Here is our list of the best company outing ideas in San Diego, California.
Company outing ideas in San Diego are fun team building activities that you can engage your team in the San Diego region. Examples include a team tour of Balboa Park, the USS Midway Museum, and Lake Hodges. The purpose of these activities is to help your team to unwind and recharge for work. These outings are also great ways to appreciate and reward your team and increase productivity.
These locations are examples of company offsites and corporate retreat locations, and are in-person versions of virtual team outings. These ideas are similar to team building activities in San Diego and San Diego corporate events.
This list includes:
- group outing ideas for adults in San Diego, CA
- team building outings in San Diego, California
- work team outings in San Diego
- corporate outings in San Diego
Here we go!
List of company outing ideas in San Diego
As the second-largest city in California, San Diego is famous for its perfect weather and beautiful beaches. The city offers nature lovers, history fanatics, and arts and culture diehards many team outing options. From a team tour of the San Diego Zoo to UTC Ice Sports Center and Bernardo Winery, here is a list of the best company outing ideas you can experience with your team in town.
1. Ultimate Trivia Showdown (Top Choice)
Trivia is a classic team building activity, and you can compete with your team through Ultimate Trivia Showdown! Our unique take on this exercise ensures that teams stay engaged and entertained.
Here is what you can expect:
- 90 minutes guided by an entertaining facilitator
- thought-provoking questions, thrilling games, and puzzles
- exciting challenges like The Champion Challenge and Smarty Pants Ultimate Trivia
- unconventional trivia questions in categories like sports and pop culture
- optional trivia customization for a tailored experience
To simplify the planning process, we will meet you at your chosen venue with all the necessary materials. Trivia allows each player to showcase their knowledge, making Ultimate Trivia Showdown a valuable addition to your team building roster!
Learn more about Ultimate Trivia Showdown.
2. Espionage! (Highly Rated)
Espionage! is an exhilarating game of instinct and social deduction. This immersive experience challenges teams to reveal covert identities and earn points!
Here is what to expect:
- 90 minutes of thrilling activities led by a skilled host
- competitive tasks such as scavenger hunts, word searches, and puzzles
- undercover teams of spies and agents
- conversations that unveil the spies’ true identities
We can host this mission at your preferred location and will provide all the necessary game materials. For an immersive experience that hones essential soft skills, be sure to explore Espionage!
Learn more about Espionage!
3. Field Day (Staff Favorite)
With Field Day, teams will go head-to-head in an exciting outdoor experience! Participants will boost their relationships while playing engaging games.
Field Day includes the following:
- a 90-minute session with an experienced facilitator
- photo ops to capture memorable moments
- exciting new competitions and childhood favorite exercises
- nostalgic activities to spark great memories
To simplify planning, we will bring all the needed supplies to the venue of your choice. For an unforgettable team building experience, check out Field Day!
Learn more about Field Day.
4. Pony Land
Teams looking for team building outings in San Diego, California, can unwind with a relaxing horseback ride at Pony Land! This venue offers beach, swim adventure, and sunset rides through the River Valley Nature Preserve. The Riverbed and Jungle Ride heads through a lush trail full of exotic birds, local wildlife, and wild plants. The Sea Shore Beach Ride takes riders straight to the ocean, where groups can see dolphins, pelicans, seals, and birds in the beautiful setting. During the sunset ride, guests head through the nature preserve to see one of San Diego’s famous sunsets. If you are interested in hosting an event, then you can reach out for private parties or horse rentals. You can even rent a camel!
Learn more about Pony Land.
5. USS Midway Museum
If you want your team to learn about San Diego’s aircraft history, then a tour of the USS Midway Museum is a must-try. As the longest 20th-century serving aircraft carrier in America, the USS Midway Museum features over 30 exhibits. Your team will view and learn more about the aircraft displays that stand on nearly ten acres.
Some notable exhibits you can check out include a flight deck, below deck, and an aircraft gallery. You can make visiting the USS Midway Museum more memorable by booking attendees’ flight simulator experiences. Participants can choose between Air Combat 360 or the Screaming Eagles. The USS Midway Museum features a wide variety of exhibits, so plan for at least three to four hours at this historical landmark.
