Los Angeles vs San Diego: Which City is Better for Team Building Retreats? (2026)

In 2026, team building retreats are more crucial than ever, with companies reporting a 30% increase in employee engagement when teams spend quality time together outside the office. However, choosing the right city for your offsite can be a daunting task. Los Angeles and San Diego each offer unique advantages and challenges for planning a successful team retreat. Let’s dive into a comparison to help you decide which city aligns best with your team’s goals.

Overview: Why Choose Los Angeles or San Diego?

Los Angeles

Los Angeles is a bustling metropolis known for its diverse culture, vibrant entertainment scene, and a plethora of venues that cater to corporate events. The city is ideal for teams looking for a mix of business and leisure, with access to renowned attractions like Hollywood, beaches, and world-class dining.

Best Time to Visit: Spring (March to May) is ideal for pleasant weather and fewer crowds.

San Diego

San Diego boasts stunning coastlines, a laid-back atmosphere, and a range of outdoor activities. The city is perfect for teams seeking a more relaxed environment with plenty of opportunities for team bonding through outdoor adventures.

Best Time to Visit: Fall (September to November) offers mild weather and fewer tourists, making it a great time for retreats.

Venue Comparison Table

| Name | Location | Capacity | Price/Person/Night | Best For | Standout Feature | F&B Included | |--------------------------|------------------|-------------------|---------------------|-------------------|---------------------------|--------------| | The Westin Bonaventure | Los Angeles | 1,000 (total) | $200-300 | Large teams | Iconic revolving rooftop | Yes | | The Ritz-Carlton | Los Angeles | 150 (boardroom) | $400-600 | Luxury retreats | Ocean views | Yes | | The Beachcomber Hotel | San Diego | 300 (theater) | $150-250 | Casual retreats | Beachfront access | No | | Omni La Costa Resort | San Diego | 500 (ballroom) | $250-400 | Golf retreats | Championship golf course | Yes | | The Hollywood Roosevelt | Los Angeles | 200 (theater) | $250-350 | Creative teams | Historic charm | Yes | | Paradise Point Resort | San Diego | 350 (outdoor) | $180-280 | Outdoor activities | Private island | Yes | | Loews Santa Monica | Los Angeles | 450 (theater) | $220-320 | Beachfront events | Direct beach access | Yes | | Catamaran Resort | San Diego | 250 (theater) | $160-240 | Water activities | Water sports rentals | Yes |

Venue Recommendations by Group Size

Best for Large Teams (50+)

1. The Westin Bonaventure - Los Angeles: Ideal for large gatherings with multiple breakout rooms.
2. Omni La Costa Resort - San Diego: Offers extensive amenities for larger groups.

Best for Medium Teams (20-50)

1. The Hollywood Roosevelt - Los Angeles: Perfect for creative brainstorming sessions.
2. Paradise Point Resort - San Diego: Excellent for team-building activities in a relaxed setting.

Best for Small Teams (Under 20)

1. The Ritz-Carlton - Los Angeles: Luxury and personalized service for intimate retreats.
2. Catamaran Resort - San Diego: Great for teams looking to bond through outdoor activities.

Activity Recommendations

Los Angeles

1. Studio Tour at Universal Studios (3 hours, 10-40 people, $125/person): High engagement, great for creative teams.
2. Beach Volleyball at Santa Monica (2 hours, 10-20 people, $50/person): High energy, introvert-friendly options available.

San Diego

1. Kayaking in La Jolla Cove (2 hours, 5-15 people, $75/person): Moderate energy, great for outdoor lovers.
2. Craft Beer Tasting Tour (3 hours, 10-20 people, $85/person): Low energy, perfect for casual team bonding.

Sample 3-Day Itinerary

Day 1: Arrival and Team Kickoff

• Morning: Arrival and check-in at the venue.
• Afternoon: Team lunch at venue.
• Evening: Icebreaker activities at a local restaurant.

Day 2: Team Building Activities

• Morning: Outdoor scavenger hunt or team challenge.
• Afternoon: Lunch followed by a workshop or brainstorming session.
• Evening: Dinner at a local eatery with a group reflection session.

Day 3: Wrap-up and Departure

• Morning: Final team meeting and feedback session.
• Afternoon: Lunch and check-out.

Budget Breakdown for a Typical Team of 20

| Category | Estimated Cost | Percentage of Total | |-------------------|----------------|---------------------| | Venue | $4,000 | 40% | | Food & Beverage | $2,500 | 25% | | Activities | $1,500 | 15% | | Travel | $1,500 | 15% | | Contingency | $500 | 5% | | Total | $10,000 | 100% |

Conclusion: Clear Action Items

1. Determine Team Size and Goals: Establish what you want to achieve during your retreat.
2. Choose a City: Decide between Los Angeles and San Diego based on your team’s preferences.
3. Book Your Venue Early: Venues can book up quickly, especially in peak seasons. Aim for 4-6 months in advance.
4. Plan Activities: Select activities that will engage your team and align with your retreat objectives.
5. Finalize Budget: Use the provided budget breakdown to ensure you stay on track.

Choosing the right city for your team building retreat can set the tone for your team's success. Whether you prefer the vibrant energy of Los Angeles or the relaxed charm of San Diego, both cities have incredible options to offer.