Updated: December 17, 2023

18 Fun Group Activities in San Diego, CA

You found our list of the best group activities in San Diego, California.

Fun group activities in San Diego, CA, are events that provide a welcome diversion from the stresses of work. Examples include Moonlight Beach and Bubble Soccer. These fun activities are important for building rapport with coworkers and establishing deeper personal connections.

These ideas are examples of team bonding experiences and group activities for adults. These activities are similar to San Diego team outings and team building ideas in San Diego.

This article contains:

  • small group activities in San Diego, CA
  • large group activities in San Diego, California
  • group activities for adults in San Diego
  • fun things to do in San Diego as a group

Here we go!

List of fun group activities in San Diego

From Flagship Cruises to La Jolla Cove to Red Door Escape, the following is a list of fun things to do in San Diego as a group.

1. Superhero Academy (Top Choice)

superhero academy

Superhero Academy is a real-life comic–book adventure where teams can unleash their inner heroes! Participants will need to utilize their teamwork and communication skills to tackle each task.

Here is what this experience includes:

  • 90 minutes led by an expert host
  • a captivating narrative that will turn players into superheroes
  • exciting games and activities designed to challenge your skills
  • tasks that highlight the unique strengths of each team member

Additionally, we will meet you at your chosen venue with all the necessary supplies. If you are looking to develop innovative teamwork techniques, then check out Superhero Academy!

Learn more about Superhero Academy.

2. The Art of Storytelling (Popular)

With The Art of Storytelling, you can immerse your team in the transformative power of telling stories. This experience helps participants learn to craft captivating narratives and strengthen their connections.

Here is what you can anticipate:

  • a 120-minute session led by a seasoned facilitator
  • the five essential elements that make a story compelling
  • proven techniques and strategies to captivate audiences
  • dedicated time for participants to apply their newfound skills
  • valuable feedback and insights from our expert hosts

Additionally, we will bring all the necessary materials to your preferred location. To deepen team bonds and foster meaningful connections, add The Art of Storytelling to your agenda!

Learn more about The Art of Storytelling.

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3. Field Day (Staff Choice)

With Field Day, your teams can compete in exciting outdoor exercises! This experience is an unforgettable adventure, from timeless classics to innovative challenges. 

Field Day includes the following:

  • 90 minutes with a world-class host
  • photo ops to capture memorable moments
  • thrilling competitions and classic games
  • childhood favorite exercises to spark nostalgia

To simplify planning, we will bring all the game equipment to the venue of your choice. If you are looking to boost camaraderie and communication skills on your team, then add Field Day to your team building roster! We can host this experience for teams of any size, so be sure to check it out when searching for large group activities in San Diego, California.

Learn more about Field Day.

4. Baja California Wine Tours

If you are looking for a unique take on a classic team building activity, then check out Baja California Wine Tours! Tours leave from San Diego and take teams into the heart of Mexico to explore.

You can choose from several outings from this firm, including:

  • Wine Tasting: Take a 14-passenger van to tastings at three Valle de Guadalupe wineries.
  • Tequila Tour Jalisco: Explore Guadalajara and visit famous distilleries like Jose Cuervo, Tequila Sauza, and La Cofradia.
  • Cheese Tasting Tour: Head to Rancho Cava de Marcelo to enjoy artisanal wine and cheese.

The firm also offers customizable tours if you are looking for a more specific experience. Working with Baja California Wine Tours is a real treat!

Learn more about Baja California Wine Tours.

5. Harvard Cookin’ Girl

Teams looking for a hands-on group activity should check out Harvard Cookin’ Girl! The host is Bibi Kasrai, and she left behind a corporate job to share her love of food.

Kasrai offers a wide range of events, including:

  • Party at Your or Bibi’s Home: Kasrai can host an event in your own space or her redesigned kitchen.
  • Iron Chef-Style Group Cooking Competition: Two teams go head-to-head in a timed cooking contest. Kasrai and her team coach participants, and dishes are judged on presentation, taste, and teamwork.
  • Sip and Stir: Teams will get hands-on instruction in cooking a delicious three-course meal.

For larger groups, you can reach out about Kasrai’s corporate cooking events. Groups of up to 40 get to enjoy interactive cooking experiences in three state-of-the-art kitchens. You can choose from a wide variety of cuisines to suit the whole team’s tastes.

Learn more about Harvard Cookin’ Girl.

