19 Unique Company Retreat Ideas in San Jose, CA

By: | Updated: February 13, 2024

Here is our list of the best company retreat ideas in San Jose, California.

Company retreat ideas in San Jose are fun ways to spend time out of the office for a day or longer. Examples include relaxing at The Garden Spa and exploring Evergreen Farmers’ Market. The purpose of these ideas is to encourage team bonding, promote relaxation, and prevent burnout at work.

These suggestions are examples of company retreat venues and team retreat activities. These activities are similar to company outings in San Jose and things to do with groups in San Jose.

This list includes:

  • corporate retreat ideas for big groups in San Jose
  • corporate retreat ideas for small groups in San Jose
  • company retreat entertainment ideas in San Jose
  • company retreat locations in San Jose
  • team retreat ideas in San Jose

Let’s get started!

List of company retreat ideas in San Jose

Many fun opportunities are readily available in San Jose for corporate groups. Here are the best ideas you can use for your next company retreat in San Jose.

1. The Great Guac Off™️ (Highly Rated)

Guacamole making competition

With The Great Guac Off, you can immerse your team in an extraordinary guacamole-themed party! During this memorable avocado experience, teams come together to enhance collaboration and communication.

Here is what to expect:

  • 90 minutes with a world-class host
  • engaging mini-games, avocado facts, and trivia
  • delicious guacamole ingredients and dippers
  • an optional secret ingredient to shake up the competition
  • a fast-paced guacamole-making competition and taste test

Best of all, we can bring all the needed materials to any venue of your choice. Additionally, you have the option to personalize the trivia questions specifically for your company. If you are looking for a team building experience that helps teams laugh and connect, then check out The Great Guac Off!

Learn more about The Great Guac Off.

2. Field Day (Popular)

If you are looking for an experience that can help your team have fun in the sun, then check out Field Day! This experience is a great way for participants to boost teamwork and relationships.

Here is what you can expect:

  • 90 minutes guided by a world-class host
  • thrilling new competitions and nostalgic games
  • classic activities that spark great memories
  • chances to take memorable team pictures

To make planning simple, we will bring all the equipment to the venue of your choice. If you are looking to cultivate communication and teamwork, then check out Field Day!

Learn more about Field Day.

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3. The Art of Storytelling (Staff Favorite)

With The Art of Storytelling, you can elevate your team’s narrative abilities. Using storytelling, teams can forge deeper connections with both colleagues and clients.

The Art of Storytelling includes the following:

  • a 120-minute session led by an expert storyteller host
  • effective methods to actively engage audiences
  • the five essential elements of an engaging story
  • dedicated time for participants to practice new techniques
  • in-depth feedback provided by the host

For a seamless experience, we will meet you at your chosen venue with all the necessary materials. To empower your staff to connect on a deeper level, add The Art of Storytelling to your team building roster!

Learn more about The Art of Storytelling.

4. Hapa’s Brewing Company

If you are looking for a place to unwind during your company retreat, then check out Hapa’s Brewing Company! This venue offers a wide range of brews to fit every team member’s taste buds. Examples of Hapa’s brews include Barbie’s Blonde and Thor’s Helmet IPA. If you want to take some beer home, then you can snag cans or crowlers. The San Jose location also offers food truck options, such as Chick N’ Bros, Tacos y Frutas, and Brooklyn Pizzeria. In addition, you can book the space to host a private party.

Learn more about Hapa’s Brewing Company.

5. Castle Rock Climbing School

Rock climbing is one of the top ways to bond with your team. Castle Rock Climbing School helps you get outdoors and exercise!

Here are the available trips:

  • Climbing Classes: Courses covering topics like rock climbing technique, rappelling, technical climbing, and self-rescue
  • Group Climbing: A guided group trip in incredible outdoor locations like Pinnacles National Park
  • Private Guided Trips: Guided trips exclusively for your team, ranging from half- to full-day outings

These classes are great for beginners and experts alike. You can also reach out for multi-day excursions. Working with Castle Rock Climbing School is a great way to experience the area!

Learn more about Castle Rock Climbing School.

6. The Garden Spa

The Garden Spa is one of the most relaxing corporate retreat ideas for small groups in San Jose. You will find the spa at Blossom Hill Valley’s center. From hot stone to Swedish and deep tissue massage, the wellness center offers luxurious services that relax and revitalize.

In hot stone therapy, you can experience an escape from stress or pain, achieved with warm oil, smooth stones, and flowing stroke techniques. Meanwhile, the deep tissue massage treatment can ease muscle tension, pain, and stress. Depending on the treatment you reserve, a session will take 30 to 90 minutes. You can add CBD oil, aromatherapy, and hot stone to your booking.

