21 Best Team-Building Activities in San Diego Your Team Will Love for 2024
Pack your bags and get ready to explore the vibrant city of San Diego with TeamOut!
Famous for its ideal climate, 93 miles of shoreline - including bays, lagoons, and the Pacific Ocean -, and rich history, San Diego offers the perfect combination of outdoor adventure and cultural experiences.
At TeamOut, we specialize in curating fantastic team-building activities that showcase the best of San Diego.
Whether you're paddling along Mission Bay on a paddleboarding adventure or exploring the La Jolla Sea Caves by kayak, we've got something for everyone!
Join us as we craft a customized list of the 21 Best Team-Building Activities you absolutely can’t miss in America's Finest City!
Join The Great Guac Off™ guacamole making competition with your team! It’s a unique, fun and collaborative activity. Your crew will be split into smaller teams that will work hard to create a special guac recipe. Compete to win points in fun mini challenges, with trivia, Punacado, and storytelling. Then, the big reveal! As you will see, Guac Off is more than just mashing avocados!
Location: 202 W C St, San Diego, CA 92101, Front St & Union St - Downtown
Schedule: Everyday - Open 24 hours
Duration: 1.5 hours
Prices: $80/pp
Food on-site: Yes! This is a food competition
Accessibility: Wheelchair accessible
Transport from the City Center: Activity takes place on your location
Rating: 4.7⭐
Recommended for: Teams that enjoy creativity in the kitchen, hands-on activities, who love food, and enjoy working together.
Want to try local delicacies? Tour coastal San Diego like a local with stops at three of San Diego's most delicious taco locations! You can choose between the guided historical Lunch Tour or Sunset Tour. Taco Tour San Diego stops include Barrio Logan, Point Loma, Ocean Beach, and/or Little Italy where you’ll savor the best tacos, craft beers, and libations that America’s Finest City has to offer!
Location: 1177 Scott St, San Diego, CA 92106
Schedule: Everyday from 9:00 am - 6:00 pm | Lunch time starts at 11:00 am | Sunset tour starts at 5:00 pm
Duration: 3.5 hours
Prices: $40/pp
Food on-site: Yes
Accessibility: Wheelchair accessible
Transport from the City Center: No
Rating: 5⭐
Recommended for: Teams love exploring different culinary experiences, tasting new flavors, and immersing themselves in local culture.
Time for some outdoor bonding! Explore this 4-mile out-and-back trail near Julian, CA, with your crew! This is a moderately challenging route very popular for its scenic views of the Lower Falls, Upper Falls, and Top of the Falls. Worry not, the trail is open year-round and is beautiful to visit anytime! Be sure to check out weather conditions beforehand and wear comfortable clothes and shoes!
Location: Julian, CA
Schedule: Daytime only
Duration: 3- 4 hours of hiking
Prices: Free
Food on-site: Make sure you pack your own snacks and water
Accessibility: No
Transport from the City Center: No
Rating: 4.7⭐
Recommended for: Teams looking for outdoor adventures, or interested in bonding over a physical activity with stunning views.
Renowned as one of America's most unique beer tours by Forbes Travel, San Diego Brewery Tours combines San Diego's craft beer scene into an all-inclusive beer adventure. Jump on a Vintage Swiss Safari Vehicle and drink ice cold road beers in style from one brewery to the next. Choose from the 3-hour or the 4.5-hour tours and stop at 3 local breweries and taste Ales, Lagers, Porters, and Stouts.
Location: Meeting point - at the corner of Kettner/B St (NOT Broadway) at 1202 Kettner Blvd
Schedule: Sunday to Friday: Tours at 12:15 pm and 12:30 pm | Saturday: 10:30 am and 2:30 pm
Duration: 3 hours or 4.5 hours
Prices: $200/hr per Pinzgauer + 15% Gratuity
Food on-site: Yes! A BBQ meal is included
Accessibility: Contact the company
Transport from the City Center: No
Rating: 4.8⭐
Recommended for: Teams interested in trying out different local beers and learning about the brewing process.
Explore San Diego’s hidden gems of a thrilling team scavenger hunt. Choose from great options for your hunt, including Balboa Park, Gaslamp District, La Jolla - “The Jewel” of San Diego - and Old Town. Get to know Balboa’s Park’s 1200 acres of beauty, the Zoo, or discover the historic heart ofSan Diego, Coronado Island , and the beautiful town of Pacific Beach.