6. Ringer’s Roller Rink

Ringer’s Roller Rink is the go-to spot for outdoor roller skating in San Diego, California. At Ringer’s, you can check out public skate sessions, instructional classes, specialty event rentals, and even roller derby training and bouts. The public skate sessions happen every Friday, Saturday, and Sunday, with themed nights such as ’90s Throwback and Hip Hop. Thursday nights are adults-only events with a live DJ.

Folks interested in boosting their skating skills can check out classes like Learn + Return to Skate and Beginner Dance and Rhythm Skating. If you are looking for your next event venue, then you can book Ringer’s for more than 100 guests. Whether you are an experienced or beginner skater, Ringer’s Roller Rink offers fun experiences for all.

Learn more about Ringer’s Roller Rink.

7. Moonlight Beach

Moonlight Beach elevates your experience beyond another regular beach day by having a volleyball game, cooking food over an open fire, and telling stories around the fire pit. Moonlight Beach in Encinitas has a volleyball field, BBQ pits, and a designated place for campfires. Finding a parking place might be difficult, but you have a better chance if you go later in the day, about 4 p.m., you could get a spot.

Learn more about Moonlight Beach.

8. La Jolla Cove

While snorkeling with a school of brilliant, colorful fish racing all around the bubbles at La Jolla Cove, you will understand why it is one of San Diego’s most photographed places. The water is quite picturesque. Beaches here have a tropical feel. Starfish and sea lions are just two examples of the diverse aquatic life that calls this area home.

Outdoor fans will also find many engaging activities at La Jolla Cove, including recreational opportunities like swimming, kayaking, scuba diving, hiking, bicycling, and picnics. The facility limits items like motorized boats since it is a marine refuge region, but there are plenty of other places to go for fun. If you have a water-resistant camera and are interested in taking pictures, you may want to visit La Jolla Cove.

Learn more about La Jolla Cove.

9. San Diego Wine Country

When looking for group activities for adults in San Diego, you can enjoy a luxurious day in San Diego Wine Country with a convenient pick-up service from most hotels and homes in the city and a scenic 30-minute drive to the vineyards. These fantastic six-hour trips visit three different vineyards and feature several samples. A knowledgeable guide will talk about wine appreciation and local history. When you visit the first vineyard, you may taste some excellent wines with exquisite cheeses and fruit.

You can take a leisurely walk around some beautiful vineyards and learn everything about the winemaking process in the area. The day will come to a close with a delicious wood-fired brick-oven pizza dinner overlooking the breathtaking grounds of the vineyards, combined with some of the best local wines. The tour could stop for lunch on the first or second tour instead of dinner on the third stop. One of the stops has beer options.

You may enjoy a full day of wine tasting, a cheese platter, supper, tasting fees, a guided tour, bottled water, and a wine tote gift bag with San Diego Wine Country.

Learn more about San Diego Wine Country.

10. Red Door Escape

If you do not mind being trapped in a room with your group members for about an hour, then you should consider visiting an escape room. You and your group members could visit one of Red Door’s escape rooms, which are themed rooms where you would get clues, puzzles, codes, and challenges to solve within a set amount of time to “escape” a room. Your mission could be saving the world from zombies, mad scientists, or many other ominous threats. After escaping the chamber, you can celebrate with a drink and a meal as you recount your heroics.

Learn more about Red Door Escape.

11. The Whaley House Museum

Built in the 1800s, The Whaley House is a San Diego institution. This building began as a private residence but soon transformed into a store, a theater, and even a records building. The house’s owner and builder, Thomas Whaley, suffered many tragedies after the construction of the house. Two of his children passed, and the storefront burned down. In combination with being built atop a cemetery and being the site of other notable deaths, The Whaley House has been dubbed the most haunted house in America. Today, visitors can explore the house through a few tour options. You can book an after-hours paranormal investigation, where guides will teach you how to use the latest ghost-hunting technology. Guests can also take a day tour, which focuses more on the location’s history. No matter which tour your team finds intriguing, The Whaley House makes for a great stop.

Learn more about The Whaley House.

12. Axe Throw San Diego

Axe throwing is a super fun group activity, and you can have a unique experience at Axe Throw San Diego! This axe-throwing venue is medieval themed, adding a fun twist to the event. There are a total of nine lanes in two rooms, The Great Hall and Dragon Alley. Teams can book The Great Hall for a private experience. The axe-throwing experience lasts for a full hour, and a coach will teach you some skills and give you ideas for games to play. The hall itself does not serve food or drinks, but you are welcome to bring in your own!

Learn more about Axe Throw San Diego.

