Los Angeles vs San Francisco: Which City is Best for Your Next Team Retreat? (2026)

Planning a team retreat can feel overwhelming, especially when choosing between two iconic Californian cities: Los Angeles and San Francisco. Did you know that 75% of teams report higher engagement and productivity after a well-planned offsite? With such a significant impact, it’s essential to consider the best options for your team. In this guide, we’ll compare venues, activities, and logistics between Los Angeles and San Francisco to help you decide which city is best for your next team retreat in 2026.

Overview: Why Choose These Cities?

Los Angeles

Los Angeles is known for its vibrant culture, diverse food scene, and beautiful weather year-round. The best times to visit are from March to May and September to November, when temperatures are mild, and crowds are thinner.

San Francisco

San Francisco boasts stunning views, rich history, and an innovative tech culture. The ideal seasons for a retreat are late spring (April to June) and early fall (September to October) when the weather is pleasant, and the city is alive with activities.

Venue Comparison: Los Angeles vs San Francisco

Here's a comparison of 15 venues across both cities, organized by capacity and price.

| Name | Location | Capacity | Price/Person/Night | Best For | Standout Feature | |----------------------------|---------------------|------------------|--------------------|------------------|---------------------------------| | The LINE Hotel | LA Downtown | 50-100 | $200-300 | Creative teams | Rooftop pool with views | | The Ritz-Carlton | LA Marina del Rey | 20-200 | $250-400 | Luxury retreats | Waterfront location | | The Westin Bonaventure | LA Downtown | 300 | $175-250 | Large groups | Iconic rotating restaurant | | The Fairmont | SF Nob Hill | 30-150 | $250-350 | Corporate events | Historic charm | | Hotel Nikko | SF Union Square | 50-200 | $175-275 | Cultural experiences | Japanese garden | | The Moscone Center | SF South Beach | 1,000 | $100-200 | Conferences | State-of-the-art AV | | The Kimpton Alton | SF Fisherman’s Wharf | 20-80 | $200-300 | Small teams | Rooftop terrace | | The Peninsula | Beverly Hills | 15-100 | $300-500 | High-profile meetings| Luxury spa services | | The Clift Royal Sonesta | SF Union Square | 30-120 | $225-325 | Trendy gatherings | Unique design | | The Ace Hotel | LA Downtown | 20-150 | $150-250 | Creative workshops | Artsy vibe | | The Palace Hotel | SF Financial District | 100-300 | $200-400 | Formal events | Grand ballroom | | The Jonathan Club | LA Downtown | 50-200 | $150-300 | Networking | Exclusive private club | | The Fairmont Heritage Place| SF Ghirardelli Square| 15-50 | $300-450 | Intimate retreats | Luxury condo-style rooms | | The Four Seasons | LA Beverly Hills | 20-100 | $400-600 | Executive retreats | Top-notch service | | The Exploratorium | SF Embarcadero | 50-200 | $150-250 | Interactive sessions| Science museum venue |

Activity Recommendations

Los Angeles Activities

1. Hiking at Griffith Park

   • Time Needed: 2-3 hours
   • Group Size: Up to 30
   • Cost: Free
   • Energy Level: Moderate
   • Logistics: Bring water and snacks.
   • Skip if: Team prefers indoor activities.

2. Cooking Class at The Gourmandise School

   • Time Needed: 3 hours
   • Group Size: 10-20
   • Cost: $100/person
   • Energy Level: High
   • Logistics: Venue provides all ingredients.
   • Skip if: Dietary restrictions are an issue.

San Francisco Activities

1. Wine Tasting in Napa Valley

   • Time Needed: Full day
   • Group Size: 15-50
   • Cost: $150/person (including transport)
   • Energy Level: Low
   • Logistics: Arrange transport; book wineries in advance.
   • Skip if: Team prefers urban activities.

2. Escape Room Challenge

   • Time Needed: 1.5 hours
   • Group Size: 6-12
   • Cost: $40/person
   • Energy Level: High
   • Logistics: Reserve in advance.
   • Skip if: Team prefers outdoor activities.

Sample 3-Day Itinerary for San Francisco

Day 1: Arrival & Orientation

• Morning: Arrive at hotel, check-in
• Afternoon: Welcome lunch at hotel restaurant
• Evening: Team-building activity (Escape Room)

Day 2: Workshops & Exploration

• Morning: Workshop session at hotel
• Afternoon: Lunch at a local cafe
• Evening: Guided walking tour of the city

Day 3: Relaxation & Departure

• Morning: Wine tasting in Napa Valley
• Afternoon: Lunch at a vineyard
• Evening: Depart

Budget Breakdown for a Typical Team of 10

• Venue: $2,500 (50% of total)
• F&B: $1,500 (30%)
• Activities: $600 (10%)
• Travel: $400 (8%)
• Contingency: $200 (2%)

Total Estimated Cost: $5,200, or $520/person.

Conclusion: Making Your Choice

Both Los Angeles and San Francisco offer unique advantages for team retreats. Los Angeles is ideal for those seeking creative and outdoor experiences, while San Francisco shines with its historical charm and culinary delights.

Action Items:

1. Determine your budget and team size.
2. Select potential venues from the comparison table.
3. Plan your activities based on team preferences.
4. Reach out to venues to check availability and book early!