Location: San Diego, CA
Schedule: Contact the company
Duration: 1.5 hours to 3 hours
Prices: From $25/pp – $200/pp
Food on-site: No
Accessibility: Contact the company
Transport from the City Center: No
Rating: 4.8⭐
Recommended for: Teams interested in problem-solving, teamwork, and exploring new environments.
Visit downtown’s Embarcadero - the ultimate place to dine, shop, and sightsee. Curling along San Diego Bay, the waterfront area boasts maritime history, public art, U.S. Navy ships, aquatic wildlife and spectacular sites. Set sail for fun aboard the Patriot Jet Boat Tour, or start a 5-mile bike trail at San Diego Convention Center all the way to the Maritime Museum. Unwind at 12-acre Waterfront Park or enjoy outdoor shopping! You can’t miss the Embarcadero.
Location: Pier 1 - The Embarcadero, San Francisco, CA, 94111
Schedule: Everyday
Duration: It’s up to you!
Prices: Free
Food on-site: Yes! There are multiple dining options
Accessibility: Wheelchair accessible
Transport from the City Center: Public transport
Rating: 4.6⭐
Recommended for: Teams interested in exploring a vibrant waterfront area, enjoying the views, and experiencing local culture.
Join your team for a thrilling kayak tour of the La Jolla Sea Caves! This fully guided tour takes you through the Ecological Reserve and along the La Jolla Sea Caves— two of San Diego’s most iconic attractions. The La Jolla Ecological Reserve is a marine protected area where you can find leopard sharks, Garibaldi, sea lions, and even dolphins! You’ll be safely guided along the sea caves and discover the wonders of the ocean!
Location: 2199 Avenida de la Playa, La Jolla, California 92037
Schedule: Open daily.Departure at 9:00 am
Duration: 90 minutes to 2 hours
Prices: Single kayak starting at $49; Double kayak starting at $69
Food on-site: No
Accessibility: Contact the company
Transport from the City Center: No
Rating: 5⭐
Recommended for: Teams seeking adventure, exploration, and unique experiences in nature.
8. Take a Surf Lesson and Explore San Diego’s Waves
PB Surf Shop is the oldest surf school in San Diego. Located in Pacific Beach on the Boardwalk, it offers a safe, fun, and memorable San Diego Surf Lessons experience for groups. Whether you want to stand up for the first time, catch waves on your own, or learn different maneuvers, it’s all about having fun as a team, right? Don’t worry, instructors are trained and certified in CPR, First Aid, and Water Safety.
Location: 4208 Oliver Ct. San Diego, CA 92109
Schedule: Everyday at 2:00 pm from May - September
Duration: 90 minutes
Prices: $95/pp
Food on-site: No
Accessibility: No
Transport from the City Center: No
Rating: 4.8⭐
Recommended for: Teams interested in water sports, outdoor activities, and learning new skills.
Embark on the most intimate whale watching tour in San Diego! Explore the coast of 2.5 hours looking for any and all signs of wildlife! These vessels cruise at over 30mph to get you to the wildlife faster, and Gone Whale Watching is the best in San Diego for this reason! Get ready to make eye-contact with wild dolphins and to pet whales, and everyone on the boat will have access to the bow!
Location: Pick-up location at 1617 Quivira Rd, San Diego, CA 92109
Schedule: Everyday
Duration: 2.5 hours
Prices: $110 Adults +tax | Private charters from $650
Food on-site: Not included in the price
Accessibility: Wheelchair accessible
Transport from the City Center: No
Rating: 5⭐
Recommended for: Teams interested in wildlife, marine biology, and experiencing nature.
The UCSD Challenge Course is located in an eucalyptus forest, an ideal setting for a variety of ground-based and high course challenges. Here, activities range from 25-45 feet off the ground. From The Odyssey Course to The Leap of Faith, the difficulty and challenge increase. Props such as one foot-high wooden platforms, walking cables, boards, and ropes are also part of the course!
