Seasons & events
Published on
July 11, 2024

San Diego: 8 Fun Indoor and Outdoor Team Building Activities

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San Diego is a sought-after location for team retreats and offers an ideal setting with its year-round mild climate, making outdoor activities and team-building a breeze. The city's stunning beaches provide the perfect backdrop for relaxation and water sports, while its diverse range of attractions caters to various interests. From hiking in the nearby mountains to exploring cultural museums and indulging in local gastronomy, San Diego ensures a dynamic experience for teams and bleisure travel. The laid-back atmosphere and positive vibes foster a conducive environment for open communication and team bonding. With its convenient transportation options, diverse accommodations, and well-established tourism infrastructure, San Diego emerges as a prime destination where teams can unwind, connect, and find inspiration. Here are the recommended organizations and vendors in San Diego for each activity, along with approximate price ranges (please note that prices can vary, so it's best to contact the vendors directly for accurate quotes).

1. Sailing

Sailing on the beautiful waters of San Diego allows your team to work together to navigate the boat, adjust sails, and communicate effectively. It's a hands-on experience that combines excitement and relaxation. Sailing offers a sense of adventure and the thrill of harnessing the power of the wind. The serene ocean views and the chance to learn a new skill make it an enjoyable experience. It requires clear communication, coordination, and trust among team members. Working together to control the boat fosters teamwork and strengthens interpersonal relationships.

Sailing in San Diego
  • Organizers: Sail San Diego, San Diego Sailing Tours
  • Price Range: $75 - $150 per person

2. Knockerball competition

Knockerball involves players wearing inflatable bubble suits while playing various sports and games. It's a hilarious and active way to engage with colleagues in a playful competition. The sight of colleagues bouncing, colliding, and laughing inside giant bubble suits is guaranteed to create a fun and memorable experience. It's a unique twist on traditional sports. Knockerball encourages friendly competition and camaraderie. Players must strategize and work together to score points while ensuring the safety and enjoyment of all team members.

Knockerball Competition in San Diego
  • Organizer: Knocker Squad
  • Price Range: $30 - $50 per person

3. Obstacle Course

Participating in an obstacle course challenges individuals to overcome physical and mental barriers, fostering resilience and teamwork. Obstacle courses are physically engaging and mentally stimulating. The sense of accomplishment that comes from conquering obstacles adds an element of excitement. Overcoming challenges together builds trust and cooperation. Team members can provide encouragement, assistance, and motivation, strengthening their bond.

Obstacle Competition

  • Organizer: Epic Series Obstacle Challenge
  • Price Range: $50 - $100 per person


4. Meditation on the lawn

Meditating as a team on a tranquil lawn provides an opportunity to relax, de-stress, and connect on a deeper level. While meditation itself might not be traditionally considered "fun," the calming environment and the chance to reset and recharge can lead to a sense of well-being. Meditating together fosters a sense of unity and shared experience. It encourages mindfulness and empathy, promoting better communication and understanding within the team.

Meditation on the Lawn, San Diego
  • Organizer: Yoga With Shawna offers outdoor yoga sessions in various locations around San Diego, including parks and scenic spots. The classes are suitable for all levels and focus on relaxation, mindfulness, and rejuvenation.
  • Price Range: Approximately $15 - $20 per person for a group session on the lawn. Private sessions and package deals may have different pricing.


5. Pottery Class

Pottery classes allow participants to get creative with clay, making various pottery items while learning artistic techniques. It is one of the best group activities to boost creativity. The tactile nature of working with clay and the satisfaction of creating something with your hands make pottery classes enjoyable and rewarding. Collaborating on pottery projects requires coordination, communication, and the sharing of ideas. Team members can support each other's creativity and learn to value diverse perspectives.

Pottery Class, San Diego
  • Organizer: Clay N Latte
  • Price Range: $40 - $60 per person

6. Corporate to Canva: Art Classes

Art classes offer a chance to express creativity and create unique artworks while exploring different artistic mediums. Artistic expression is liberating and enjoyable. Discovering hidden artistic talents and witnessing colleagues' creative sides can be both entertaining and surprising. Art encourages self-expression and allows team members to see each other from new perspectives. Sharing and discussing their artworks promotes open communication and a deeper connection.

Art Class, Sand Diego


  • Organizer: Paint and Sip Studio, Art on Tap
  • Price Range: $30 - $50 per person

7. San Diego Food Tour

A food tour lets your team explore the diverse culinary scene of San Diego, tasting a variety of local dishes. Exploring the city through its food is a delightful and flavorful experience. It's a chance to bond over shared tastes and discoveries. Trying different foods together encourages conversation and bonding. Discussing flavors, preferences, and memories linked to the food can lead to meaningful connections.

San Diego Food Tour
  • Organizer: Bite San Diego, So Diego Tours
  • Price Range: $50 - $100 per person

8. Gingerbread Houses Class

Building gingerbread houses involves creativity and teamwork as participants design and construct edible structures. It is also a great activity which is not too expensive and can help with corporate retreats’ cost savings. The whimsy of working with candy and gingerbread, along with the festive nature of creating holiday-themed structures, makes this activity enjoyable. Collaborating on gingerbread houses requires planning, problem-solving, and cooperation. Team members can combine their strengths to build unique and imaginative creations.

Gingerbread Houses Class
  • Organizer: San Diego Cake Club
  • Price Range: $40 - $60 per person

In summary, San Diego stands as an ideal hub for team retreats, capitalizing on its mild year-round climate and captivating attractions to offer an exquisite blend of outdoor and indoor team-building activities. Choosing a great location is an essential tip for a successful trip. From navigating tranquil waters on a sailboat to engaging in uproarious knockerball competitions, conquering challenging obstacle courses, and finding serenity in group meditations on lush lawns, the city provides a rich array of experiences. The opportunity to unleash creativity through pottery, express artistic flair in vibrant artworks, savor diverse culinary delights, and collaborate on whimsical gingerbread houses adds depth to the team-building journey. Amidst the relaxed ambiance and positive energy, San Diego emerges as a paramount locale, inviting teams to rejuvenate, strengthen bonds, and embark on a remarkable voyage of inspiration and connection.

About the author
Thomas Mazimann
Update on
25/4/2024
Thomas Mazimann, a French entrepreneur and former international kayaking athlete, transitioned from sports to tech after moving to the U.S. He co-founded TeamOut, revolutionizing team gatherings.

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