Los Angeles vs San Diego for Team Offsites: Which City is Best? (2026)

When planning a team offsite, the choice between Los Angeles and San Diego can feel overwhelming. Did you know that 72% of teams report increased productivity after a well-planned offsite? With the right venue and activities, your team can thrive away from the usual work environment. In this guide, we’ll compare the best spots in each city for offsite events in 2026, focusing on practical details to make your decision easier.

Why Choose Los Angeles?

Los Angeles is known for its vibrant culture, diverse venues, and year-round beautiful weather. With a plethora of options from beachside retreats to urban hotels, LA offers something for every team size and budget. Ideal months for offsites are from March to May and September to November, avoiding the summer crowds and heat.

Why Choose San Diego?

San Diego is famous for its laid-back vibe and stunning coastal views. The city boasts numerous outdoor venues perfect for team-building activities. Like LA, the best months for offsites are March to May and September to November, ensuring pleasant weather and fewer tourists.

Venue Comparison Table

| Name | Location | Capacity | Price/Person/Night | Best For | Standout Feature | F&B Included | |-----------------------------|-------------------|---------------|---------------------|---------------------|----------------------------------|--------------| | The Westin Bonaventure Hotel| Los Angeles | 100-500 | $200-300 | Large Teams | Rooftop pool with city views | Yes | | The Grove | Los Angeles | 50-200 | $150-250 | Small Teams | Unique outdoor space | Yes | | Terranea Resort | Rancho Palos Verdes| 50-400 | $250-400 | Retreats | Oceanfront setting | Yes | | The Ritz-Carlton | San Diego | 100-600 | $300-500 | Luxury Events | Award-winning spa | Yes | | Paradise Point Resort | San Diego | 50-300 | $175-300 | Team Building | Island-style setting | Yes | | Hilton San Diego Bayfront | San Diego | 100-500 | $200-350 | Conferences | Waterfront views | Yes | | Hotel del Coronado | Coronado | 50-600 | $300-600 | Iconic Settings | Historic beachfront hotel | Yes | | Kimpton Hotel Palomar | San Diego | 30-200 | $150-250 | Creative Meetings | Rooftop bar with city views | Yes |

Venue Highlights by Category

Best for Large Teams

1. The Westin Bonaventure Hotel

   • Location: Downtown LA
   • Capacity: 100-500
   • Price/Person/Night: $200-300
   • Best For: Large Teams
   • Standout Feature: Rooftop pool with city views

2. Hilton San Diego Bayfront

   • Location: San Diego
   • Capacity: 100-500
   • Price/Person/Night: $200-350
   • Best For: Conferences
   • Standout Feature: Waterfront views

Best for Small Teams

1. The Grove

   • Location: Los Angeles
   • Capacity: 50-200
   • Price/Person/Night: $150-250
   • Best For: Small Teams
   • Standout Feature: Unique outdoor space

2. Kimpton Hotel Palomar

   • Location: San Diego
   • Capacity: 30-200
   • Price/Person/Night: $150-250
   • Best For: Creative Meetings
   • Standout Feature: Rooftop bar with city views

Sample Budget Breakdown

Here’s a typical budget breakdown for a team of 20 spending two nights in either city:

| Category | Percentage | Cost Estimate | |-------------------|------------|---------------| | Venue | 40% | $1,600 | | Food & Beverage | 25% | $1,000 | | Activities | 15% | $600 | | Travel | 15% | $600 | | Contingency | 5% | $200 | | Total | 100% | $4,100 |

Timeline for Planning an Offsite

8-12 Weeks Before

• Week 12: Define objectives and budget.
• Week 11: Research venues and shortlist options.
• Week 10: Visit venues if possible; confirm availability.
• Week 9: Finalize venue and book.
• Week 8: Plan activities and send invites.

4-6 Weeks Before

• Week 6: Confirm F&B details with venue.
• Week 5: Coordinate transportation and logistics.
• Week 4: Finalize agenda and share with attendees.

1 Week Before

• Week 1: Confirm all bookings and send reminders.

Conclusion

Choosing between Los Angeles and San Diego for your team offsite ultimately depends on your team’s needs and preferences. For large gatherings with a vibrant city atmosphere, LA’s Westin Bonaventure is a top choice. For a more relaxed coastal vibe, San Diego’s Paradise Point Resort offers a serene setting.

Action Items:

• Determine your team size and budget.
• Review the venues listed.
• Book your preferred venue at least 4 months in advance for optimal pricing and availability.