Top 10 team-building activities in California

Is your team ready to catch some California sunshine? From the tech hubs of Silicon Valley to the surf-friendly shores of Santa Monica, California has it all.

Solve puzzles in a medieval escape room, taste local flavors in San Diego, or kayak through the sea caves of La Jolla. California’s laid-back vibe and diverse culture promise unique experiences for every team and budget.

We’ve researched the top team-building activities across the state, complete with location, duration, group size, and cost to make your planning a breeze.

Live your California dream with these best team-building ideas!

From Silicon to Seascape: the top 10 corporate team-building activities in California

‌1. Fight dragons at the Enchanted Escape Room

California Team Building Activities Escape Room

Enchanted Escape Room in Los Angeles offers an immersive adventure where teams solve interactive puzzles to escape from various themed rooms.

Set in a 3,200 sq ft medieval village, this escape room features interconnected stories across four chapters: Belly of the Beast, The Tavern, The King’s Army, and Enchanted Castle. Perfect for corporate team-building, this activity takes on problem-solving skills with dragons and magic!

Location: Los Angeles

Duration: 1-4 hours, depending on the chapters chosen

Group Size: 5-20 people

Cost: $$

2. Challenge your team to a trivia battle at Bigfoot Lodge

California Team Building Activities Trivia Battle

Trivia Bar at Bigfoot Lodge in Los Feliz, Los Angeles, offers a unique trivia night experience every Wednesday from 9-11p.m. Step into this cozy, woodland-themed bar and enjoy six rounds of challenging trivia covering a wide range of topics.

Teams can compete for prizes like gift cards, with the top prize being a $50 gift card. This team-building experience is the perfect way to channel your inner Sherlock and show off your trivia chops. It’s like brainstorming sessions at the office but with pints and prizes instead of memos and meetings.

Location: Los Angeles

Duration: 2 hours

Group Size: Up to 6 people per team

Cost: Free participation

3. Taste the flavors at Gaslamp Quarter Food Tour

California Team Building Activities Food Tour

The Gaslamp Quarter Food Tour in San Diego offers a delightful culinary journey through one of the city's most vibrant neighborhoods. Your tour guide will share stories about the Gaslamp Quarter's unique Victorian architecture and the evolution of its bustling food and nightlife scene.

During this company outing, you’ll visit five different tasting locations, each showcasing delicious bites from San Diego’s diverse culinary scene. Expect to savor everything from gourmet bagels at Spill The Beans to authentic Mexican street food at Tacos El Cabron.

Location: Gaslamp Quarter, San Diego, CA

Duration: 3 hours

Group Size: 5-20 people

Cost: $$$

TravelPerk's Meetings & Events team can help you book venues and get exclusive discounts on group travel.

4. Throw down like a boss at Bad Axe Throwing

California Team Building Activities Axe Throwing

Bad Axe Throwing in San Francisco is a fun team-building activity, perfect for icebreakers. Located in Daly City, this venue provides expert coaching on ax-throwing techniques and safety, making it accessible even for beginners.

Participants can enjoy a variety of games and challenges, fostering friendly competition and camaraderie along the way. The venue is part of the World Axe Throwing League, so you can even join a league if you get hooked! It requires focus, teamwork, and a bit of daring spirit.

Location: Daly City, CA

Duration: 2 hours

Group Size: 6-70 people

Cost: $$$

5. Get your bounce on with Bubble Soccer at SFF Soccer

California Team Building Activities Bubble Soccer

Bubble Soccer at SFF Soccer combines soccer with inflatable bubble suits, making it perfect for team-building exercises and group activities. Located in the Mission Bay area, this venue offers exclusive field rentals and provides all necessary equipment, including bubbles and a referee, to run the games.

Participants are encased in large, inflatable bubbles, adding a hilarious twist to the traditional game of soccer as they bounce, roll, and collide while trying to score goals. SFF Soccer partners with Spark Social, a nearby food truck park, to offer custom food and drink packages.

Location: Mission Bay, San Francisco

Duration: 1-2 hours

Group Size: 5-20 people

Cost: $$$$

Planning a corporate event in the US soon? Check out our event manager’s guide to corporate event planning.

