Corporate Event Ideas in San Diego

Updated October 10, 2023

You would like your next work event to be more than just dinner and drinks but how do you find something that will appeal to everyone in the office? Well, we’ve got a list of fabulous San Diego corporate team building ideas and corporate events that show off some of the best the city has to offer. If you’d like help making any of these special events happen, contact a San Diego Tours Company – they’ll make the most of your budget utilizing connections they have in the community for a corporate event or team building activities your employees are sure to remember!

INSIDE LOOK AT THE SAN DIEGO ZOO

San Diego ZOO

A trip to the zoo sounds like a children’s event but we have the best zoo in the Country and some say the World! We recommend planning something special that will give guests an inside look at the exhibits, animals and even off-exhibit areas complete with your own docent that will share facts and stories you can’t get anywhere else. Pick from one of their Special Experience Options or contact their event specialists to plan something unique for your group in southern California.

PADRES GAME WITH A GROUP

Petco Park

Voted one of the best baseball stadiums in America, Petco Park is spectacular in every way, with breathtaking views of San Diego and some of the best sightlines in baseball. It’s also an excellent choice for a group event space. A sunny day watching the Padres play will offer a great opportunity for mingling and social interaction. You can work with one of their group event planners to organize your perfect visit, whether it be as simple as discounted tickets and food vouchers, a picnic on the grassy field or something more upscale like a private suite or a team building event in one of their 12 hospitality areas that can include food, beverages and special fan experiences. You can also time your visit for one of their Friday Theme Party events like 80s-night, Ultimate Cookout or Beerfest. Plus, there are plenty of things to do in the Gaslamp district after the game!

TOURING SAN DIEGO WITH SO DIEGO

Touring San Diego

San Diego, with its beautiful beaches, vibrant culture, and year-round sunshine, is a city that beckons travelers from around the world. There are countless hidden gems waiting to be discovered.

So Diego Tours is not your average tour company. Specializing in providing immersive, interactive, and unforgettable experiences that allow you to see San Diego from a different perspective. Whether you’re a foodie, a history buff, an art enthusiast, or simply someone who loves to explore, So Diego has a tour designed just for you.

Unleash your inner explorer with the So Diego Scavenger Hunt. These immersive adventures offer a unique and interactive way to discover San Diego’s rich history, hidden gems, and vibrant culture. Whether you’re strolling through the historic Gaslamp Quarter, exploring the coastal beauty of La Jolla, or navigating the iconic Balboa Park, So Diego’s scavenger hunts cater to the curious minds. Challenge yourself and your companions as you solve clues, complete fun tasks, and race against the clock, all while deepening your connection to this beautiful city. With flexibility, educational value, and plenty of competitive spirit, So Diego Scavenger Hunt Tours promise an unforgettable San Diego experience. Don’t miss the opportunity to embark on a memorable adventure that combines learning, bonding, and discovery in America’s Finest City.

For those who consider themselves food aficionados, So Diego offers a range of culinary adventures that will tantalize your taste buds. The “Brothels, Bites, and Booze” tour, for instance, takes you on a journey through the Gaslamp Quarter, revealing the spicy history of San Diego’s red-light district while you enjoy delicious bites and cocktails at local eateries.

If you’re a fan of Mexican cuisine, the “Tequila, Tacos, and Tombstones” tour is a must-try. This tour combines a taste of Mexico with San Diego’s rich history, offering you the chance to savor mouthwatering tacos and sip on unforgettable tequila while exploring the historic Old Town.

San Diego’s art and culture scene is thriving, and So Diego Tours lets you dive right into it. The “Sip, Savor, and Sea” tour, for instance, takes you on a journey through this picturesque coastal community of La Jolla. Meet the sea lions who bask in the sun at the Cove, and discover stunning public art installations and learn about the artists who created them. It’s a perfect blend of natural beauty and artistic expression

So Diego offers an array of experiences that will leave you with a deeper appreciation for San Diego’s history, culture, and cuisine. Whether you’re a local looking to rediscover your city or a visitor seeking an authentic San Diego experience, these tours provide an opportunity to connect with the heart and soul of America’s Finest City and have a great time in the process.

COOKING CLASS

cooking class

Having the opportunity to cook a meal together allows for a unique team bonding experience for your employees. Here’s a couple recommendations for our favorite San Diego places to take a cooking class – each offering a slightly different take, allowing your team members to play a shared role in creating the cuisine and then dining together after. Harvard Cookin’ Girl is located in La Jolla and offers 3 separate kitchens that open into each other to accommodate groups up to 40 people. They offer all kinds of corporate cooking events, from simple hands on menu demonstrations to cooking competitions.

With So Diego Tours, you can explore one of the 6,000 farms in San Diego known for its regenerative farming practices and sustainability efforts. The experience will start with a welcome non-alcoholic drink made with local ingredients before the start of the tour. During the farm tour, a farmer will walk the group through some of the crops and teach about their regenerative farming practices. Taste some of the flowers as you learn about the crops, and feel the passion of farming as the farmer shares their mission to feed the communities of San Diego. After the 30-minute tour, guests will partake in an outdoor cooking class from a local chef. You and your team will create a beautiful 3-course meal made from local farm ingredients. Learn some cooking tips, and then enjoy your meal family-style at the picnic tables with the farm as your backdrop.

