Top 6 Corporate Retreat Locations in Santa Cruz for 2024
If you're scouting for the perfect spot for your next corporate retreat, Santa Cruz should be on your radar. This coastal paradise is a proven favorite for many Bay Area companies.
Get to know this California gem with TeamOut’s help!
From taking a bike tour along Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk to sailing on the Monterey Bay, Santa Cruz offers an array of activities that will please every team member.
Gather your team and explore the town of Pescadero, or drive to the Pigeon Point Lighthouse and take in the fantastic ocean views.
At TeamOut, we’ve handpicked the top 6 retreat locations in Santa Cruz, promising an extraordinary experience tailored to your team's needs and preferences!
Don't just take our word for it: Let's dive into what makes Santa Cruz a top choice for corporate retreats.
Situated along 17 miles of beachfront in Aptos, Seascape Beach Resort is your go-to Monterey Bay retreat. Here, the 283 California Coast-styled suites combine relaxation with comfort.
Acres of lawns and beaches set the stage for a fantastic team outing. Hosting groups from 10 to 200, the resort offers 17,000 square feet of versatile meeting space, including 17 conference rooms complete with ocean views and natural light.
Savor traditional delights at Sanderlings or dive into Mexican flavors at Palapas, both crafted from the freshest local ingredients. Recharge with in-suite spa treatments, a dip in the pool, beachside kayaking, sailing on Monterey Bay or a game of tennis. Don't miss out on the unique "Brew Cruz" activity—beer tastings at local breweries—ensuring your retreat is nothing short of extraordinary!
Unwind in the outdoor pool after a day of golfing, beer tastings, and productive meetings!
📍 Location:
Aptos, California
🛫 Logistics:
74 miles from San Francisco International Airport
7 miles from Watsonville Municipal Airport
🏠 Property feature:
283 all-suite accommodations
17,000 square feet of meeting space
On-site spa & fitness center
Outdoor pool
Conference Center
🔎 What to explore:
Bike tour in Santa Cruz
Sailing on Monterey Bay
Brew Cruz activity - beer tastings at local breweries
Escape to the tranquil Pescadero, CA, and discover the eco-friendly Costanoa Lodge and Resort. This retreat offers an array of accommodations, from lodges to cabins and even tent camping, all designed with sustainability in mind.
Engage your team in thrilling adventures like guided bird watching, horseback rides, falconry presentations, and stargazing sessions.
With access to four state parks and 30,000 acres of hiking trails, there’s a lot to explore! Taste the flavors of coastal cuisine at Cascade Restaurant + Bar, with locally-sourced, organic ingredients, while Pine Tent offers a lively atmosphere with live music.
Embrace sustainability and foster team connections as you hike the Ohlone Ridge trail, visit the historic Pigeon Point lighthouse, or explore the town of Pescadero!
A lush retreat where all on-site activities and amenities are sustainable!
📍 Location:
Pescadero, California
🛫 Logistics:
46 miles from San Francisco International Airport
56 miles from San José Mineta International Airport
Step into Chaminade Resort & Spa, perched on 300 acres of natural landscapes, offering views of Monterey Bay and the Santa Cruz Mountains.
Recharge with the two heated pools and hot tubs, play friendly matches on tennis and pickleball courts, or explore the on-site Redwood-lined trail.
Join a Cowboy Breakfast cooking class, then savor delicious meals at The View, a treetop restaurant overlooking Santa Cruz. With the Benchmark Conference Package (BCP), your retreat is efficiently arranged with all-inclusive solutions from guest rooms to meeting spaces. Boasting 12,000 square feet of indoor conference rooms and a range of flexible outdoor event spaces, Chaminade ensures the utmost comfort for groups of up to 320 participants. For activities, try the Chaminade Ropes Course, scavenger hunts, or wine tastings at nearby Beauregard Winery.
With flexible outdoor space, the Chaminade Resort & Spa ensures you team has all the privacy and lush amenities for its retreat!
