Company summer event season is upon us, and for companies in and around Los Angeles, there are hundreds of venues and options for hosting a successful company outing or team retreat. 

But ROI-boosting summer events in LA aren’t just about picking the right event venue. To maximize networking or retention, team-building, and more, you’ll want to know the tips and tricks to organizing your summer event from top to bottom. That’s where our guide can help – let’s get started.

Benefits of Hosting a Company Summer Event:

• Team Building: Shared activities help foster stronger relationships and break down silos between departments. But remember – team building doesn’t necessarily mean required or organized activities, so think about your goals and needs for mandates as you plan.
• Employee Retention: Meaningful, well-executed events make employees feel valued, improving engagement and loyalty. Allowing employees to bring family members or friends can reinforce these benefits even more.
• Company Culture: Reinforces your brand and values in a social, memorable way. Especially important for companies with hybrid or significant remote workforces.
• Networking: Gives employees across departments and locations the chance to connect. Even better, inviting clients or potential customers can allow for relationship building outside of a formal sales process.
• Recognition: Use the event as a moment to celebrate milestones or shout out top performers. With an environment of celebration, there’s no better time to add shout outs and recognition.

Common “Fails” to Avoid for Summer Event Planning in Los Angeles:

• Waiting too long to book: Summer venues fill up quickly in Los Angeles, and especially potential retreat locations where you’ll compete with summer vacationers.
• Not accounting for weather: Always have an indoor backup or shade/rain plan, but even better – make sure things like umbrellas, sunscreen, comfortable seating, water, and more are available. Summers in LA are hot!
• Failing to consider accessibility: Ensure transportation and accommodations work for everyone. Especially for locations outside of the city, providing buses, Metra passes, Uber rides, etc. can help boost attendance.
• Overplanning: Leave room for downtime; not every moment needs to be scheduled. Since corporate outings often involve fun, scheduling every moment can become self-defeating!
• Missing dietary needs: Offer diverse menu options or dietary accommodations in advance. Also, consider choosing catering or food options that aren’t a norm at the office already!

Top 5 Tips to Maximize Summer Event Attendance

1. Early and Clear Communication: Announce the event well in advance with all necessary details. Be clear about the ability to bring family or friends, travel logistics, agenda or scheduled activities, and send confirmations and reminders as needed.
2. Engaging Invitations: Use creative and personalized invites to generate interest. This is a great time to go beyond an Outlook or Google calendar invite and add a little excitement to the event with a custom invite.
3. Incentivize Participation: Offer perks like raffles, giveaways, or recognition to encourage attendance. Make sure to highlight the venue itself – if you choose the right one, venues can be incentive enough.
4. Flexible Scheduling: Choose dates and times that accommodate the majority of your team. One pro tip? Propose multiple dates or times to find the right date for the majority of potential attendees.
5. Solicit Feedback: Involve employees in the planning process to ensure the event meets their interests. Ask for preferences on potential venues, activities, and times/dates to design a summer event that makes the majority of your company or team happy.

Top Los Angeles Summer Corporate Event Venues for 2025

For Large/Full Company Outings

1. SoFi Stadium – Private Events

Host your next corporate conference, elaborate gala, or intimate reception at SoFi Stadium. With over 35 event space options, their events team is ready to bring your vision into reality.

Best for: Large-scale celebrations, company milestones, or all-hands meetings.

2. Dodger Stadium – Dodgers 365 Events

Dodgers 365 offers private event and rental spaces, granting the opportunity to take the field and make your event memorable.

Best for: Casual large company parties or client-hosting in a legendary setting.

3. Paramount Studios Backlot Events

Historic film studio with New York street sets and immersive backlot experiences for rent.

Best for: Themed corporate events or industry-related celebrations.

4. Six Flags Magic Mountain – Group Sales

Full-access group packages with private catering and event pavilions.

Best for: Family-friendly summer celebrations with built-in thrills.

For Smaller Companies or Team Outings

5. The Bungalow – Santa Monica

Trendy beachside bar and lounge with coastal decor and private group rentals.

Best for: After-hours mixers, team bonding, or casual celebration.

6. Electric Dusk Drive-In – Private Events

A nostalgic LA experience with private screening options for groups.

Best for: Low-key, creative teams or retro-themed events.

7. LA River Studios

Industrial-chic indoor/outdoor event space with full A/V and catering capabilities.

Best for: Creative or design-oriented company outings.

8. Pacific Park – Santa Monica Pier

Amusement rides, ocean breezes, and private party areas right on the pier.

Best for: Summer team events with flexibility for families or guests.

9. E.P. & L.P. Rooftop – West Hollywood

Trendy rooftop venue with city views, full catering, and semi-private sections.

Best for: Cocktail mixers, milestone celebrations, or departmental outings.

10. Descanso Gardens – La Cañada Flintridge

Botanical garden with outdoor pavilion and nature-inspired settings.

Best for: Mindfulness, wellness-oriented companies, or nature-loving teams.

For Company Retreats

Malibu – Calamigos Guest Ranch: Seaside luxury rentals with team-building programming, yoga, or fireside strategy.

Palm Springs – Korakia Pensione: Desert resorts, mid-century homes, and poolside brainstorms just a few hours east.

Ojai Valley – Ojai Valley Inn: Quiet mountain escape with spiritual centers and small inns.