Boasting some of the most desirable natural attributes in Southern California, San Diego has abundant sunshine, a temperate climate, a bejeweled ocean with ideal surfing waves and miles of beaches. While the idyllic natural setting could arguably be called the star of the city, San Diego has plenty of outdoor and indoor attractions for visitors. The Gaslamp Quarter downtown is the prime spot for nightlife, with everything from cocktail lounges to craft breweries.
Balboa Park – featuring multiple gardens, museums, and paved paths to explore on foot or bicycle – almost seems like its own city. Surfers flock to certain area beaches like La Jolla and Black’s Beach which are well known for producing waves perfect for boarding. San Diego has a wealth of art and culture to offer, as well, including the Spreckels and Balboa theaters.
| CLIMATE AND SEASONS IN SAN DIEGO, CALIFORNIA |
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| Due to its mild climate, there is not a bad time of the year to visit San Diego. Winter temperatures rarely dip below 50 degrees Fahrenheit and summer temperatures do not often rise above 80 degrees Fahrenheit. San Diego gets the most visitors from June to August, with the crowds beginning to thin out after Labor Day weekend.
Why visit San Diego? It is challenging to find a destination that has something for everyone, but San Diego is one of those rare gems that offers a large variety of things to see, do, taste, and explore. |
Average Temperature: Seasonal Temperatures:
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MORE TO LEARN AND EXPLORE
Outdoor Activities
In addition to 70 miles of beaches that run alongside the Pacific Ocean, San Diego County is also home to mountain and desert regions. As a result, it is a playground for outdoor enthusiasts of all kinds. Meeting attendees will find everything from flat, easy paved trails for beginners to steep hikes up mountains.
Torrey Pines State Reserve stands out among the many picturesque places to hike in the San Diego area. The state park has multiple hiking trails that are suitable for a wide range of ability levels. Torrey Pines is also breathtakingly beautiful. Pinus torreyana, the rarest pine tree in the U.S., is one of the many natural wonders found on the 1,500 acres of land that comprise the park. Rocky cliffs provide sweeping views of the ocean and, for those who find water more appealing than cliffs, tide pools provide a close-up look at a bevy of colorful sea creatures.
Before your meeting attendees leave Torrey Pines State Reserve, book them for a truly unique experience: riding in a tandem glider while a raptor cruises alongside them. Known as parahawking, the trained bird of prey leads the glider and acts as a guide for a stunning aerial view of the La Jolla coastline.
San Diego County also features a stunning collection of over 80 golf courses that cater to golfers at any performance level. Oceanfront links with breathtaking views and lush inland fairways are just some of the unparalleled golfing experiences attendees can enjoy amidst picturesque landscapes and near-perfect weather.
Arts & Culture
Balboa Park has 18 museums and 10 theaters and performing arts centers to satisfy visitors’ taste for art and culture. The permanent collection at the Museum of Contemporary Art (MCASD) features more than 4,000 works created after 1950. MCASD prides itself on displaying work from emerging artists as well as their well-established counterparts.
Your attendees will find an impressive collection of artworks at an unexpected site: Hilton San Diego Bayfront. It includes seven sculptures crafted by Ned Kahn, a suspended sculpture made by John Portman, and some of surf photographer Aaron Chang’s most acclaimed works.
MAKE YOUR MEETING MEMORABLE
With its dazzling array of memorable experiences, San Diego is an excellent choice for corporate events and meetings. Whether attendees prefer the beaches or the mountains, they will find them both here. The city, which counts Mexico among its neighbors, also offers mouthwatering authentic Mexican cuisine that ranks at the top with the most delicious in the country. If desired experiences include a flavor focus, your attendees will be thrilled by the number of craft breweries downtown.
Stroll Through Fragrant Flower Fields. If you plan to host a corporate meeting or event in the spring, The Flower Fields at Carlsbad Ranch are an absolute must-see. Giant Tecolote Ranunculus flowers swath the rolling hills in colorful blooms from early March through early May each year.
Spend Time in San Diego’s Oldest Neighborhood. As the location of the first European settlement in California, Old Town is also the oldest neighborhood in San Diego. These distinctions are just some of the many reasons why people enjoy visiting it. Old-style Mexican food, which is served at restaurants throughout the area, is another.
