The Ultimate Guide to Planning a Spectacular Group Outing in San Diego

Are you planning a group outing in Southern California? Whether you’re organizing a corporate team-building activity or a fun excursion with friends and family, the region offers endless possibilities for a memorable experience. From immersive escape rooms to beachfront resorts, there are plenty of options to suit your group’s interests and budget. To help you plan the ultimate group outing, we’ve compiled a list of the best transportation options, activities, and accommodations in the area. Whether you want to explore San Diego on a GoCar tour or venture further afield for a day trip, our guide has got you covered.

 

Get ready for an unforgettable adventure in the beautiful city of San Diego! With its stunning coastline, vibrant neighborhoods, and endless attractions, it’s the perfect destination for your group tour. In this guide, we’ll share insider tips and expert advice to help you plan a fantastic group experience that everyone will remember for years to come.

 

Choosing the Right Transportation for your group outing in San Diego

3 GoCars in front of the Seaport Village sign in San Diego

When it comes to exploring San Diego as a group, choosing the right transportation is crucial. Whether you opt for a charter bus, van, or the incredibly fun and flexible GoCar San Diego Group Tour, there’s a perfect option for every group. Imagine zipping around in GPS-guided, open-air vehicles while bonding with your crew – that’s the GoCar Tours experience!

Charter Bus for Longer Trips

For longer trips outside of San Diego, renting a charter bus can be a convenient and cost-effective option for groups. Companies like Charter Breeze and Pacific Coachways offer reliable and comfortable transportation services for corporate events, meetings, and other group activities. With a variety of bus sizes available, from mini-buses to full-sized coaches, these companies can accommodate groups of all sizes. Plus, with experienced and professional drivers at the helm, you can sit back, relax, and enjoy the journey while leaving the driving to someone else.

 

Accommodations for your group in San Diego

 

Shared Group Accommodations

two women sitting in one of the shared bunk rooms in HI hostel's downtown San Diego location

Hostel-style lodgings: Looking for affordable lodging options for your group? Consider booking a stay at HI San Diego Downtown, which offers hostel-style dormitory rooms equipped with modern amenities, such as free Wi-Fi, secure lockers, and shared bathrooms. The hostel also provides a communal kitchen, a cozy lounge area, and outdoor seating, making it an ideal choice for groups looking to socialize and connect with like-minded travelers. Plus, the hostel’s central location puts you within walking distance of San Diego’s top attractions, including the Gaslamp Quarter and the San Diego Bay. Whether you’re traveling with friends, family, or colleagues, HI San Diego Downtown offers a budget-friendly option for your group’s lodging needs.

 

Group vacation rentals: If you’re looking for more space and privacy for your group, vacation rentals through Vrbo or Airbnb can be an excellent option. These platforms offer a wide range of rental homes that can comfortably accommodate larger groups, with amenities such as multiple bedrooms, full kitchens, and living areas. This option allows your group to stay together in a more home-like environment, with more room to relax and spend time together. Plus, you can often find vacation rentals in desirable locations, such as beachfront properties or homes with stunning views, making for an even more memorable group experience. From cozy cottages to luxurious villas, Vrbo and Airbnb have something for every group size and budget.

 

Private Group Accommodations

Exterior view of the Sofia Hotel at night

Boutique hotels: Located in the heart of downtown San Diego, The Sofia Hotel is a boutique hotel that boasts a perfect blend of historic charm and modern comfort. With a prime location near popular attractions like the Gaslamp Quarter, Balboa Park, and the San Diego Zoo, it’s an ideal choice for groups looking to explore the city. The hotel offers a range of room options, including suites that can accommodate larger groups, and group rates are available for those traveling with ten or more people. Along with comfortable accommodations, the Sofia Hotel also features a 24-hour fitness center, an on-site restaurant, and a business center, making it a great choice for both leisure and business travelers alike.

 

Aerial view of the Hotel Del Coronado in San Diego, CA with the ocean in the background

Beachfront Resorts: Hotel del Coronado is a premier beachfront resort located on the beautiful Coronado Island of San Diego. The resort offers a range of accommodations for groups, from spacious guest rooms to stunning suites and cottages. The resort’s luxurious amenities include a world-class spa, fine dining options, outdoor pools, a private beach, and plenty of recreational activities. Group activities can range from beach volleyball to bike rides along picturesque coastal paths. The Hotel del Coronado has a rich history of hosting celebrities, presidents, and royalty, making it an iconic destination for groups seeking a high-end experience. The resort also offers a variety of meeting and event spaces, making it an ideal choice for business retreats or team-building activities. Whether your group is looking for relaxation, adventure, or both, Hotel del Coronado is the perfect choice for a memorable San Diego getaway.

 

Top Attractions and Activities for Groups

 

Team Building Activities

group of 3 GoCars in front of San Diego's Gaslamp Quarter

GoCar San Diego Team Building Activities: 

San Diego GoCar offers unique and exciting team-building activities for groups of all sizes. By providing a fun and interactive way to explore the city, GoCar tours promote team bonding, communication, and problem-solving skills. Whether it’s a scavenger hunt-style adventure or a custom-designed route, GoCar San Diego team-building activities offer a memorable and engaging experience that encourages collaboration and teamwork. Participants can work together to navigate the city, solve clues, and complete challenges, all while taking in the beautiful sights and sounds of San Diego. With its customizable options and innovative approach to team-building, San Diego GoCar is the perfect choice for companies looking to strengthen their teams and boost morale.

