San Diego has become the ideal mix of casual with class. Though it’s known for its sand-in-your-toes, beach-town vibe, business is no stranger to the city—from plenty of hotels offering ample meeting space to the San Diego Convention Center, which can hold up to 125,000 attendees, there are plenty of choices to host both big and small events.
And after the meetings, there’s an assortment of activities to participate in. If your group is looking for a good adrenaline rush following a day of workshops, panels and networking, San Diego is entirely willing to accommodate. From surfing to paragliding to bouldering, you’ll find endless opportunities to bring out your inner adrenaline junkie.
Hang Ten
It wouldn’t be a trip to San Diego without dipping your toes in the water. Why not kick it up a notch by surfing? La Jolla Shores is the best bet for rookies learning how to catch a wave. It offers sandy bottoms with calm water. Don’t worry if you can’t find an instructor—experienced surfers are happy to pass along tips at Tourmaline Surf Park and Coronado Beach. Looking for a challenge? Head to Swami Beach in Encinitas for an added level of difficulty. Those looking for an extra thrill can travel to Sunset Cliffs, Black’s Beach and Windansea.
San Diego Soaring
San Diego boasts the longest zipline in California. La Jolla Zip Zoom takes place in the La Jolla Indian Campground with 6,273 feet of zipline waiting for you to ride, offering breathtaking views of canyons, mountain peaks and rustic slopes. The San Diego Safari Park also features a zipline, allowing rides 130 feet above the ground to catch a glimpse of the wildlife from a different perspective.
Glide Across the Sky
If you want the best view of the coastline, check it out from above. Torrey Pines Gliderport, just north of La Jolla, has 100 years of flying history under its belt. For those who are unafraid of heights, paragliding is for you. Tandem paraglide or hang glide with a professional instructor over 300-foot cliffs above the glistening Pacific Ocean beautiful coastline, giving you one of the best views of the area.
Enter the Shark Tank
For the most daring in your group, San Diego Shark Diving allows both certified and non-certified divers to face their fears—or add a checkmark to their bucket list. Each diving excursion is led by a certified staff member who is happy to answer any misconceptions you may have about the great whites. For those combining a vacation with a business trip, embark on a five-day excursion to the waters surrounding Isla Guadalupe, a volcanic island 170 west of Mexico’s Baja California peninsula.
Boulder Your Way Around
Climb to your heart’s content—bouldering is considered a local specialty. Santee Boulders, located in San Diego’s East County, offers a full day of challenging climbs, though even novice climbers will be able to maneuver their way around the slopes and mantles. And at an elevation of 3,000 ft., El Cajon Mountain—aka El Capitan—is not for the faint of heart, but offers a reward of panoramic views of the Pacific Ocean.