Learn more about The Garden Spa.

7. Raging Waters San Jose

Conveniently located at Lake Cunningham, Raging Waters San Jose is a water park and fun destination for corporate retreats. The park is home to attractions like Serpentine Slides, Endless River, Shotgun Falls, and Bombs Away. Your group can swim at the Activity Pool, climb cargo nets at Pirate’s Cove, and navigate down the 500-foot slide at Barracuda Blaster.

Your group will have a memorable time with the ride and slide experiences at Raging Waters San Jose. The park can host corporate groups with up to 2,000 members and offers exclusive access to Tiki Gardens. Additionally, you can reserve a private cabana with an occupancy capacity of eight guests and have catering arranged for your team.

Learn more about Raging Waters San Jose.

8. Evergreen Farmers’ Market

Whether you need items for a picnic or would love to take a morning stroll, Evergreen Farmers’ Market is a vibrant destination to explore during your corporate retreat. Local business owners showcase various products at the market, ranging from fresh farm produce to baked goods and cooked food.

The vendors include Angelicakes, Coastside Farm and Specialties, Cocola Bakery, All Honey Apiary, and Ra’oofs’ San Jose Bean Pies. Your group can also stop for grabs at Thai Street Food. Evergreen Farmers’ Market operates all year round, particularly on Wednesdays and Sundays.

Learn more about Evergreen Farmers’ Market.

9. Santa Clara Paintball

Playing elimination or capture the flag at Santa Clara Paintball is one of the corporate retreat ideas for big groups in San Jose. The center splits players into groups based on skill level and age. You can also request a private game or book an event outside the regular business hours if you prefer to play alone with your team.

Park admission, paintballs, masks, guns, and unrestricted air will be available for your group after booking. There are about ten playing fields at the location, with themes like urban town, box maze, and castle. Santa Clara Paintball is also a famous destination for playing laser tag. After your game, you can share a meal with your colleagues at a covered picnic area.

Learn more about Santa Clara Paintball.

10. EDscapade Games

EDscapade Games provides fun escape rooms in San Jose that will take your team to another world in 60 to 75 minutes.

The escape room themes include:

  • Hostage: A serial killer kidnapped you and your friends. To survive, you have to pass the kidnapper’s test.
  • B.O.X: In this interactive room, your team will work together to close an interdimensional portal.
  • Nursery: Nursery is a paranormal-themed escape room where your team will embark on a mission to free trapped souls.

The escape rooms can accommodate five players on average. Also, you will play the game with your group members alone.

Learn more about EDscapade Games.

11. K Cafe Patisserie & Tea House

A tea party at K Cafe Patisserie & Tea House is one of the fun company retreat ideas in San Jose. The Asian-French cafe can cater to groups with up to 70 guests. K cafe is also a great spot to stop by for a full meal. If you do not intend to host a private event, then you do not have to make a reservation.

Furthermore, your group can decide to use the indoor or outdoor table based on availability. The venue has amazing decors and installations to explore or use as a picture background.

Learn more about K Cafe Patisserie & Tea House.

12. Axe Men Throw House

Axe Men Throw House provides facilities for playing a competitive ax or knife-throwing game with your group. At the start of your experience, axeperts will teach your group members how to throw safely. Then, you can enjoy a self-guided ax-throwing session lasting one hour.

Axe Men Throw House will provide the needed equipment, from rental shoes to axes. However, you are free to come along with your favorite ax if the tool complies with WATL specifications. You can expect a safe and exhilarating experience as long as you abide by the rules.

Learn more about Axe Men Throw House.

13. Emerald Hills Golfland

Emerald Hills Golfland provides entertaining facilities for fun outings and retreats in San Jose. The park is home to two mini-golf courses, an arcade, and water slides. With the Excalibur Package, your group will get to play mini golf and arcade games in three hours. You can make a group reservation for a minimum of 15 guests.

You can include options like 40-point arcade cards, food, and drinks in your booking. Also, the center can tailor the event to suit your team’s needs. You will find a snack bar where you can order soft drinks, nachos, and pretzels.

Learn more about Emerald Hills Golfland.

14. Round 1 Eastridge

Having fun at Round 1 Eastridge is one of the best company retreat entertainment ideas in San Jose. Round 1 Eastridge is a multi-entertainment center with many attractions, including a bowling alley and arcade. You can reserve a karaoke session to sing your heart out with your colleagues.

The park also features facilities for playing ping pong, darts, and billiards. During your experience, you can order satisfying meals, soft drinks, and alcoholic beverages from the menu. Regardless of your skill level, you will have lots of fun exploring the exciting activities offered by Round 1 Eastridge.

