You're ready for a night out in Highland. Maybe you're chasing a jackpot, or maybe you just want to see a show at the theater. Honestly, getting directions to Yaamava Casino seems like it should be a total no-brainer in the age of Google Maps. You type in the name, you follow the blue line, and you arrive. Right? Well, mostly. But if you’ve ever tried to navigate the San Bernardino area during Friday afternoon rush hour, or if you’ve ever been sent to a locked service gate by a confused GPS, you know that a little local context goes a long way.
Yaamava’ Resort & Casino—formerly known to many locals as San Manuel—is tucked right against the foothills of the San Bernardino Mountains. It’s located at 777 San Manuel Blvd, Highland, CA 92346. While that address is solid, the way you approach it matters a lot depending on whether you’re coming from the glitz of Los Angeles, the desert heat of Palm Springs, or the suburban sprawl of Orange County.
Traffic here is a beast. It’s real.
The Best Routes From Major Southern California Hubs
If you are coming from Los Angeles, you’re basically looking at a straight shot east. Most people jump on the I-10 East. It’s the classic route. You’ll take that all the way to the I-215 North, and then transition onto the CA-210 East. But here is the thing: the 10 is often a parking lot. If you see deep red on your map near West Covina, consider the CA-60 East as an alternative. It’s a bit more industrial, but sometimes it saves you twenty minutes of staring at brake lights. Once you’re on the 210 East in the San Bernardino area, you’ll want to exit at Del Rosa Drive or Highland Avenue.
Coming from Orange County? That’s a different game. You’ll likely take the CA-57 North to the I-210 East. The 57 can get hairy near the 91 interchange, so check your phone before you leave the driveway. Once you hit the 210, it’s a relatively smooth cruise toward the mountains.
For the folks heading down from the High Desert or over from Las Vegas, you’re coming down the I-15 South through the Cajon Pass. This is a beautiful drive but can be treacherous in high winds or rare snowy weather. You’ll transition to the I-215 South and then the CA-210 East.
Navigating the Last Mile
Once you get off the freeway, the vibe changes. You’re in a residential-adjacent area.
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When you follow directions to Yaamava Casino and exit the 210, you’ll likely find yourself on Highland Avenue or Victoria Avenue. Pay attention here. The casino is massive, but the entrances for self-parking, valet, and the hotel are distinct.
If you are looking for the hotel specifically, look for the towering glass structure. It’s hard to miss. The hotel entrance has its own dedicated porte-cochère. If you’re just there for a few hours of slots or a quick dinner, the North and South parking garages are your best friends.
The Secret of the Back Entrances
Sometimes, Highland Avenue gets backed up because of a local event or just heavy casino traffic. If you see a line of cars waiting to turn left into the main entrance, try staying on Victoria Ave and circling around to the east side. There are multiple ways into the structures.
- Valet: If you’re feeling fancy or just don't want to hike across a garage, follow the "Valet" signs immediately upon entering the property. It’s usually situated near the main casino entrance and the hotel lobby.
- Self-Parking: It’s free. That’s a huge plus in California. The garages are well-lit and usually have plenty of space, though the lower levels fill up fast on Saturday nights.
Why Your GPS Might Get It Wrong
We've all been there. The Siri voice tells you to "turn left" into a literal wall.
Because the Yaamava campus has expanded so much over the last few years—adding the massive hotel tower and the theater—some older mapping data still tries to send people to the old surface lots or construction entrances. If your directions to Yaamava Casino take you toward a residential street that looks like a dead end, don't follow it. Stay on the main arteries: Highland Ave, Victoria Ave, or San Manuel Blvd.
The tribe has done a great job with signage. Seriously. Once you are within two miles, put the phone down and just look at the big purple and gold signs. They are much more reliable than an algorithm when it comes to the specific gate you need.
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Timing Your Arrival
Let’s talk about the clock. If you arrive at 5:30 PM on a Friday, you are going to be stressed. The 210 freeway is a primary artery for commuters heading home to the Inland Empire.
If you can, try to arrive before 3:00 PM or after 8:00 PM.
If you have a dinner reservation at The Pines Modern Steakhouse, give yourself an extra 45 minutes of "buffer time." Nothing ruins a high-end steak like sprinting through a parking garage because you were stuck in traffic on the 210/15 interchange.
Public Transit and Rideshares
Don’t want to drive? Fair enough.
Rideshares like Uber and Lyft are very active in the area. There is a designated rideshare pickup and drop-off zone. This is crucial. Don't try to have your driver drop you off in the middle of the valet line; it clogs up traffic and the security guards will gently (or not so gently) move you along.
If you’re looking for a bus, Omnitrans serves the San Bernardino area. Route 3 and Route 4 both have stops nearby, but honestly, it’s a bit of a trek if you’re carrying luggage or dressed up for a night out. Most visitors find driving or ridesharing significantly more convenient.
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Dealing With the "San Bernardino Factor"
Look, the Inland Empire is beautiful, but it's also a high-traffic urban environment.
When looking up directions to Yaamava Casino, keep an eye on local news for anything happening at the San Manuel Stadium or the National Orange Show Event Center. If there’s a massive rave or a huge baseball game, the surrounding surface streets will be impacted.
Also, keep an eye on the weather during the Santa Ana wind season. The 210 freeway can get hit with high-profile vehicle warnings. If you’re driving a high-clearance SUV or a van, those crosswinds coming off the mountains are no joke.
Actionable Steps for a Smooth Trip
Don't just wing it. A little prep saves a lot of headache.
- Download Offline Maps: Cell service can occasionally get spotty right against the mountains. Having the San Bernardino area downloaded on Google Maps ensures you won't lose your way if your bars drop.
- Choose Your Garage Early: Decide if you want the North or South garage based on which part of the casino you're visiting. The North garage is generally closer to the newer hotel and theater wings.
- Check the Calendar: If there is a major concert at the Yaamava’ Theater, expect the "last mile" of your trip to take triple the time.
- Use the San Manuel Blvd Entrance: It’s generally the most straightforward way in for first-timers.
- Verify the Address: Make sure you aren't accidentally navigating to the tribal administrative offices or a remote warehouse. Stick to 777 San Manuel Blvd.
The drive is worth it. Once you pull into that complex and see the lights, the frustration of the I-10 or the 210 melts away. Just keep your eyes on the mountains, stay on the main roads, and maybe keep a little extra cash for the valet if you’re running late for the show.