for the vacation casino experience at home in San Diego. The renovation results boast a new Poker Room with a High Limit Area, a classy sushi and sake restaurant, as well as a 20,000 sq. ft. buffet that is no joke. 

New Dining at Pala
Following its launch over Memorial Day Weekend, Choices, newly expanded to 20,000 sq. ft. is now Southern California’s largest buffet. With eight live-action cooking stations— American, Italian, Asian, Mexican, Seafood, Soups/Salads, Desserts and Specialty— Choices is an innovative and hearty buffet with 200 different hot and cold food items all with spectacular mountain views and ample seating to avoid long waits.

Amigo’s is Pala’s new Mexican eatery that offers ample portions of authentic Mexican cuisine with quick-serve style service, a salsa bar, and cantina style indoor and outdoor seating with a stunning view of the Palomar Mountains.

Also new to Pala is Sushi Sake, a full-service sushi bar. Sushi Sake offers traditional sushi, sashimi, and rolls, as well as an assortment of innovative specialty rolls. Sushi Sake also offers an extensive list of hot and cold sake. Guests can choose between dine-in and grab-and-go options.

Entertainment at Pala
Pala has also expanded the casino floor with a new Poker Room and High Limit Area. The Poker Room features 15 tables, private cage windows and tableside dining and will have an aggressive tournament schedule and jackpot promotions. The High Limit Area, a private “casino within the casino,” raises the stakes with three redesigned, Feng Shui-inspired rooms that provide more comfort and bring superior quality in every element of design to high limit players. The Slot Room, Table Games Room and exclusive High Limit Lounge are each accessible via a separate entrance.

Insider Tip: All this dining and gaming making you tired? Relax in one of Pala’s 507 luxury rooms, including 82 suites. Or better yet, before you hit the pillow, indulge at the 10,000 sq. ft. Pala Spa (winner of 2009 Best Casino Spa from Spas of America).

Following the recent $100 million renovation, Pala Casino Spa and Resort is one of the best casinos in San Diego (palacasino.com). Discover more of the Top Ten San Diego Casino Resorts.