📍 Location:
Santa Cruz, California
🛫 Logistics:
34 miles from San José Mineta International Airport
40 miles from Monterey Regional Airport
68 miles from San Francisco International Airport
🏠 Property feature:
Two heated pools/two outdoor whirlpools
On-site spa
On-site fitness center
Tennis and pickleball courts
🔎 What to explore:
Hike the Chaminade trails (on-site)
Chaminade Ropes Course (on-site)
Scavenger hunts (on-site)
Wine tastings at Beauregard, a local winery
Santa Cruz Beach boardwalk
4. Inn at Pasatiempo: A Boutique Hotel in the Heart of Santa Cruz Mountains
Welcome to the Inn at Pasatiempo, located amid Santa Cruz Mountains. Less than four miles from Santa Cruz's beaches, the Inn is your ideal getaway from the city.
This boutique hotel offers 2,600 square feet of event space. From intimate dining rooms to spacious gardens, the venues can accommodate gatherings of 10 to 200 people.
Relish the rich flavors of local cuisine at Back Nine Grill & Bar, paying homage to Rancho Carbonero's culinary heritage. Take a dip in the outdoor pool or tee off at the Pasatiempo golf course, designed by Alister MacKenzie. Challenge your team to a hike through Henry Cowell State Park for additional outdoor time together.
The Inn at Pasatiempo is everything you’re looking for in a corporate retreat!
With plenty of flexible indoor/outdoor space, this is the perfect getaway for a team outing in the heart of Santa Cruz!
📍 Location:
Santa Cruz, California
🛫 Logistics:
30 miles from San José Mineta International Airport
59 miles from San Francisco International Airport
42 miles from Monterey Peninsula Airport
🏠 Property feature:
2,600 square feet of event space (10-200 people)
Outdoor heated pool
🔎 What to explore:
Henry Cowell State Park, featuring 15 miles of hiking trails
Dream Inn Santa Cruz boasts its title as the only beachfront hotel in Santa Cruz, making it a special venue for your next corporate retreats.
The floor-to-ceiling windows, natural light, and ocean views set the stage for an outstanding event. Dive into the oceanfront heated outdoor pool or taste seasonal cuisine at Jack O'Neill Restaurant and Lounge, overlooking Cowell Beach.
With flexible meeting spaces like the 3,500 square feet Dream Ballroom and three meeting rooms, accommodating up to 200 guests, you have plenty to choose from. For team-building activities, catch waves at Steamer Lane, the most famous surf spot in town, stroll along West Cliff Drive, or set sail on the O'Neill Catamaran. Dream Inn Santa Cruz is definitely a hotspot for your next team outing!
Dream Inn Santa Cruz is the only beachfront hotel, located on the iconic boardwalk!
📍 Location:
Santa Cruz, California
🛫 Logistics:
34 miles from San José Mineta International Airport
44 miles from Monterey Peninsula Airport
🏠 Property feature:
165 guest rooms
3 flexible meeting and event space (up to 200 guests)
Oceanfront heated pool
3,500 sq ft ballroom
🔎 What to explore:
Cowell’s Beach
Walk up West Cliff Drive
Explore the ocean aboard the O’Neill Catamaran
Brew cruz for beer tastings at a local brewery
Steamer Lane, the most famous surf spot in Santa Cruz
6. Casablanca Inn: The Premier Historic Bayfront Lodging
With a privileged location in St. Augustine, Casablanca Inn features 22 guest rooms, each showing off stunning views. Accommodations are available in the Main House, Coach House, and Secret Garden.
With its Mediterranean revival architecture, this Inn provides a charming backdrop for your corporate retreat. Dare to try the farm-to-table delights at Nero’s Waterfront Cafe, where fresh meat, homemade breads and jams will amaze every food lover. Sip on handcrafted cocktails at the Tini-Martini Bar with your team and make the most of the front veranda, ideal for mingling.
For team adventures, take a St. Augustine boat tour, explore Anastasia State Park and beach, or enjoy nightlife and cocktails at Prohibition Kitchen with your colleagues! Casablanca Inn is your St. Augustine home away from home.
With excellent oceanfront views and a privileged location in St. Augustine, this retreat is everything your team could dream of!
