Group Activities to Supercharge Your San Diego Experience
Gathering your besties, your fam, or your office squad for a memorable day in America’s Finest City? There’s no shortage of San Diego group activities that offer up a good time for everyone. Let’s explore some incredible options for a group day out that will have your crew raving for weeks to come.
Boat Activities: Your Sea of Options
Setting sail on the Pacific Ocean? In San Diego, you can opt for more than just a standard boat tour. Here are some intriguing marine experiences:
- Triton Charters: Perfect for corporate gatherings or birthday bashes. With Triton, you’re not just on a boat—you’re on a yacht. Think comfort and luxury, with fully customizable trips for up to a whopping 1,000 guests.
- Yacht America Not just a boat — The Yacht America is a floating history lesson! This 139-foot yacht is a replica of the yacht that won the Royal Yacht Squadron’s 100 Guinea Cup Race in 1851. You can enjoy everything from whale watching, cocktail cruises, team-building trips, and even charter this epic boat for your birthday bash or wedding celebration.
- San Salvador: This iconic boat is a replica of Juan Rodriguez Cabrillo’s ship that arrived at the port we now call San Diego on September 28, 1542. Relive maritime history and enjoy views of the San Diego coastline on a 4 hour cruise.
- Bahia Belle: For a more relaxed setting, this Mississippi-style sternwheeler offers a laid-back cruise around Mission Bay. Ideal for casual hangouts and even romantic evenings.
- Sail San Diego: Challenge your group to a sailboat regatta with the help of Sail San Diego. You learn to sail, and then compete in this team-building experience. Expect a high-energy outing! Or, if you want a more laid back experience, you can take part in one of their daily private morning, day, and sunset sails to get a different perspective of San Diego’s serene sights.
So Diego Food and Drink Tours: A Gourmet Journey
Food tours are one of the most unique and delicious team building activities you can experience in San Diego. Not only will you enjoy the best bites and drinks, you’ll also learn about the rich history of each neighborhood with the guidance of our tour guides. We at So Diego offer a range of culinary experiences to awaken your tastebuds:
- Gaslamp Quarter: History meets gastronomy. Wander through historic buildings while tasting bites from local establishments.
- Little Italy: Think more than just pasta. Delight in authentic Italian fare and modern culinary creations or sips of Little Italy’s best wines!
- Old Town: Get a true taste of San Diego’s Spanish and Mexican heritage as well as a crash course on Old Town’s haunted history. Bonus: tequila tastings.
- La Jolla: Sophistication by the sea. Enjoy upscale dining with spectacular views.
- Brewery Tours: San Diego is a craft beer haven. Explore breweries city-wide in Little Italy, Miramar, North Park, and Ocean Beach.
- Wine Tasting in Escondido: Consider this a delightful detour. Escondido’s vineyards offer wines you might not find anywhere else. Contact us today to curate your custom Escondido wine tasting. You can also book a custom experience of a Carlsbad food and wine tour, too!
Catch a Padre’s Game at Petco Park: MLB Thrills
If sports bring your group together, a Padres game is your go-to destination. Private boxes offer luxe viewing, but there’s more—you can also rent out a private space tailored for group interaction. Whether it’s a company outing or a family reunion, catching a game ups the bonding experience.
If you happen to be in San Diego outside of the baseball season, Petco Park hosts a wide range of live performances at Gallagher Square. Catching a concert at Petco Park is easily one of the most enjoyable things to do in Downtown San Diego.
San Diego Zoo: Animal Encounters Like No Other
The San Diego Zoo is an institution for a reason. But did you know you can book private event spaces within the Zoo? Interact with animals under expert supervision, enjoy private viewings and tours, and take your zoo experience to the next level. Time to party like an animal!
Beach Day: Sun, Sand, and La Jolla Caves
Is it even a trip to San Diego without a beach day? Let So Diego help you set up an unforgettable experience. Towels, chairs, games, coolers—we’ve got you covered. Plus, add a kayaking tour to the La Jolla caves with Everyday California for that extra dash of adventure. La Jolla Cove snorkeling is also a very popular option for those who want to get a closer look at marine life.
If you’re strapped for time, we’ve compiled an itinerary for a 1-day trip in La Jolla.
Pickleball, Anyone?
If you’re into sports but want something less spectator and more hands-on, how about a pickleball tournament? So Diego can facilitate the entire experience at a public court. It’s an engaging way to create some group competition that’s friendly, of course!
Honorable Mention: Balboa Park
This historical park has amazing attractions for large groups to enjoy. And our Balboa Park tour offers an immersive experience into the history and the hidden gems of this urban oasis.
- Attractions: The famous San Diego Zoo is located in Balboa Park. Roar with some lions or gawk at one of San Diego’s coveted artistic secrets at the Spanish Village Art Center. Looking for the whole package? Check out the San Diego Zoo Safari!
- Museums: Explore art, culture, and a little bit of everything. There are a wide range of museums for your group to visit. If you’re a resident, select museums are free on Tuesdays!
- Our top museum picks: San Diego Model Railroad Museum, San Diego Air & Space Museum, and the San Diego Museum of Art.
- Gardens: Check out the Japanese Friendship Garden for a waltz through beautiful Japanese architecture and scenery. Or check out one of the other 19 incredible gardens.
- Shopping & Restaurants: Clothing, crafts, wine, and burgers. Find everything you want and more at one of the many shops and restaurants.
San Diego offers a palette of experiences as diverse as the city itself. Whether you’re into historical treks, culinary escapades, sports, or good old beach fun, there’s something for every group. With So Diego by your side, organizing a memorable day out, including exclusive San Diego private tours, is a breeze. So, gather your crew and get ready for a group outing that you’ll talk about for years to come! Book a San Diego tour today!
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
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