Editor's note: This story, which originally published Aug 29, 2021, has been updated.

Why San Diego?

• Average year-round temperature of a comfortable 72°F. 

• A hotbed of innovation, education and cultural exploration, San Diego has been nicknamed “America’s Brightest City.” 

• More than 8,000 flights a month into and out of San Diego International Airport (SAN) connect this part of Southern California with the world. The airport is also among the most punctual in the world. 

What’s New in San Diego?

• The San Diego Natural History Museum celebrates 125 years in 2024. 

• The Joan and Irwin Jacobs Performing Arts Center, with a 289-seat theater and 150-seat flexible studio space, is anticipated to open in 2025. 

• San Diego International Airport is undergoing a $3.1 billion upgrade project that includes replacing the existing Terminal 1 

There are plenty of options when it comes to things to see and do in San Diego, as well as places to grab a bite to eat, or host a power lunch or dinner. Here, we look at a few spots to pique your interest. 

See

Balboa Park 

Balboa Park has been a haven within the city of San Diego for more than 100 years. The beautification of the park’s more than 1,200 acres began with the planting of 100 trees in 1892. Today, the expansive green space is home to 15 museums; myriad gardens, arts and cultural associations; the Old Globe Theatre’s three stages that annually showcase at least 14 productions and 550 performances; and the San Diego Zoo.  

The Flower Fields 

In nearby Carlsbad, The Flower Fields is a cacophony for the eyes: brightly colored ranunculus for as far as the eye can see, or at least 55 acres. In addition to the riot of color, other sites to see include the butterfly, illusion and demonstration gardens, as well as a cymbidium orchid greenhouse, artists gardens and bird aviaries. The three venues on the grounds make for terrific offsite event spaces. 

Orfila Vineyards 

California’s wine country extends down to and throughout Southern California. Whether they’re oenophiles or enjoy the occasional glass of wine, your clients will delight in a tour of Orfila Vineyards in Escondido to learn about the varying type of grapes and how they’re made into wine, with a tasting room to enjoy afterwards. The winery also serves as a venue for memorable private events. 

For more activities and ideas, ask your ALHI GSO about working with Hosts Global Destination Services 

Do

Carlsbad Food Tour 

Taste the flavors of San Diego on a three-hour Carlsbad Food Tour that can be entirely customizable to suit your clients’ interests. From savoring bites at eateries found within Carlsbad Village to wine tasting at an urban winery and beer tastings at craft breweries, anything and everything is on the table. 

Coronado Historic Walking Tour 

Get outside and enjoy the gorgeous San Diego weather on a walking tour of historic Coronado. Led by the Coronado Historical Association, the walking tour provides a fascinating overview of the beginnings of the popular travel destination. Your clients will hear stories about the area’s famous residents and businesses as they stroll by the beautiful historic homes. 

Sailing San Diego Bay 

Another way to enjoy the glorious San Diego weather is sailing San Diego Bay. It’s all aboard a sailboat for a morning or afternoon out on the water. As the wind fills the sails, the boat cuts effortlessly through the water for a voyage to remember. In addition to private half-day and full-day sailings, private sunset and whale watching (in season) sailings are also available. Or, add some team building fun with sailing lessons. 

For more activities and ideas, ask your ALHI GSO about working with Hosts Global Destination Services 

Eat

ANIMAE 

Make it a meal to remember at ANIMAE, where Asian flavors meet the classic steakhouse with a futuristic interpretation of an Art Deco design aesthetic. Combine Executive Chef Tara Monsod’s menu centered around a coal-fired oven and Japanese robata grill with an innovative cocktail program and impressive list of sake, wine and beer for a dining experience not soon to be forgotten. Private event spaces are available. 

Malibu Farm 

Dining is as local as you can get at Malibu Farm. From fresh vegetables and fruits to seafood and seafood, bread and coffee, founder and chef Helene Henderson strives to prepare food simply so that natural flavors shine through. The casual vibe found throughout San Diego extends to Henderson’s casual restaurant, which is available for private events.  

Herb & Sea 

East coast meets west at Chef Brian Malarkey’s Herb & Sea, its menu highlighting simple, clean and bright seafood, steak, raw bar and vegetable dishes, not to mention pizzas and pastas, all overseen by Executive Chef Aiden Owens. The Art Deco building effortlessly lends itself to a casually elegant dining room that’s as neighborhood-friendly as they come. Private events are welcome inside, or on the restaurant’s Moonlight Deck. 

For more activities and ideas, ask your ALHI GSO about working with Hosts Global Destination Services 

Stay / Meet

Fairmont Grand Del Mar

Set within 400 lush acres is Fairmont Grand Del Mar, which can easily accommodate up to 600 guests in its more than 20,000 square feet of indoor and outdoor event space. Mediterranean and Southern California design blend for an elegantly tranquil aesthetic in the resort’s 249 guest rooms and suites. Golf, hiking, archery, horseback riding, Bocce ball and pickleball are just some of the activities that make for team building fun. 

