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

Did you know that 60% of companies report increased employee engagement after hosting a corporate retreat? Choosing the right city for your offsite can significantly impact your team’s experience and outcomes. In this guide, we’ll compare Los Angeles and San Diego for your next corporate retreat in 2026, analyzing venues, activities, and logistics to help you make the best decision.

Overview: Why Choose Los Angeles or San Diego?

Los Angeles

• Best Seasons: Spring (March to May) and Fall (September to November) offer pleasant weather and fewer crowds.
• Getting There: Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) is a major hub with numerous direct flights. Expect about a 30-minute drive to most venues.

San Diego

• Best Seasons: Late Spring (April to June) and Early Fall (September to October) provide ideal weather and avoid peak tourist seasons.
• Getting There: San Diego International Airport (SAN) is just 10 minutes from downtown venues, making it very accessible.

Venue Comparison Table

| Venue Name | Location | Capacity | Price/Person/Night | Best For | Standout Feature | F&B Included | |------------------------------|--------------------|-------------|---------------------|-------------------|----------------------------------------|--------------| | The Ritz-Carlton | Los Angeles, CA | 50-300 | $350-450 | Luxury Retreat | Rooftop views of the Pacific | Yes | | The Beverly Hills Hotel | Beverly Hills, CA | 20-150 | $300-400 | Executive Meetings | Historic charm | Yes | | The LINE Hotel | Los Angeles, CA | 30-100 | $200-300 | Creative Teams | Unique design and art installations | Yes | | Omni San Diego Hotel | San Diego, CA | 50-200 | $250-350 | Large Groups | Central location near Gaslamp Quarter | Yes | | Hotel del Coronado | Coronado, CA | 30-400 | $300-500 | Beachfront Retreat | Historic beachfront property | Yes | | The Guild Hotel | San Diego, CA | 20-80 | $180-250 | Small Teams | Modern, boutique feel | Yes | | The Westin Bonaventure Hotel | Los Angeles, CA | 100-600 | $220-320 | Large Conferences | Iconic revolving restaurant | Yes | | Paradise Point Resort | San Diego, CA | 50-300 | $200-350 | Outdoor Activities | Private island feel | Yes |

Venue Options by City

Los Angeles Venues

1. The Ritz-Carlton, Los Angeles

   • Capacity: 50-300
   • Price: $350-450
   • Best for: Luxury Retreat
   • Standout Feature: Rooftop views of the Pacific

2. The Beverly Hills Hotel

   • Capacity: 20-150
   • Price: $300-400
   • Best for: Executive Meetings
   • Standout Feature: Historic charm

3. The LINE Hotel

   • Capacity: 30-100
   • Price: $200-300
   • Best for: Creative Teams
   • Standout Feature: Unique design and art installations

San Diego Venues

1. Omni San Diego Hotel

   • Capacity: 50-200
   • Price: $250-350
   • Best for: Large Groups
   • Standout Feature: Central location near Gaslamp Quarter

2. Hotel del Coronado

   • Capacity: 30-400
   • Price: $300-500
   • Best for: Beachfront Retreat
   • Standout Feature: Historic beachfront property

3. The Guild Hotel

   • Capacity: 20-80
   • Price: $180-250
   • Best for: Small Teams
   • Standout Feature: Modern, boutique feel

4. Paradise Point Resort

   • Capacity: 50-300
   • Price: $200-350
   • Best for: Outdoor Activities
   • Standout Feature: Private island feel

Activities to Consider

Los Angeles

1. Griffith Park Hike

   • Time Needed: 2-3 hours
   • Group Size: Up to 30
   • Cost: Free
   • Energy Level: Moderate
   • Skip if: Team members have mobility issues.

2. Studio Tour at Universal Studios

   • Time Needed: 3 hours
   • Group Size: Up to 50
   • Cost: $100/person
   • Energy Level: High

San Diego

1. Kayaking in La Jolla Cove

   • Time Needed: 2 hours
   • Group Size: Up to 20
   • Cost: $75/person
   • Energy Level: Moderate
   • Skip if: Team members are not comfortable in water.

2. Visit to Balboa Park

   • Time Needed: 3-4 hours
   • Group Size: Up to 100
   • Cost: Free (entry to museums varies)
   • Energy Level: Low

Sample 3-Day Itinerary

Day 1: Arrival & Welcome

• Morning: Arrival and check-in at the venue.
• Afternoon: Welcome lunch and team introductions.
• Evening: Networking dinner at a local restaurant.

Day 2: Workshops and Activities

• Morning: Workshops or breakout sessions.
• Afternoon: Outdoor activity (e.g., Griffith Park hike or kayaking).
• Evening: Team dinner and reflection session.

Day 3: Wrap-Up & Departure

• Morning: Final presentations and feedback session.
• Afternoon: Lunch and check-out.
• Evening: Departure.

Budget Breakdown for a Typical Team Size (10 people)

| Category | Estimated Cost | Percentage Allocation | |-------------------|------------------|-----------------------| | Venue | $2,500 | 40% | | F&B | $1,500 | 25% | | Activities | $750 | 15% | | Travel | $1,500 | 15% | | Contingency | $250 | 5% | | Total | $6,500 | 100% |

Conclusion: Making the Right Choice

Both Los Angeles and San Diego offer unique benefits for corporate retreats. If you're seeking luxury and iconic venues, Los Angeles is your go-to. For a more relaxed atmosphere with outdoor activities, San Diego shines.

Action Items:

1. Define your budget and team size.
2. Review venue options and activity recommendations.
3. Start planning 8-12 weeks ahead for the best availability.