Location: 9500 Gilman Dr, La Jolla, CA 92037
Schedule: 9:00 am - 6:00 pm
Duration: Contact the company
Prices: Contact the company
Food on-site: No, but you can bring your own snacks
Accessibility: Contact the company
Transport from the City Center: No
Rating: 5⭐
Recommended for: Adventurous teams eager for an outdoor challenge.
Get ready for the most thrilling 60 minutes of your life at one of Red Door’s Escape Rooms. Choose from crime, fantasy, thriller or adventure themes and embark on a team adventure in different escape rooms, ranging from Prison Break, The Gift, Once Upon a Time, Fair Game, and Confinement. Are you up for the challenge?
Location: 7007 Friars Rd Suite 212, San Diego, CA 92108, Estados Unidos
Schedule: Sunday to Thursday from 10:30 am - 10:00 pm | Friday & Saturday: 9:30 am - 11:00 pm
Duration: 1 hour
Prices: $42/pp
Food on-site: No
Accessibility: Wheelchair accessible
Transport from the City Center: No
Rating: 4.8⭐
Recommended for: Teams looking for a challenging and immersive experience that requires problem-solving skills and communication.
Ready for some culinary competition? Cucina Migrante’s classes are inspired by the Mediterranean diet, one of the healthiest in the world. Here, all ingredients are sourced from local micro farms! The Chef will prepare a customized menu for your group, ranging from vegan Italian, fresh pasta, Italian staples, and seafood. You can even bring your team to an exclusive Farmers Market Tour! Classes are hosted in Cucina Migrante’s craftsman home or in your location.
Location: 844 Herschel Ave, San Diego, CA 92037
Schedule: Everyday from 8:00 am - 6:00 pm
Duration: 3 hours
Prices: $140/pp
Food on-site: Yes! You get to eat what you cook.
Accessibility: Wheelchair accessible
Transport from the City Center: No
Rating: 4.7⭐
Recommended for: Teams interested in honing their culinary skills and enjoying a hands-on and interactive experience.
Stand Up Paddle Boarding (SUP) is a fantastic alternative to surfing for teams of every size. Mission Bay Stand Up Paddle ensures you and your crew have the best paddleboarding experience on beautiful Mission Bay San Diego! The best part? You get to enjoy Stand Up Paddling in all forms possible, from SUP Yoga Classes, SUP rentals, and guided SUP tours of Mission Bay. How’s this for a water adventure?
Location: 1548 Quivira Way, San Diego, CA 92109 / 1001 Santa Clara Pl, San Diego, CA 92109
Schedule: Tuesday - Sunday: 9:00 am to 4:30 pm
Duration: All-day
Prices: $45/pp
Food on-site: No
Accessibility: No
Transport from the City Center: Public transport
Rating: 4.8⭐
Recommended for: Teams looking for outdoor adventures or a fun physical activity together.
Torrey Pines State Natural Reserve is a nature oasis waiting to be explored. Whether you’re into adventurous hikes or simply looking to unwind, this is an outstanding spot. Featuring 12 trails for hiking and walking, this reserve is also home to the nation's rarest pine tree - Pinus torreyana. Choose from Torrey Pines Beach Trail Loop, Torrey Pines Beach and Broken Hill Loop, Guy Fleming Trail, Yucca Point Trail, among others.
Location: 12600 N Torrey Pines Rd, La Jolla, CA 92037
Schedule: Everyday from 8:00 am - 6:00 pm
Duration: It’s up to you!
Prices: Free
Food on-site: You can bring your own snacks
Accessibility: No
Transport from the City Center: No
Rating: 4.8⭐
Recommended for: Teams that enjoy outdoor activities and appreciate scenic views.
Invest in your team’s productivity while making a real difference in the lives of hard-working local families. There are many ways to get involved with Habitat for Humanity: Whether you choose to participate in New Construction, Playhouses, Home Repair, or ReStore, every event will be tailored to your team. Activities may include framing, roofing, drywall, insulation, tiling, flooring, painting, landscaping, and more!
Location: 8128 Mercury Court, San Diego, CA 92111
Schedule: Monday - Friday 8:00 am-3:00 pm
Duration: Full-day from 8:00 am-3:00 pm
Prices: Donation fee
Food on-site: You can bring your lunch or ask for catering options
Accessibility: Wheelchair accessible
Transport from the City Center: No
Rating: 4.7⭐
Recommended for: Teams that value community engagement, teamwork, and making a positive impact on society.