Learn more about Round 1 Eastridge.

15. Taste Buds Kitchen

Taste Buds Kitchen is a culinary school in San Jose providing fun classes for participants of all ages. The kitchen can accommodate groups with up to 30 members. Your cooking session will last around two hours.

You will choose your preferred menu and have private access to the kitchen. You can also extend the class to include the Chef’s Challenge, a contest where you and your colleagues compete to make the best version of the host’s recipes.

In addition, Taste Buds Kitchen offers adult cooking classes on a scheduled basis, with themes like Cooking with Beer, Julia’s Kitchen, and a Tour of Tuscany.

Learn more about Taste Buds Kitchen.

16. Beat The Lock Escape Room

Beat The Lock Escape Room is one of the fun company retreat locations in San Jose. You will find the escape room theater around the Santa Clara University Area. The rooms have entertaining plots that test how well your group can collaborate to crack the codes.

For instance:

  • The Sound of Murder: Your mission is to solve the mystery behind a murder before you become the next victim.
  • The Spy Room: You and your friends got trapped while secretly entering your neighbor’s home. You must escape as soon as you can before your neighbor returns.
  • Secrets in the Attic: Use the available clues to inherit your Grandma Edna’s fortune before your greedy relatives arrive.
  • Xternal Forces: Your team must restore energy orbs to prevent catastrophic weather events.

The allotted time for players to escape is one hour. The game provider designed the escape rooms to accommodate up to twelve players. Also, the game master will give several hints at your group’s request.

Learn more about Beat The Lock Escape Room.

17. The Studio Climbing

The Studio Climbing is a great retreat location for fun-seeking groups. You can locate the climbing facility in downtown San Jose. The Studio Climbing provides amenities like a weight room, cardio machines, lead climbs, top ropes, showers, and a sauna. Before you belay, you must pass a test conducted at the gym for free.

Your group can come together at the center for yoga, fitness, or climbing class. An instructor will teach your group in the one-hour lesson customized to match your specific goal. If you have over five group members, then you can book an Adult Intro to Climbing Event lasting 90 minutes.

Learn more about The Studio Climbing.

18. Solar4America Ice Rink

Skating at Solar4America Ice Rink is one of the top team retreat ideas in San Jose. The indoor skating rink is home to the San Jose State University Spartans and serves as the training center for the NHL San Jose Sharks.

You can access the rink on most weekdays for a public skating session or adult drop-in hockey. The center provides a rental space that can accommodate about 500 guests. You can decorate the venue and do on-ice activities like curling, skating, and broomball. Also, the ice center offers learn-to-skate classes combined with a 30-minute practice session.

Learn more about Solar4America Ice Rink.

19. Coyote Valley RV Resort

Spending time at Coyote Valley RV Resort is among the best company retreat ideas in San Jose, CA. The resort ensures guests have a cozy experience by offering numerous services, from a fitness center to a clubhouse and a pet park.

You can access amenities like a fire pit, private patio, saltwater pool, spa, and chemical-free lawns. You and your colleagues will receive free coffee each day of your stay. Your group can also reserve Golf Limo Service, which covers a ride to Coyote Creek Golf Club. In addition, Coyote Valley Resort provides a market where you can purchase basic supplies during your stay.

Learn more about Coyote Valley RV Resort.

Conclusion

San Jose is among California’s top destinations for hosting a corporate retreat. The city is home to various multicultural, historical, and artistic attractions and sites. Also, lively neighborhoods contribute to the city’s popularity. You will find highly rated entertainment in the city’s center, from wineries and museums to amusement parks and numerous dining areas. San Jose has all you need for a successful retreat: an amazing food scene, 257 days of sunshine, countless entertainment, and fantastic locations.

Next, check out San Jose team building ideas and corporate event ideas in San Jose.

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FAQ: Company retreat ideas in San Jose

Here are answers to questions about company retreat Ideas in San Jose.

What are some good corporate retreat ideas in San Jose?

Some good corporate retreat ideas in San Jose include playing laser tag at Santa Clara Paintball, cooking at Taste Buds Kitchen, and skating at Solar4America Ice Rink.

How do you plan a fun retreat in San Jose?

First, you need to set a date for the retreat and determine how long the event will last. You should give your group members enough time to prepare. Also, you should set the retreat objectives and pick the activities that best help achieve the goals. More importantly, you would want to prioritize certain factors like dietary restrictions, group size, and attendees with special needs.

Author avatar

Author:

People & Culture Director at teambuilding.com.
Grace is the Director of People & Culture at teambuilding.com. She studied Industrial and Labor Relations at Cornell University, Information Science at East China Normal University and earned an MBA at Washington State University.

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