Los Angeles vs Miami: Which City is Better for Your Next Corporate Retreat? (2026)

Did you know that 70% of employees say they feel more motivated and productive after a corporate retreat? Choosing the right city for your next corporate retreat can significantly impact the success of your event. In 2026, Los Angeles and Miami stand out as top contenders, each offering unique advantages. Let’s dive into the specifics of both cities to help you make an informed decision.

Overview: Why Choose Los Angeles or Miami?

Los Angeles

Los Angeles, known for its year-round sunshine and vibrant culture, is a hotspot for corporate retreats. With a range of venues from beachfront hotels to urban conference centers, LA provides a diverse backdrop for team-building and strategic planning. The best seasons to visit are spring (March-May) and fall (September-November) when the weather is pleasant and tourist crowds are lighter.

Miami

Miami, with its stunning beaches and lively nightlife, is another fantastic option for corporate retreats. The city offers a blend of relaxation and excitement, perfect for fostering creativity and collaboration among teams. The optimal time to plan a retreat is during the winter months (December-February) when the weather is warm and inviting, but be cautious of peak tourist season.

Venue Comparison Table

| Venue Name | Location | Capacity | Price/Person/Night | Best For | Standout Feature | F&B Included | |------------------------------|------------------|---------------|---------------------|--------------------|---------------------------|--------------| | The Ritz-Carlton, Los Angeles| Los Angeles, CA | 200 | $350 | Luxury Retreat | Rooftop views | Yes | | The Grove Miami | Miami, FL | 150 | $250 | Casual Meetings | Outdoor garden space | Yes | | Hotel Bel-Air | Los Angeles, CA | 100 | $400 | High-Profile Events | Exclusive setting | Yes | | Fontainebleau Miami Beach | Miami, FL | 500 | $300 | Large Conferences | Iconic beachfront | Yes | | The Westin Bonaventure | Los Angeles, CA | 1,000 | $225 | Large Groups | Unique atrium design | Yes | | Eden Roc Miami Beach | Miami, FL | 300 | $275 | Team Building | Beachfront activities | Yes | | The Langham, Pasadena | Pasadena, CA | 250 | $275 | Classic Style | Historic charm | Yes | | The Setai Miami Beach | Miami, FL | 120 | $450 | Luxury Retreat | Asian-inspired design | Yes |

Best for Small Teams

• Hotel Bel-Air (Los Angeles, CA)

  • Capacity: 100
  • Price: $400
  • Best For: High-Profile Events
  • Standout Feature: Exclusive setting

• The Grove Miami (Miami, FL)

  • Capacity: 150
  • Price: $250
  • Best For: Casual Meetings
  • Standout Feature: Outdoor garden space

Best for Large Groups

• The Westin Bonaventure (Los Angeles, CA)

  • Capacity: 1,000
  • Price: $225
  • Best For: Large Groups
  • Standout Feature: Unique atrium design

• Fontainebleau Miami Beach (Miami, FL)

  • Capacity: 500
  • Price: $300
  • Best For: Large Conferences
  • Standout Feature: Iconic beachfront

Activity Recommendations

Los Angeles

1. Griffith Park Hike

   • Time: 2 hours
   • Group Size: 10-30
   • Cost: Free
   • Energy Level: Medium
   • Skip if: Your team prefers indoor activities.

2. Studio Tour at Warner Bros.

   • Time: 3 hours
   • Group Size: 12-40
   • Cost: $75/person
   • Energy Level: Low
   • Skip if: Your team is not interested in film.

Miami

1. Beach Olympics

   • Time: 3 hours
   • Group Size: 15-50
   • Cost: $50/person
   • Energy Level: High
   • Skip if: Your team prefers sedentary activities.

2. Art Deco District Walking Tour

   • Time: 2 hours
   • Group Size: 10-30
   • Cost: $30/person
   • Energy Level: Low
   • Skip if: Your team prefers active adventures.

Sample 3-Day Itinerary

Day 1: Arrival

• Morning: Team arrives at the venue
• Afternoon: Icebreaker session
• Evening: Welcome dinner at the venue

Day 2: Team Building

• Morning: Outdoor activity (e.g., Griffith Park Hike or Beach Olympics)
• Afternoon: Strategy sessions
• Evening: Group dinner at a local restaurant

Day 3: Wrap-Up

• Morning: Final presentations
• Afternoon: Team feedback session
• Evening: Departure

Budget Breakdown

For a team of 20, here’s a typical budget breakdown for a corporate retreat in either city:

• Venue: $4,500 (40%)
• F&B: $2,500 (25%)
• Activities: $1,500 (15%)
• Travel: $1,500 (15%)
• Contingency: $500 (5%)

Total: $10,500

• Cost per person: $525

Conclusion

Both Los Angeles and Miami offer distinct advantages for corporate retreats in 2026. Los Angeles shines with its diverse venues and outdoor activities, while Miami boasts a vibrant atmosphere and stunning beaches. Consider your team's preferences, budget, and desired activities when making your decision.

Clear Action Items:

1. Determine your budget and team size.
2. Choose the city that aligns with your retreat goals.
3. Review the venue options and book at least 4 months in advance for the best rates.