Hard Rock Hotel San Diego

Just four miles from the airport and in the city’s Gaslamp District, Hard Rock Hotel San Diego is the idyllic spot for groups who want to be in the middle of it all. With 22 venues covering 40,000 square feet of indoor and outdoor meetings and events space, the hotel is one of the most technically advanced on the West Coast. Your guests can rest and recharge in the hotel’s more-than-comfortable 244 studio guest rooms, 159 Hard Rock Suites and 17 Rock Star Suites. 

Paradise Point Resort

Eighty thousand square feet of dramatic meeting and event space await on a 44-acre island in Mission Bay at Paradise Point Resort & Spa, which also boasts 462 bungalow-style rooms, including 72 suites. Just 10 minutes from the airport, once they arrive at the resort your guests can dive into any of the five pools, go for a bike ride, slip into a kayak, or roast marshmallows for s’mores when the work day is over. 

Rancho Bernardo Inn

Start each day sipping coffee on your private patio or balcony at Rancho Bernardo Inn, about 30 minutes from downtown San Diego. Find the perfect event or meeting space in the property’s 45,000 square feet of flexible indoor and outdoor space featuring fireplaces, fountains and more, and 280 acres of green lawn space. Whether you’re hosting intimate gatherings of 10, or grand events of up to 1,000, everyone will find themselves comfortable in the luxurious guest rooms, at the spa, or playing a round on the 18-hole championship golf course.

San Diego Mission Bay

Make yourself right at home in the 357 newly renovated guest rooms, including 65 studios, five one-bedroom suites and three two-story suites at San Diego Mission Bay. More than 26,000 square feet of flexible indoor and outdoor space can be configured to meet your client’s needs, from the beach to the ocean view private terrace and palm-lined garden. Regardless of the venue, the award-winning executive chef and banquet team will satiate all your guests’ appetites. 

Town and Country Resort

Mid-century modern design meets casual Southern California vibes at the Town and Country Resort near the San Diego Convention Center. With 671 guest rooms and suites, and more than 295,000 meetings and events space, 100,000 square feet of which is outside, there is plenty of space for your group to spread out and get down to business. Disguising pleasure as business since 1953, the T&C team is ready to create the event of your client’s dreams.  

Estancia La Jolla Hotel & Spa

Not only is Estancia La Jolla Hotel & Spa a terrific destination for its rancho-style architecture and 210 thoughtfully-designed guest rooms, its 10-acre executive learning retreat is “purpose built” to maximize retention and minimize distraction. With a total of 47,000 square feet of indoor and outdoor meeting and event space, there are myriad ways to meet your clients’ needs just 15 minutes from San Diego International Airport. When it comes to teambuilding, choose from salsa-making competitions to blind wine tastings, beach cleanups to sea cave kayaking and guided meditation.

Omni La Costa Resort & Spa

Home to the largest resort meeting and events space in the west, Omni La Costa Resort & Spa is thrilled to welcome guests to its 400 acre resort in Carlsbad, 30 miles north of San Diego International Airport. A multi-year, resort-wide transformation includes a reimagination of its 600 guest rooms, spa and golf facilities, and meeting and event spaces. To that end, Omni La Costa Resort & Spa boasts 46 venues with more than 100,000 square-feet of flexible, indoor and outdoor meeting spaces that can easily accommodate intimate groups to groups of more than 1,000 guests.

InterContinental San Diego

Less than three miles from the airport and on the water in the city’s vibrant BRIC neighborhood, InterContinental San Diego boasts 95,000 square feet of flexible indoor and outdoor meeting and event spaces to suit all of your group’s needs, including Lane Field Park, which was once home to the original San Diego Padres. At the end of the day retreat to one of the hotel’s 400 guest rooms, all with casually elegant décor and some with ocean views. 

Kona Kai San Diego Resort 

Located three miles west of the airport, at the end of Shelter Island on San Diego Bay near Point Loma, Kona Kai San Diego Resort gives guests staying in the 170 guest rooms the feeling that they’re the only ones around. About 43,000 square feet of outdoor space provide ample opportunities to spend time in the nearly-perfect Southern California weather, with about 13,000 square feet of indoor space if needed.  

L’Auberge Del Mar 

About 25 miles north of the airport, the four-diamond L’Auberge Del Mar overlooks the Pacific Ocean, and nothing else. Exemplary service can accommodate groups of up to 300 guests in the resort’s indoor and outdoor meeting space with ocean views, like the Pacific Terrace. Your guests are sure to feel at home when they arrive at this home by the sea, with its 121 luxurious, estate-style guest rooms.  

For more activities and ideas, ask your ALHI GSO about working with Hosts Global Destination Services