📍 Location:
Casablanca, California
🛫 Logistics:
33 miles from San José Mineta International Airport
43 miles from Monterey Peninsula Airport
68 miles from San Francisco International Airport
🏠 Property feature:
22 guest rooms
🔎 What to explore:
Lightner Museum
St. Augustine Boat Tours
Vilano Beach
Anastasia State Park & Beach
Prohibition Kitchen, for nightlife & cocktails in town
The Must Do Team-Building Activities in Santa Cruz
Santa Cruz is a treasure trove of team-building activities that goes way beyond cliff shores and the oceanfront boardwalk.
Experience the best of Santa Cruz as you start an exciting journey with us. Ride the waves at famous surf spots like Steamer Lane or visit the Santa Cruz Museum of Art and History for cultural immersion.
Dare your team to hike the trails at Henry Cowell State Park and recharge at Vilano Beach at the end of the day.
Whether you’re a team of adventure seekers or just looking for a spot to relax, we’ve got you covered! Take a look at TeamOut’s selection of the best team-bonding activities:
Outdoor Activities:
Catch Waves at Steamer Lane: This is one of the most famous surf spots in Northern California! This region is a collection of four consistent cold water wave peaks sheltered from northwest winds. A very crowded spot, yet totally worth visiting if you have surf fans on your team!
Take in the Beauty of Anastasia State Park: This is a spectacular spot for groups and families with more than 1,600 acres of unspoiled beaches, tidal marshes, maritime hammocks and ancient sand dunes! Nature lovers will find this to be a prime spot in Santa Cruz!
Hike your Way Through Henry Cowell State Park: With over 15 miles of hiking trails, this is the perfect place for hiking, horseback riding, picnicking, swimming, and camping. It features over 4,650 acres of forested and open land.
Discover the Mystery Spot: Established in 1939, this gravitational anomaly is located in the redwoods outside of Santa Cruz.
Admire the Views from Pigeon Point lighthouse: Perched on a cliff on the central California coast, 50 miles south of San Francisco, the 115-foot Pigeon Point Lighthouse is one of the tallest lighthouses in America!
Visit the town of Pescadero: Just 14 miles south of Half Moon Bay and 2 miles from the Pacific Ocean, the town of Pescadero is part of the coast's rural farming and ranching community. Gather your team and visit picturesque Pescadero!
Sailing on Monterey Bay: Enjoy a beautiful day out on the water of Monterey Bay and take a sailing trip from the Old Fisherman's Wharf! Sailing tours are available on Monterey Bay!
Indoor Activities:
Stop by Prohibition Kitchen: This is the perfect spot for a light meal and cocktail night in St. Augustine town. Serving up music and style on St. George Street, this 1920s and Prohibition-era themed pub offers generous portions of locally-sourced bar food and craft cocktails.
Beer Tastings at Beer Cruz, a Local Brewery: Join the Beer Cruz crew for a brewery tour to discover how local craft beer is created, combined with guided beer tasting and, of course, a few glasses of your favorite beers!
Wine Tastings at Beauregard, a Local Winery: This wine tasting experience features Estate Grown Chardonnay, Pinot Noir, Zinfandel, and Cabernet Sauvignon, all highly rated.
Visit Monterey Bay Aquarium: The Monterey Bay Aquarium, situated by the oceanfront, offers a glimpse into the area's rich marine life. It boasts over 200 exhibits and displays over 80,000 plants and animals, including otters and penguins.
Want to Plan Your Next Offsite in Santa Cruz? Ask our Experts
Craving a coastal retreat that will leave your team in complete awe? You’re in the right place!
With TeamOut, embark on a journey filled with thrilling team-building activities and adventures.
Explore the natural beauty of Anastasia State Park or take a sightseeing tour in St. Augustine. Indulge in beer tastings at local breweries with the exclusive Beer Cruz experience, or take a stroll along the iconic Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk.
Let TeamOut handle all the details with our expert planning services tailored to your team's preferences, needs, and budget.
Book a free call today!
Pack your bags and gather your team: The coastal paradise of Santa Cruz is waiting for you!
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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