Learn more about USS Midway Museum.
6. Little Italy San Diego
Little Italy San Diego has been a thriving community since the 1920s. Today, the market boasts over 200 vendors spanning 48 square blocks. Visitors can eat, shop, or stay in the area. For instance, you may enjoy a pizza from Ambrogio15 or pasta from Assenti’s Pasta. Guests can also check out live events, such as Taste of Little Italy and San Diego Padres Italian Heritage Night. After dinner and a show, you can also stroll the grounds and check out the Piazza della Famiglia or Amici Park. Your team can spend the entire day exploring, eating, and relaxing at this expansive historical market.
Learn more about Little Italy San Diego.
7. Moo Time Creamery
If you are looking for simple yet effective company outing ideas in San Diego, then grabbing ice cream with your team is a good bet. Moo Time Creamery is a popular venue that will give your team an experience of neighborhood ice cream shops. While the creamery often has new and exciting ice cream flavors, consider the classics as well. You can also try local and handcrafted novelties like the moopies, mootacos, and bonbons. With flavors rotating daily, participants can try out the creamy classics and other creative inventions. Since Moo Time Creamery is often too packed, you can let attendees grab their ice cream of choice and stroll the city’s streets.
Learn more about Moo Time Creamery.
8. Balboa Park
As one of the biggest tourist destinations in California, Balboa Park is among the best work team outings in San Diego. The National Historic Landmark features many attractions, including gardens, trails, zoos, and countless recreational facilities. Nature lovers among your team will enjoy strolls through the landscapes, including zen gardens and lily ponds, as history fanatics explore the memorials, museums, science centers, and art houses. You can also engage your team in competitions such as ballgames, racing, and bowling at the outdoor bowling alleys.
As you wind down the outing, you can have an elegant sit-down meal or a quick snack at the park’s selection of restaurants and cafes.
Learn more about Balboa Park.
9. Cedros Avenue Design District
Cedros Avenue Design District offers teams a unique experience where attendees can stroll down the charming European-style street. Featuring over 85 local and independent merchants, you will find fashion boutiques, art galleries, outdoor eateries, day spas, specialty shops, and fine jewelers. Book lovers among your team will discover a collection of second-hand books that can be difficult to find as fashion fanatics browse the boutiques for budget and luxury wear. Since the two-and-a-half block avenue has a thrifty to upscale vibe, attendees can find souvenirs that have an authentic vintage feel. Cedros Avenue Design District also has a farmer’s market every Sunday where you can get locally grown and organic produce.
Learn more about Cedros Avenue Design District.
10. Spanish Village Art Center
If you have a team of art fanatics, then your workforce will rave about a trip to the Spanish Village Art Center. The venue offers free admission to over 200 local artists from diverse experiences, backgrounds, and art forms. You will find award-winning sculptors, painters, jewelers, metalsmiths, photographers, and digital artists. Attendees will enjoy watching artists demonstrate the art of making masterpieces. In addition, attendees can interact with the artists, ask questions, and purchase small or large artwork. A team tour of the Spanish Village Art Center will inspire passion for art and foster creativity among participants. If you want to host your corporate event at a unique location, check out the Spanish Village Art Center’s patio.
Learn more about the Spanish Village Art Center.
11. Lake Hodges
While Lake Hodges is a half-hour drive from downtown San Diego, the lake visit is one of the best team outings near San Diego. The lake has 30,251 acre-feet of water and supplies water to the Santa Fe Irrigation District and the San Dieguito Water District. Besides water activities such as fishing and boating, the lake is perfect for fun team building activities like hiking, biking, and bird watching. You can even hold a lake picnic-themed activity where attendees will barbeque and enjoy the beautiful weather and sights. Participants can also grab snacks at the lake’s concession stand.
Learn more about Lake Hodges.