13. Bubble Soccer Club

Bubble soccer is a great way for a group to exercise and have some laughable but good-natured competition. Your group members deserve time outside in the sunlight at the end of a hard work day. Although most bubble soccer matches follow the same fashion as a regular soccer game, you can play various other games with the bubble equipment.

The hosts will show you how to play correctly and walk you through the game’s rules before you start. You will also get chairs, music, and drinks. Bubble soccer is a low-cost event that may host groups of all sizes. However, the activity is more fun for mid-sized groups with about 20 to 30 folks.

Learn more about Bubble Soccer Club.

14. San Diego Archers

You can practice your aim and learn the skill of archery for your next fun team outing. Archery is a fantastic activity for groups that want to learn new skills and compete with one another. You could keep count of who gets the closest to the bullseye, or split into teams and see who can rack up the most points!

If you have a big group and are interested in trying archery, then San Diego is home to the largest archery facility in the United States. Instructors will show you how to use the gear properly and safely and provide tips on how to get the most out of your experience.

Learn more about San Diego Archers.

15. Rancho Bernardo Inn and Spa

A spa day is an excellent activity for group members in need of relaxation. You and your group can spend the day at the luxurious Rancho Bernardo Inn and Spa. The cost of admission gives you access to the spa’s pool, hot tubs, and saunas. You can relax by the expansive pool in a cabana and order food and beverages from the menu or purchase a spa package that includes lunch. Additionally, the facility has a private garden with a saline waterfall whirlpool where you may spend time conversing with group members. Finally, you could enjoy some relaxing moments while enjoying a massage or facial in one of the tranquil casitas that dot the resort’s flower-and-cobblestone-lined grounds.

Learn more about Rancho Bernardo Inn and Spa.

16. Flagship Cruises

For small group activities in San Diego, CA, you can take your team out on the water for a private sailing excursion with Flagship Cruises and see the city in a new light. You can take a sailing trip, yacht rental, or catamaran cruise based on your interests and the size of your party.

You may bring your own food and drinks for a team lunch on your expedition since the boats have kitchens and washrooms on board. The boat crew has extensive training and knowledge about the San Diego Bay area, and you will learn a lot about the area’s culture and history while you cruise. Marine mammals like dolphins and sea lions may make an appearance. You can park easily by the water and enjoy some beach time together after your charter.

Learn more about Flagship Cruises.

17. Wheel Fun Rentals

A group bike ride is a fun way to enjoy time together. You can take off at the Oceanside Pier and cycle around Highway 101 while stopping for food at several local establishments. This route passes via Oceanside, Carlsbad, Leucadia, and Encinitas for the whole tourist experience. When you are done, you may either walk back to the Pier or get on the Coaster train to return to the Oceanside Transit Center. The bike rental service in town called Wheel Fun Rentals can accommodate your group. The hosts will also give information about nearby trails if you need some direction.

Learn more about Wheel Fun Rentals.

18. Carlsbad Lagoon

You might not know that Agua Hedionda Lagoon rents fun water equipment, including canoes, kayaks, paddleboards, and sea bikes! At the northern end of the lagoon, you will find California Watersports, where you may rent the necessary gear. The location is a water recreation facility with its own beach and boat landing dock. A good way to bond is by bringing your mates together on a boat or paddling out to sea in group formation. To enjoy the beautiful San Diego weather, spend the day in the lagoon.

Learn more about Carlsbad Lagoon.

Conclusion

San Diego, located on California’s Pacific coast, is renowned for its year-round balmy climate, vibrant urban culture, and stunning beaches. This locale is a diversified city with various artistic, cultural, fine dining, and recreational locations that are great for holding team-building events, seminars, and activities. From sailing tours exploring the coastal vistas of La Jolla to escape room parties, there is plenty for every group to enjoy when visiting the city.

Next, check out corporate event ideas in San Diego and group activities in Los Angeles.

FAQ: Fun group activities in San Diego, California

Here are some frequently asked questions about fun group activities in San Diego.

What are some good group activities in San Diego?

Some group activities in San Diego include The Whaley House Museum and San Diego Wine Country. The opportunity to meet and build relationships with coworkers from different departments is an additional perk.

How do you plan fun activities for groups in San Diego?

The intention and goals of the outing should guide your decision-making when deciding group activities in San Diego. If you want to succeed, then you need to know the activity every group member wants. Games, exercises, and activities that emphasize and foster trust among employees may be beneficial in fostering more interdependence among workers. The best course of action would be to get feedback from the team and ensure every team member is on the same page.

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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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