Join your team on this E-Bike tour from Downtown La Jolla to the majestic Mt. Soledad. Reaching Mt. Soledade, the highest coastal mountain top in San Diego, take in the views of San Diego and the coastline from Mexico up to Carlsbad. Start your descent all the way to the local beach known as Wind 'n Sea. To finish off, cruise to The La Jolla Cove and Ecological Preserve to check out one of the most amazing spots in town!
Location: Staring point at 7734 Herschel Ave Ste. J, La Jolla, California 92037
Schedule: Everyday, all day
Duration: 2 hours
Prices: $169/pp
Food on-site: No
Accessibility: No
Transport from the City Center: No
Rating: 4.8⭐
Recommended for: Teams interested in outdoor adventures and exploring scenic landscapes.
Head to Invasion Laser Tag to build cooperative relationships and ultimately have a laugh with your team. Book the entire facility and embark on a mission to work together to achieve different objectives. This team-building event focuses on the four main pillars of effective teamwork: Communication, cooperation, trust and even fun.
Location: 1290 W San Marcos Blvd Ste 101 San Marcos, CA 92078
This experience consists of a group dinner that quickly transforms into a murder mystery. Your team will become sleuths, putting their detective hat on and investigating who committed the crime. The creative team sets the stage for an exciting evening of crime investigation, where everyone is a suspect and anyone can be the killer. Crack the case, identify the murderer and bring them to justice. Winners will receive the coveted award of Top Sleuth.
Location: Activity takes place at 530 Broadway, San Diego, CA 92101
Schedule: Contact the company
Duration: 2.5 hours
Prices: From $84.95/pp
Food on-site: Yes, dinner is included
Accessibility: Wheelchair accessible
Transport from the City Center: No
Rating: 4.9⭐
Recommended for: Teams who appreciate immersive storytelling, problem-solving, and interactive experiences.
Don't let the name intimidate you! Have a fantastic time playing Survivor Games while you compete in a variety of challenges that will test you mentally and physically. You don’t have to be athletic to be successful in this event. Launch Rubber Chicken over 100 feet using three-person slingshots or use Pedometers to count your steps as you form Human Bobsleds. The sky’s the limit!
Location: San Diego, CA
Schedule: Contact the company
Duration: 1 - 2 hours
Prices: Contact the company
Food on-site: No
Accessibility: Contact the company
Transport from the City Center: No
Rating: 4.8⭐
Recommended for: Teams who thrive in competitive and adventurous environments.
Foster creativity and improve communication with a group Improv Class! The key to improvisation is the “Yes! And…” principle, which means you actively listen to each other’s ideas and add value to them at every moment. Improv exercises are introduced at various levels of difficulty, concentration, and risk-taking. Each game is chosen to match your team and has a few simple rules plus a point of concentration. No one is expected or encouraged to be funny, but everyone will be laughing a lot!
Location: 3746 Sixth Ave, San Diego, CA 92103
Schedule: Thursday to Saturday: 5:00 pm - 11:00 pm
Duration: 3 hours
Prices: Contact the company
Food on-site: No
Accessibility: Wheelchair accessible
Transport from the City Center: No
Rating: 4.6⭐
Recommended for: Teams that want to be engaged and challenged.
Want to Plan Your Next Team-Building Retreat? Ask our Experts
Explore San Diego like a local - including its hidden gems! - with TeamOut’s team-building suggestions!
From paddle boarding on Mission Bay to kayaking through the La Jolla Sea Caves, San Diego offers an array of exhilarating team-building activities that cater to every preference. Whether you’re an outdoor enthusiast or prefer indoor activities, TeamOut’s got you covered!
Savor delicious specialties on a Taco Tour downtown or immerse your team in a volunteer experience with Habitat for Humanity San Diego. Explore the beauty of Torrey Pines State Natural Reserve or embark on an outstanding whale watching expedition!
Planning your San Diego retreat is stress-free with TeamOut. Let us craft a tailored experience that aligns perfectly with your team's goals, needs, and budget for your next corporate getaway.
Schedule a complimentary call today and kickstart your extraordinary offsite in America's Finest City!
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.