Get a Bird’s Eye View of the Sunset in a Hot Air Balloon. Take in the vivid colors of a San Diego sunset from the vantage point of a hot air balloon. Soaring above the earth will also give travelers a bird’s eye view of the coastline, ocean, coastal canyons, and downtown San Diego.
Taste Heralded Beers at Downtown Breweries. Many people are surprised to learn that San Diego is the craft brewery capital of the U.S. This title is well earned, as its breweries produce some of the finest craft beer made stateside. Notable breweries include Resident Brewing Company, Mission Brewery, Little Miss Brewing, Half Door Brewing Co., Ballast Point Brewing, and Bolt Brewery.
Lounge in Luxury Aboard a Sumptuous Yacht. Treating meeting attendees to a private yacht charter will give them a taste of the good life and offers a chance for team bonding as the boat makes its way through the water. Several yacht charters are available in San Diego, with options ranging from a champagne toast to an all-inclusive food and cocktail spread. Whale watching and gourmet dinner cruises are other appealing options available from yacht charters.
Stay at a Countryside Estate in Southern California’s Wine-Growing Region. Temecula and Ramona give the San Francisco Bay area’s Wine Country a run for its money in terms of charm and beauty. Jointly known as the premiere wine-growing region of Southern California, these two valleys are home to an impressive selection of wineries. While an afternoon spent there is certainly enjoyable, staying at one of the elegant countryside estates in the area is an extraordinary experience for attendees. It will set your company apart from others and give attendees an experience they will remember for many years.
Savor Oysters Freshly Caught at a Fine Dining Establishment. Oysters could be considered a hidden culinary gem of San Diego. Seafood restaurants source the freshly caught variety directly from the Pacific Ocean, making local oysters a truly delectable dish. Notable fine dining establishments that excel at preparing oyster dishes include Eddie V’s Prime Seafood, Ironside Fish & Oyster, Tom Ham’s Lighthouse, The Fishery, and Lionfish Modern Coastal Cuisine.
WHY IS SAN DIEGO APPEALING FOR A MEETING?
Holding a meeting in San Diego gives you access to a wealth of lodging options, meeting venues, world-class amenities, and activities that appeal to every preference. The natural surroundings are scenic, and the climate is mild. You can hold corporate meetings and events in San Diego year-round thanks to the temperate climate.
Some things to consider when planning your meeting in San Diego:
- Before arriving, check the status of your destination. It may be beneficial to have an alternate plan if the activity is canceled or closed, has exceeded capacity, or if there is a detour with heavy traffic.
- Find out local regulations and stay updated about safety measures including water quality and beach advisories that are common to coastal areas but may impact your plans.
- Onsite meeting travel staff should work with attendees to ensure their comfort and wellness. Everyone should have the correct type of shoes and attire based on the planned activities.
- Work with a local destination management company for recommendations about the best area beaches based on your intended plans. Consider organized beach events, as well. Beach Olympics is one idea, but certainly not the only option.
What are your meeting objectives? Some examples:
- Many company retreats are designed to improve productivity and refocus employees’ efforts. San Diego provides an ideal destination to break away from the confines of an office, allowing employees to socialize with people beyond their departments and relax.
- Leadership retreats are also popular, as this destination offers exclusive luxury experiences where leaders can recharge and connect.
- Teambuilding can also happen through vigorous, yet beginner-friendly, hikes or athletic activities held at the beach.
- Incentive travel and meetings can be valuable for companies, key stakeholders, and top performers. San Diego provides unique, memorable experiences and is an outstanding destination for exchanging information. These attributes are ideal for improving growth, solving problems, and engaging change-makers.
The nickname of “America’s Finest City” suits San Diego well when it comes to corporate meetings and events. It is easy to include every attendee in local activities and cuisine, as the area offers no shortage of options in all categories. San Diego’s natural landscape and waterways, vibrant nightlife downtown, and luxurious accommodations make it the perfect setting for a top-notch event.
Do you need help planning a corporate meeting or group travel incentive to San Diego? Contact Gavel International for more information.
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