BOATING IN THE BAY

sailboat

San Diego is surrounded by beautiful waters and nothing beats getting out on a boat. If you’re looking for something a challenging activity, consider a Sailing Regatta. Your group will be organized into teams and divided between sailboats with licensed captains, offering stunning views of the San Diego coastline. They’ll be taught crew positions and how to work together to win, previous experience is not required. The day will end with an awards celebration on the dock where you can add on food and beverage options. If you’d prefer something a little slower paced, consider chartering a boat for a sunset cruise, whale watching tour or sightseeing cruise.  If you’re searching for a yacht rental, or a boat rental that can accommodate over 40 passengers, check out Triton Charters and Alana Yacht Rentals.   For a competitive sailing regatta, Sail San Diego sails with multiple sail boats on the San Diego Bay.

MYSTERY DINNER PARTY

Who dunnit game logo

For some creative fun, consider a murder mystery dinner party where your group will be served a multi-course dinner while the show takes place around you with music and plenty of surprises. The action will happen throughout the room with engaging actors who will encourage attendees to participate. Prizes are awarded for the top sleuth who comes closest to cracking the case! The Dinner Detective can accommodate private events from 30 – 400 people or you can reserve a table or two at one of their public shows.

TOURIST IN YOUR OWN TOWN

Tourist with a map

Sightseeing in downtown San Diego is exciting but can be daunting when there are so many options to choose from! Leave it to the experts at So Diego Tours to plan perfect event – they’ll help you check out some of the best San Diego neighborhoods, iconic sights and hidden gems. Specializing in San Diego food and beverage tasting tours, neighborhood history tours, scavenger hunts and sightseeing tours they can customize any event for up to 300 people! They will work with your group utilizing connections they have in the community to make the most of your budget and plan an experience that will keep your guests excited and talking for years to come!

WINE TASTING

grapes of wine

The Temecula Valley currently has more than 35 wonderful wineries with another 50+ slated to open in the next 5 years! Plan a private event tour at this venue and let the experts show you everything the area has to offer during a fun and interactive experience. Tours include round-trip transportation in a luxury SUV, limo or deluxe shuttle and typically stop at 3-4 wineries. Tours can be customized for your group to include appetizers, beverages in the vehicles, lunch at a winery overlooking a vineyard, and much more. Contact Grapeline Wine Tours to plan your special event!

A short 45-minute drive from Downtown San Diego are several wineries in Escondido. With So Diego Tours guests will visit two wineries for private tastings while enjoying the picturesque views of the surrounding vineyards. At each winery a representative or winemaker will talk with the group about the winemaking process and how San Diego winemakers grow their vines, and make the wines. At one location a behind-the-scenes winery tour will be included. Chef-prepared meals at the wineries can also be provided as well.

BALBOA PARK EXCLUSIVE

Balboa park

2024 marks the 156th Anniversary for San Diego’s iconic crown jewel and there is something for everyone in Balboa Park where culture meets nature! With over 1,200 acres, 17 museums, lush gardens, fountains and architecture ranging from Spanish Colonial Revival to Mid-Century Modern there is a vast array of things to see and do. Schedule a custom private walking tour or visit one of the museums – for groups of 15 or more, most museums and gardens offer discounted admission tickets and can arrange docent-led tours. Plan a picnic in one of the many grassy areas or gardens or enjoy a catered special event at The Prado. Contact So Diego Tours if you’d like help planning an event for your group to have a great time and make the most of your time in this one-of-a-kind gem. As a boutique San Diego destination management company, we can help coordinate an unforgettable corporate event for groups of up to 100 people. You won’t be disappointed you chose Balboa Park for your next corporate event idea in southern California!

 

Written by: Melissa

Melissa hails from San Jose, CA, and has been a San Diego local for five years now after a 10-year long pit stop in Los Angeles. In L.A., she began her writing career crafting digital content for a wide range of clients, including The Real Talk Show, Sharon Osbourne, Hank Azaria, Time Life, and Cardinal Financial. She’s excited to be able to use her passion for writing to introduce people to some of the best spots in San Diego, many of which she has already frequented or has on her ever-expanding list of things to do … In her spare time, she enjoys taking her puppy Milo to all of the best dog beaches in SD, grabbing a glass of wine or a cup of joe at new places, and hosting watch parties for The Bachelor/ette TV show.

 

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Signature Tours

The historic Gaslamp Quarter is famous for its entertainment, shopping, and nightlife, but most people don’t realize the historic district was once home to one of the most anticipated red light districts in the West. On this guided Gaslamp tour full of cuisine, culture, and curiosities, we’ll take you through the scandalous post-Gold Rush history of the heart of downtown San Diego.

On our Tequila, Tacos and Tombstones guided tour, we take you back in time to Old Town San Diego—also known as the Birthplace of California. Together with one of our expert tour guides, you’ll discover the events and learn about the individuals that led to Old Town’s current popularity as a cultural hotspot.

But don’t worry, we don’t believe in following the usual tourist paths when it comes to exploring a town so rich in history and culture. On our Old Town food tour, you’ll get authentic food tastings, elevated cocktail sampling, and a haunted location or two for an unforgettable historic Old Town experience.

No San Diego Little Italy walking tour would be complete without exploring this culinary hotspot’s best places to eat. Known for its variety of restaurants, America’s biggest Little Italy has become a food lover’s bucket list destination, and we’re here to show it off!

Join our Little Italy walking tour full of food, fun, and Italian culture.

Planning a romantic date or your next friend’s night out? Our Little Italy wine tasting tour is the perfect way to elevate your outing and get to know one of San Diego’s most unique downtown neighborhoods.

As we stroll through this historic fishing town, you’ll learn all about the area’s rich history and, of course, sample the food and wine that makes Little Italy one of the best dining locations in all of San Diego and, dare we say, Southern California.

Whether you’re a local event planner, trying to “wow” your clients with unique San Diego team building activity ideas, or a bride coordinating a whole family outing for your wedding, So Diego can help you plan a special day.

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