San Diego vs Los Angeles for Corporate Retreats: Which City Wins? (2026)

Planning a corporate retreat can be a daunting task, especially when choosing between two iconic Californian cities: San Diego and Los Angeles. Did you know that teams that invest in offsite retreats report a 25% increase in productivity and morale? With such a significant return, it's crucial to select the right location. In this guide, we’ll explore the strengths and weaknesses of each city, providing you with the specific details needed to make an informed decision for your 2026 retreat.

Overview: Why Choose San Diego or Los Angeles?

Both San Diego and Los Angeles offer unique advantages for corporate retreats.

San Diego

• Best Seasons: Spring (March-May) and Fall (September-November) boast pleasant weather and fewer crowds.
• Travel Logistics: Just 15 minutes from SAN airport, San Diego is easily accessible for teams flying in.

Los Angeles

• Best Seasons: Late Fall (October-November) offers beautiful weather and fewer tourists, while Spring (March-May) is also popular.
• Travel Logistics: LAX is a major international hub, making it convenient for teams coming from various locations.

Venue Comparison

Here’s a comparison of venues in both cities, highlighting key details to help you decide.

| Venue Name | Location | Capacity | Price/Person/Night | Best For | Standout Feature | |--------------------------|-------------------|--------------|---------------------|---------------------|------------------------------| | The Pendry | San Diego | 150 | $250 | Large Teams | Rooftop pool with ocean views| | Hotel del Coronado | San Diego | 300 | $300 | Luxury Retreat | Historic beachfront hotel | | Paradise Point Resort | San Diego | 200 | $200 | Team Building | Private island atmosphere | | The Westin Bonaventure | Los Angeles | 400 | $220 | Large Conferences | Iconic revolving restaurant | | The Kimpton Everly | Los Angeles | 150 | $190 | Creative Teams | Rooftop with Hollywood sign views | | The Hollywood Roosevelt | Los Angeles | 250 | $240 | Historic Charm | Classic LA ambiance | | The Ritz-Carlton | Los Angeles | 300 | $350 | High-End Retreat | Spa and wellness center | | The LINE Hotel | Los Angeles | 200 | $210 | Trendy Teams | Unique local art installations|

Best Venues for Different Team Sizes

Best for Small Teams (up to 50)

• The Pendry (San Diego): $250/person/night, capacity 50
• The Kimpton Everly (Los Angeles): $190/person/night, capacity 50

Best for Medium Teams (50-150)

• Paradise Point Resort (San Diego): $200/person/night, capacity 150
• The LINE Hotel (Los Angeles): $210/person/night, capacity 150

Best for Large Teams (150+)

• Hotel del Coronado (San Diego): $300/person/night, capacity 300
• The Westin Bonaventure (Los Angeles): $220/person/night, capacity 400

Activity Recommendations

Both cities offer a variety of activities to enhance your team’s experience.

San Diego Activities

1. Surfing Lessons

   • Time: 2 hours
   • Cost: $75/person
   • Group Size: Up to 15
   • Energy Level: High
   • Logistics: Venue provides boards and wetsuits; skip if team isn't water-friendly.

2. Balboa Park Team Scavenger Hunt

   • Time: 3 hours
   • Cost: $50/person
   • Group Size: 10-100
   • Energy Level: Medium
   • Logistics: Teams explore the park; skip if team prefers structured activities.

Los Angeles Activities

1. Hollywood Sign Hike

   • Time: 2.5 hours
   • Cost: Free (transportation may apply)
   • Group Size: 10-30
   • Energy Level: High
   • Logistics: Great for fitness enthusiasts; skip if team prefers indoor activities.

2. Studio Tour at Warner Bros.

   • Time: 3 hours
   • Cost: $75/person
   • Group Size: Up to 30
   • Energy Level: Low
   • Logistics: Perfect for movie buffs; skip if team isn't interested in film.

Sample 3-Day Itinerary

Day 1: Arrival and Welcome

• Morning: Arrival and check-in
• Afternoon: Welcome lunch at venue
• Evening: Icebreaker activities

Day 2: Team Building and Exploration

• Morning: Team workshops
• Afternoon: Outdoor activity (surfing or hiking)
• Evening: Dinner at a local restaurant

Day 3: Wrap-Up and Departure

• Morning: Final presentations
• Afternoon: Check-out and departure

Budget Breakdown for a Typical Team of 20

| Category | Estimated Cost | Percentage of Total | |-----------------|------------------------|---------------------| | Venue | $4,500 (40%) | 40% | | F&B | $3,000 (25%) | 25% | | Activities | $1,500 (15%) | 15% | | Travel | $1,500 (15%) | 15% | | Contingency | $500 (5%) | 5% | | Total | $11,000 | 100% |

Conclusion: Which City Wins?

Choosing between San Diego and Los Angeles for your corporate retreat depends on your team’s needs and preferences. If you’re looking for a relaxed atmosphere with beach access, San Diego is a fantastic choice. For a more vibrant urban setting with diverse activities and venues, Los Angeles stands out.

Action Items:

1. Determine your team size and budget.
2. Review the venue options and activity recommendations.
3. Book your preferred venue at least 4 months in advance for the best rates.