 

guests walking towards the San Diego Zoo entrance with a large statue of a lion

Adventure parks: The San Diego Zoo is not just a place for families and animal enthusiasts, it also offers an exciting venue for team-building activities. Whether it’s a scavenger hunt through the park or an interactive animal encounter, the San Diego Zoo provides a fun and engaging atmosphere for teams to work together and bond. With the beautiful surroundings and diverse range of animals, it’s a unique setting that is sure to leave a lasting impression on your team.

 

Escape rooms: At The Unlockables, teamwork is key to success. Their escape rooms are designed to challenge your group’s problem-solving skills, communication, and critical thinking abilities, all while having a blast. With unique themes and puzzles, each escape room provides a thrilling and exciting experience for teams to work together and achieve a common goal. Plus, the time pressure adds an extra level of excitement, making it a memorable and rewarding team-building activity. So gather your colleagues and put your heads together to solve the mysteries and escape before time runs out at The Unlockables.

 

 

Learning Activities

GoCar San Diego Tours: Experience San Diego’s top attractions and hidden gems in a fun, interactive way with GoCar San Diego Tours. These GPS-guided, open-air vehicles provide a unique, self-paced tour that allows your group to explore the city’s historic architecture, landmarks, viewpoints, and other exciting tourist attractions at your leisure. The engaging narration and fascinating stories shared by the onboard GPS make for an entertaining and educational experience. If your group is less than ten cars with two passengers each, you can book your tours together.

group walking tour of San Diego's gaslamp quarter with So Diego Walking Tours

 

Walking tours: Looking to delve deeper into San Diego’s rich history and culture? So Diego Tours offers expertly curated walking tours for groups, led by knowledgeable and engaging guides. Whether your group is interested in learning about the city’s architecture, food scene, or cultural landmarks, So Diego Tours can provide a customized and informative experience. From the Gaslamp Quarter to Balboa Park, your group will discover the many hidden treasures of San Diego.

 

Interactive workshops: For those looking for a hands-on learning experience, The Hot Spot Pottery Studio offers interactive workshops in pottery painting and glass fusion. Your group can tap into their creativity and create unique pieces of art to take home as a memento of your San Diego trip. With experienced instructors and a variety of workshop options, The Hot Spot Pottery Studio is the perfect destination for a fun and educational group outing.

 

Group Dining Options

 

Casual Group Dining

carnitas plate, tortillas, and margarita from San Diego's Old Town Mexican Cafe

Mexican cuisine: Looking for a delicious dining experience for your group outing? Look no further than Old Town Mexican Cafe, a vibrant restaurant known for its authentic Mexican cuisine and festive atmosphere. Located in the historic Old Town neighborhood, this restaurant is perfect for groups and offers a range of tasty dishes that will satisfy even the most discerning palates. From sizzling fajitas and flavorful tacos to refreshing margaritas, Old Town Mexican Cafe is the perfect spot to gather and enjoy a delicious meal together.

 

Food halls: Liberty Public Market is the perfect spot for groups looking for a wide variety of food options to satisfy everyone’s tastes. This bustling food hall offers a range of vendors, from artisanal cheese shops and bakeries to poke and BBQ stands. Whether you’re in the mood for fresh sushi, handmade pasta, or juicy burgers, you’re sure to find something to please your palate. Plus, with plenty of indoor and outdoor seating, Liberty Public Market can accommodate groups of all sizes.

 

Upscale Group Dining

guests dining in Juniper and Ivy's main dining room

Farm-to-Table Dining: Indulge in a farm-to-table dining experience at the award-winning Juniper & Ivy restaurant, featuring locally-sourced ingredients and innovative culinary creations. Their private dining room can accommodate groups of up to 30 people for an intimate and memorable dining experience.

 

rooftop dining on the north deck at San Diego's Top of the Market with views of the harbor and navy ship in the background

Rooftop dining: Looking for a dining experience that will take your group outing to the next level? Look no further than Top of the Market. This popular San Diego restaurant boasts a breathtaking rooftop location with sweeping views of the city skyline and harbor, making it the perfect backdrop for a group celebration or special occasion.

 

Waterfront dining: Located on the harbor, The Fish Market has been serving up fresh seafood and stunning views for over 40 years, making it a San Diego favorite for group outings and special occasions. The menu offers a variety of options, from classic fish and chips to fresh sushi, ensuring there’s something for everyone in your group.

 

 

Making the Most of Your Time Together

San Diego is the perfect backdrop for unforgettable team-building activities and bonding experiences. Try your hand at beach volleyball, embark on a thrilling whale-watching excursion, or take part in a group cooking class. And don’t forget to carve out some free time for group members to relax or explore on their own – balance is the key to a successful group tour!

 

Tips for a Smooth GoCar Group Tour Experience in San Diego

When planning your epic San Diego group tour, remember to create a detailed itinerary, designate a group leader, and ensure clear communication among group members. With a bit of organization and preparation, you’ll set the stage for a seamless and memorable group adventure.

  • Book in advance: To ensure availability and the best group rates, book your GoCar Group Tour in advance, especially if you need more than ten cars for your large group tour or team-building activity. If your group is less than ten cars with two passengers each, you can book through our San Diego tours, together.
  • Dress appropriately: San Diego weather can be unpredictable, so dress in layers and bring a light jacket or sweater.
  • Pay attention to parking regulations: Familiarize yourself with local parking rules to avoid fines or towing.
  • Bring a valid driver’s license: You’ll need a valid driver’s license to operate the GoCar.
  • Be mindful of traffic: San Diego’s streets can be busy, so always drive with caution and follow traffic laws.

Now that you’re armed with all the information you need, it’s time to start planning your extraordinary group tour in San Diego! Gather your friends, family, or colleagues, and get ready to create lasting memories