Updated: May 14, 2023

21 Corporate Event Ideas in San Diego, CA

Here is our list of the best corporate event ideas in San Diego.

Corporate event ideas in San Diego are ways to make your work gathering in the city successful and exceptionally fun. For example, you can visit the Maritime Museum of San Diego, explore Sandbox VR, or sing at HIVE Chicken and Karaoke. The purpose of these ideas is to highlight the best ways teams in San Diego can have an amazing corporate event and leave a long-lasting impression on guests.

These ideas are ideal for team building days, company retreat locations, executive team building, or conference entertainment. These activities are similar to team building ideas in San Diego. and San Diego company outings.

This list includes:

  • corporate event ideas in San Diego for adults
  • outdoor corporate events in San Diego, CA
  • corporate party ideas in San Diego, California
  • large group corporate event activities in San Diego

Let’s get started!

List of corporate event ideas in San Diego

San Diego is famous for having a warm climate, lively neighborhoods, and vibrant entertainment. From watching a show at Mic Drop Comedy to bowling at Tavern+Bowl, here are the best ways you can bring your group together in the city.

1. The Great Guac Off

The Great Guac Off hosts a guacamole-making competition for groups in San Diego. The contest is a 90-minute event led by a fun party host. Your group will have a fantastic time competing to make delicious guacamole.

Apart from the contest, your team will play team-building games like Happy Cup, Punocado, and House Builder. You can share a meal with your team since the host provides a catering option. You can also run the contest as a BYOB.

Learn more about The Great Guac Off.

2. The Art of Storytelling

Attending The Art of Storytelling is one of the fun corporate event ideas in San Diego. The Art of Storytelling is a professional training session lasting 90 minutes. Your team will have the best time learning the principles behind constructing powerful stories. This skill can help improve your communication efficiency. Plus, your team can find the training valuable for better work performance and in your personal life. The training is great for beginner and advanced storytellers.

Learn more about The Art of Storytelling.

3. Pride Trivia

Pride Trivia banner

Pride Trivia is a fully hosted event designed to be highly engaging. You can run this event to celebrate Pride Month or as a workplace diversity exercise. Within 60 minutes, your group will engage in a fun trivia game. LGBTQ+ hosts designed the trivia questions to educate attendees while reflecting on true experiences. With this event, your team can come together to celebrate and build a strong sense of acceptance and camaraderie.

Learn more about Pride Trivia.

4. Superhero Academy

Superhero Academy banner

Superhero Academy is a 90-minute event that gives your team a real-life comic book adventure. You and your colleagues will play as superheroes tasked with saving the world. The fully-hosted event involves solving a series of comic-themed puzzles and completing physical mini-challenges. During your superhero journey, your team will work together by combining individual strength to defeat the villains.

Learn more about Superhero Academy.

5. The Paintball Park at Miramar

The Paintball Park is a large arena located in the northern part of San Diego. The park offers half and full-day admission, determining how long you can play in the arena. The booking price for groups of up to 15 members starts at around $50 per player. If you have a smaller group, then you can make a reservation for a semi-private event instead.

The park provides several field themes groups can reserve for outdoor corporate events in San Diego. The park also offers a Paintball Lite package, which is ideal for beginners. With this version, players will use lighter ammunition and have a painless adventure. A safety coordinator will supervise your group to ensure you have the best experience. However, your group must have at least 12 players to reserve a Paintball Lite private party.

Learn more about The Paintball Park at Miramar.

6. Escapology San Diego

Escapology is one of the best escape room providers in California. At this venue you will find different game themes to play. For instance:

  • Antidote: While investigating a laboratory, your team got infected with a virus. You must find the cure as soon as possible.
  • Mansion Murder: You have one hour to escape and gather evidence proving that you did not kill your grandfather.
  • Budapest Express: A murder took place on the train you boarded. You must figure out the killer before the train stops.

You will watch an introductory video before the game starts. Your entire experience will last around 90 to 120 minutes. Also, the host can provide hints if you get stuck while playing. The escape experiences are available for a private or shared reservation. After your game, your group can gather for a picture or share a meal at the location.

Learn more about Escapology San Diego.

7. Brainy Actz Rage Room

Brainy Actz is home to many attractions, including a therapeutic rage room. During your experience, you will have up to ten glass items to smash. Your group members will wear protective gear and get acquainted with the activity’s rules at the start. Unlike many other Rage rooms, Brainy Actz allows you to bring your own breakable items without charging an additional fee. However, the staff will first examine the items.

The experience will be exclusive to each guest. However, you and your colleagues can watch each other smash the items from a viewing window. Also, the host will not rush you through the experience. You can even spend up to 20 minutes in the room as you take your time to destroy the items and relieve your stress.

Aside from a rage room, Brainy Actz has axe throwing lanes, each designed for up to five players. You can explore other attractions like escape rooms, target shooting, bowling, archery arrow tag, and nerf wars.

Learn more about Brainy Actz Rage Room.