6. Learn new skills with Mixology Classes at The Edison

California Team Building Activities Mixology Classes

Mixology Classes at The Edison in Los Angeles offer a hands-on, in-person learning experience where participants learn the art and science of crafting cocktails. Located in the historic Edison Building, these classes blend the old-world charm of early 20th-century Hollywood with modern mixology techniques. Your team will shake things up and learn from expert facilitators, mastering the techniques to create both classic and innovative cocktails.

It’s perfect for boosting teamwork, problem-solving, and communication skills while you mix, muddle, and maybe even mess up a few times. Because nothing says team bonding like a well-shaken martini or a hilariously failed attempt at an old-fashioned.

Location: The Edison, Los Angeles, CA

Duration: 2 hours

Group Size: 5-20 people

Cost: $$$

7. The Murder Mystery Scavenger Hunt in Old Town San Diego

California Team Building Activities Scavenger Hunt

This venue combines the excitement of a scavenger hunt with the intrigue of a murder mystery. Participants team up to solve clues and discover a storyline while exploring the historic and picturesque Old Town.

This interactive activity is ideal for team-building events making your team members wear detective hats. It boosts camaraderie and offers a unique way to experience the city's rich history and vibrant culture. It’s Sherlock Holmes meets "Amazing Race"—with a side of tacos.

Location: Old Town San Diego

Duration: 2-3 hours

Group size: 10-100 people

Cost: $$

8. Climb and conquer at Rockcreation, Los Angeles

California Team Building Activities Rockcreation

Rockreation in Los Angeles is your go-to for an indoor rock climbing adventure that promises more than just physical activity—it’s a high-energy, team-building powerhouse!

Established in 1933, this facility caters to climbers of all skill levels with its variety of climbing walls, including bouldering and top-rope challenges. Whether you're scaling new heights or just trying to look cool in a harness, Rockreation offers fun team-building exercises and employee engagement opportunities at new heights. Your more active team members will love this one!

Location: Los Angeles

Duration: 2-3 hours

Group size: 10-100 people

Cost: $

Need some support with planning your corporate event? Here’s our 19-step checklist for a successful corporate event!

9. Show off your comic genius with Game shows at Improv-LA

California Team Building Activities Improv La

Improv-LA offers customized group sessions designed to boost team-building through a mix of hilarity and creativity. These sessions include improvisational comedy, sketch writing, and interactive games focusing on communication, quick-thinking, and confidence.

Imagine your team trying to outwit each other in spontaneous scenarios or creating side-splitting sketches on the spot. It's like "Whose Line Is It Anyway?" meets your office. The supportive, non-competitive environment ensures everyone has a blast while learning valuable storytelling skills.

Location: Downtown Los Angeles

Duration: 2-3 hours

Group size: 10-50 people

Cost: $$

10. Kayak through the La Jolla Sea Caves

California Team Building Activities Kayak

Located in the La Jolla Underwater Park, a protected marine reserve, you can paddle through stunning sea caves and enjoy the clear waters teeming with marine life.

Expect to see playful sea lions, curious leopard sharks, and vibrant fish. Guided tours ensure safety and provide fascinating insights into the ecosystem. Whether you’re debating if sea lions are cuter than leopard sharks, the real fun is navigating the caves and marveling at the natural beauty.

Location: La Jolla, San Diego

Duration: 1-2 hours for tours

Group size: Up to 15 people

Cost: $$

Plan team-building events in California with TravelPerk

From the bustling streets of Los Angeles to the scenic sea caves of La Jolla, we listed some of the best team bonding activities in California. However, planning and managing corporate travel can be a logistical nightmare. That's where TravelPerk comes in.

TravelPerk’s all-in-one platform simplifies booking and offers real-time updates. Plus, with FlexiPerk you can cancel any trip up to two hours before departure and receive an 80% refund—eliminating a huge amount of stress from your trip planning.

TravelPerk also gives you access to an extensive inventory of flights, hotels, and transportation with special negotiated rates. Features like expense management, VAT recovery, saving your business up to 25% on travel expenses, and 24/7 support all ensure you save time and money on your next team outing!