12. San Diego Zoo
The San Diego Zoo is a wildlife sanctuary home to over 12,000 animals of more than 650 species. The 100-acre zoo is one of the most visited in the United States and is home to animals such as clouded leopards, Chinese alligators, elephants, grizzly bears, and mountain lions. The zoo also houses a prominent botanical collection featuring over 700,000 exotic plants. In addition, there is a myriad of activities for your team, such as botanical tours, wildlife care specialist talks, the Skyfari, and a 4D theatre experience. For a more immersive outing with your team, browse the list of exceptional experiences offered at the San Diego Zoo. You can also book the zoo’s private venues for hosting corporate outings in San Diego.
Learn more about San Diego Zoo.
13. Sunset Cliffs Natural Park
As one of the best locations to watch a California sunset, Sunset Cliffs Natural Park is a top team outing idea. The 68-acre park features expansive ocean views, striking caves, cliff formations, and native shrub habitat. While watching the sunset is among the biggest draws to the park, participants can engage in other reflective and explorative park activities. For instance, you can let participants jog, walk, or hike the trails as they take in the stunning views. You will often come across other curious park visitors bird-watching, sunbathing, exploring the tide pools, or studying native plants. Another draw is an underground cave that lets visitors watch the stars and clouds. If you want to catch the best views, then be sure to hike to one of the clifftops.
Learn more about Sunset Cliffs Natural Park.
14. San Diego Museum of Art
As one of the most visited and largest art museums in California, the San Diego Museum of Art offers a vast collection of pieces with a particular interest in Spanish art. The museum is home to countless sculptures, paintings, artifacts, and unique historical pieces that date back to 5,000 BC. The tour will give your team an insider view of ancient civilization as attendees check out the exhibits. If you do not want your workforce to experience the guided museum tour, then you can browse the list of events and get your attendees tickets. After the museum tour, you can grab food and drinks at the in-house Panama 66 Restaurant, where attendees can enjoy live music and views of the May S. Marcy Sculpture Garden.
Learn more about the San Diego Museum of Art.
15. UTC Ice Sports Center
While San Diego is well known for its sunshine all year round, your team can still enjoy ice skating at the indoor UTC Ice Sports Center. Ice skating is one of the best work team outings in San Diego on a hot day, and participants can cool down as they play. Beginners can start with the free introductory lesson. Other than ice skating, you can let attendees partake in hockey, broomball, and ice trikes. Participants can also go for a movie at Arclight Theatre and finish the day’s activities by grabbing a meal at one of the restaurants inside UTC Ice Sports Center. If you want an intimate company outing, then be sure to rent the entire rink for your workforce.
Learn more about UTC Ice Sports Center.
16. San Diego Bay
San Diego Bay is a natural harbor near the U.S.- Mexico Border. As one of the best natural harbors on North America’s West Coast, San Diego Bay offers a wide variety of team building activities. If you want to get on the California waters, then take a cruise where you will spot navy ships, Seaport Village, Coronado Island, and marine animals like seals. You can also let participants engage in watersports such as boating or kayaking. Art lovers can check out the floating galleries and museums as music lovers catch performances at the venue. San Diego Bay also has a wide array of restaurants, so be sure to let attendees taste the city’s cuisine.
Learn more about San Diego Bay.
17. Bernardo Winery
If you are looking for group outing ideas for adults in San Diego, CA, then you should consider wine tasting at Bernardo Winery. As one of the oldest wineries in California, Bernardo Winery offers educational tours where participants learn the art of wine making and taste the company’s products. At the tasting room, your team will enjoy wine by the bottle or glass, flights, and select delicious eats. You can also lead your team through a shopping experience at the village shops as attendees sip drinks. The shops feature galleries, aromatherapy products, coffee shops, clothing, and snacks. Bernardo Winery is also a perfect venue for hosting your corporate events. For a fun outing, you can incorporate wine education, tasting, and tours into your event.
Learn more about Bernardo Winery.
Conclusion
Renowned as America’s Finest City, San Diego boasts a rich history, world-famous attractions, and beautiful beaches. You will find fun, educational, and thrilling team building activities that you can use to recharge and recognize your group. For maximum enjoyment, be sure to engage your team when planning for team outings, especially if you have a diverse workforce. With the variety of outing ideas, the only real question is whether you have enough time to explore everything this sunny city offers.
Next, check out these lists of summer team building ideas and employee care package ideas.
Grace He