You probably heard the buzz around California’s brand-new casino, so here’s the deal: Hard Rock Casino Tejon just opened in Kern County, right at the base of the Grapevine on Tejon Indian Tribe land. And yes…it’s huge. At 150,000 square feet, it’s even bigger than the famous Caesars Palace in Las Vegas.
Worth the road trip from San Diego?
San Diego has plenty to offer, but if you’re in the mood for a mini gambling adventure, this spot is definitely impressive. It’s about a 3.5 to 4-hour drive north, landing just south of Bakersfield. It’s perfect for a weekend escape or a stop on a longer road trip!
What you’ll find inside
This casino isn’t holding back. There are over 2,000 slot machines and 50+ table games, including Blackjack, Ultimate Texas Hold’em, Three Card Poker, and Baccarat. Food-wise, there’s something for everyone. The classic Hard Rock Cafe is there for familiar favorites, Deep Cut offers upscale steak and seafood, and a lively food hall serves up everything from Asian street food to tacos and Italian dishes.
Don’t forget to check out Hard Rock’s music memorabilia collections, which highlights local artists. Buck Owens’ signature guitars are on display!
What’s next for Hard Rock Casino Tejon
This is just the beginning of this massive investment. Phase 2 will bring a 400-room hotel and a 2,800-seat Hard Rock Live venue for concerts and sporting events.
“This destination represents our Tribe’s vision, resilience, and longstanding commitment to creating opportunity for future generations,” said Chairman Octavio Escobedo III of the Tejon Indian Tribe. “We are proud to see this project come to life and to celebrate this moment alongside our partners and our community.”
The casino has already created 1,000 permanent jobs and 5,000 construction-related positions, so it’s making an impact beyond just the gaming floor. Will you visit?