8. Sandbox VR

The fun corporate party ideas in San Diego include visiting Sandbox VR. The center offers an immersive virtual reality experience designed to be playable by two or more participants. If you have a large group, then you can reserve multiple experiences. The ticket pricing starts at around $45 and will vary based on your reserved date. Your entire experience at the center can last up to 90 minutes.

After checking in, your team members will receive a short training and start the gameplay. You can choose from several experiences available as a game or an adventure.

Learn more about Sandbox VR.

9. Mariposa Ice Cream

Mariposa Ice Cream is a locally operated store in San Diego, particularly in the Northern Height Neighborhood. The shop serves handmade ice creams with fresh milk, good quality ingredients, and less sugar. The shop also serves custom ice cream pies made to suit your taste. You will find a list of current and rotating flavors on the stores’ site.

If you plan to serve many guests during your event, then you can get the ice cream in a two-and-a-half-gallon tub with around 162 scoops on average. The menu also features beverages like ice cream sodas, shakes, frozen hot chocolate, malts, and non-dairy smoothies. In addition, the ice creams in this store are egg-free.

Learn more about Mariposa Ice Cream.

10. Sip and Paint at Painting & Vino

Painting & Vino is an art studio in San Diego. Your group can attend a private paint and sip party at the studio for a colorful and memorable corporate event. Your group will have the experience in any creative way you decide. For instance, you can paint your pet or company logo. You can also paint on different materials, from glass to wood pallet board. Professional artists will guide your group to have an amazing time painting while sipping wines.

Also, Painting & Vino offers different art experiences on a scheduled basis, with the pricing starting at around $45 per guest.

Learn more about Painting & Vino.

11. Mic Drop Comedy

The most fun corporate event ideas in San Diego for adults include visiting Mic Drop Comedy. You can locate this comedy club around Clairemont Mesa Boulevard. If you arrive at the venue before your show starts, then your team can stop by the patio area to have cocktails. The venue features different showrooms with distinct seating and occupancy capacity. The seating arrangement at the showroom is majorly on a first-come, first-served basis.

You can check the club’s website for a list of upcoming shows. In addition, you will find shows which feature celebrity talent marked as ‘special presentation.’ Mic Drop Comedy also offers a menu with gluten-free and vegan options. Unlike many venues, you do not have to purchase a minimum number of menu items per guest inside the showroom. The comedy club also welcomes groups interested in booking the facility for a private event.

Learn more about Mic Drop Comedy.

12. Dinner at Addison

Addison is one of the fine dining areas in San Diego. The restaurant provides a nine-course tasting menu with the best seasonal food options. Furthermore, you can order from the extensive list of vintage and modern wines that pairs well with your food. The restaurant offers ‘ Chef’s Table,’ a behind-the-scenes experience limited to around twelve guests. If any guest in your group has a food allergy or a specific dietary requirement, then you must notify the restaurant at least 48 hours before your event date.

Learn more about Addison.

13. Figure Skating at San Diego Ice Arena

Skating at San Diego Ice Arena is one of the most fun large group corporate event activities in San Diego. The center offers public skating sessions daily. If you have ten or more skaters in your group, then you can get discounts for admission. Furthermore, the center offers figure skating lessons for parties looking to improve in the sport. The walk-in rate for a freestyle session starts at $13 per skater. Depending on the day and time you visit, the experience can run for 45 to 60 minutes. The admission fee will cover shoe rentals for the skaters.

Learn more about San Diego Ice Arena.

14. HIVE Chicken and Karaoke

HIVE Chicken and Karaoke is a restaurant with a great atmosphere for singing and dining. The restaurant is famous for serving mouthwatering and crispy Korean fried chicken. You can reserve a private karaoke room for your group in this location, charged at an hourly rate. Depending on your booked room, the spaces can accommodate around eight to 50 guests.

The restaurant also features a one-hour golf simulator experience. On the menu, you will find a variety of tasty chicken, cocktails, beers, wines, soju, and side dishes.

Learn more about HIVE Chicken and Karaoke.

15. Jetboard Flights

Adventure seekers on your team will love this water-based jetpack experience! This unique device is strapped to your feet and shoots water out of the bottom, propelling the wearer into the air. Participants can sign up for between 15- and 60-minute flights. The Jetboard goes up to 30 feet in the air, and flyers can learn more advanced maneuvers on longer flights. Additionally, you can order a video of your flight to watch yourself in the air. This activity is perfect to cool off and get your blood pumping during a warm summer day.

Learn more about Jetboard Flights.

16. Tavern+Bowl

Tavern+Bowl is one of the best bowling alleys in East Village, San Diego. You will find around ten bowling lanes in this location. You can book a lane for one or two hours based on availability. The pricing starts at $40, depending on your reserved day, time, and event duration.

Furthermore, you can order food from the kitchen’s menu, also served in gluten-free and vegetarian options.

Learn more about Tavern+Bowl.

17. Movie at Cinépolis Del Mar

Cinépolis Del Mar is one of the best movie theaters in San Diego. The cinema has different auditoriums with different seating capacities. You can check the website for information on movie tickets and current promotions.

Also, you can use the theatre facility for your next corporate event in San Diego. However, you cannot bring outside food and beverages to the venue. The theater provides a menu with great meal options, locally made beers, and wines. In addition, the theater offers a party package for groups having at least 30 members. Your booking will cover a custom menu and cocktail reception. Also, the event package pricing starts at $600.

Learn more about Cinépolis Del Mar.

18. Lockdown Escape Rooms

Lockdown Escape Rooms hosts fully immersive games in San Diego. The escape games will challenge your team to work together while solving puzzles and finding clues within one hour. The game provides designed rooms to have different difficulty levels. So you can pick a game theme based on your group’s escaping skill level. The rooms have unique and fascinating plots like:

  • Voodoo: Your group accepts the mission to save the town of Gabrielville from a curse. You will investigate the voodoo queen’s shop and break the curse before getting caught.
  • Medieval: This escape game will take you on an adventure to get water from the Fountain of Youth and return alive.
  • Science: A rogue doctor intends to destroy certain evidence relating to an illegal substance production. Your group of journalists will enter the doctor’s lab, collect evidence, and escape before the physician returns.

You can have up to ten players in the escape room. Pricing starts at around $40 per player. The staff will provide hints if you get stuck during the gameplay.

Learn more about Lockdown Escape Rooms.

19. Maritime Museum of San Diego

Maritime Museum of San Diego is home to historic vessels, including one of the world’s oldest active ships. The impressive collections make the institution a frequently visited area in San Diego. General admission ticket pricing starts at around $20 per adult.

The museum organizes a guided group tour for ten or more visitors. During the experience, you will check the 1898 Victorian-era steam ferryboat Berkeley, San Salvador, and Star of India. The tour will last between two to three hours. For an added fee, your group can also enjoy an onboard experience of the Historic Bay Cruise or the Swift Boat Naval History tour. The maximum number of guests allowed on board varies from 30 to 45, depending on the vessel you reserve.

Learn more about the Maritime Museum of San Diego.

20. Day at La Jolla

La Jolla is a lovely neighborhood in San Diego, also called the city’s jewel by the sea. The neighborhood is a seaside area beautifully surrounded by beaches and ocean bluffs. From kayaking and surfing to biking and taking a midday walk, the community provides opportunities for teams to enjoy outdoor corporate events in San Diego. You can visit Scripps Park along the coastline and play golf at Torrey Pines Golf Course. In addition, La Jolla is home to several dining areas, from Drift Eat+Drink to The Marine Room. The area has an impressive landscape and a breathtaking ocean view.

Also, La Jolla has over 20 beaches, making the area a favorite place for many tourists and groups. In addition, you can take a tour of the La Jolla Cove to see the sea lions, gulls, and cormorants.

Learn more about La Jolla.

21. Go-Karts at K1 Speed

Exploring the go-karts at K1 Speed is one of the fun corporate event ideas in San Diego. The center offers different packages to enjoy the experience, from Arrive & Drive to a group booking. If your team has eight or more members, then you can make a group reservation. Then, your team will have a private experience on the track, a reserved racing time, and a podium to celebrate winners.

You can reserve more than one race, each covering around 12 laps. Also, completing a race can take an average of ten minutes, depending on your experience and speed. If your team visits the center for an arrive and drive during the weekend, then you can stop by the lounge to eat and relax.

Learn more about K1 Speed.

Conclusion

San Diego has a naturally mild climate and a nice atmosphere to enjoy outdoor corporate events. The city is also famous for having beautiful beaches. If you are a fan of boating, surfing, or kayaking, then you will have a blast exploring the 70 miles of shoreline. You can explore the city’s jewel, La Jolla. San Diego also has vibrant places you can use for indoor events, from dining areas with excellent services to dynamic amusement centers. With the city’s nice attractions, diverse food options, and endless sunshine, you will have a memorable corporate event and impress the attendees.

Next, check out these lists of conference food ideas and summer team building activities.

FAQ: Corporate event ideas in San Diego, California

Here are answers to questions about corporate event ideas in San Diego.

What are some ideas for corporate events in San Diego?

Some ideas for corporate events in San Diego include spending a day at La Jolla, having dinner at Addison, exploring The Paintball Park at Miramar, riding horses at RidgeMar, and watching a show at Cinépolis Del Mar.

How do you entertain attendees at corporate events in San Diego?

San Diego is home to many attractions you can use to entertain guests. From unforgettable museum tours to escape rooms and cinemas, you will find many locations and activities to impress your guests. Even if you visit a location with no entertainment, you can still make your event fun by planning for other activities aside from the event’s major focus. For instance, you can run a contest for guests, do icebreakers, or even play the good old bingo.

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Author:

People & Culture Director at teambuilding.com.
Grace is the Director of People & Culture at TeamBuilding. She studied Industrial and Labor Relations at Cornell University, Information Science at East China Normal University and earned an MBA at Washington State University.

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