The 12 best escape rooms in San Diego
Beyond the sunny weather and noisy seals, San Diego has some amazing escape rooms to play. Here's where to find them.
MindFox Escape
Overwhelmingly Positive
7404 Trade St, San Diego, CA 92121, USA
- Escape room
- IRL
“I love cute rooms and this one was one of them indeed!! Room was well designed and puzzle flowed nicely. Solid gen 1 room with some unique mechanics. MindFox as a company also went above and beyond. They welcome your team name on their tv and show the photo at the end. Snacks were provided between our frames which was a plus.”
jasminejuwvipart
248 games played
MindFox Escape
Overwhelmingly Positive
7404 Trade St, San Diego, CA 92121, USA
- Escape room
- IRL
“This was one of the most fun escape rooms I’ve ever done! Not only was the theme and set dec awesome, but the puzzles were unique and varied, and there were a lot of them so everyone always had something to do. Isabella was an amazing game master—super helpful and kind! Would highly recommend this one for big groups and/or experienced players.”
gmarshall613
33 games played
Quicksand Escape Games
Very Positive
1001 Garnet Ave, San Diego, CA 92109, USA
- Escape room
- IRL
“What a nostalgic room. I have not had the chance to do all of Quicksand’s games yet but this might be my favorite one in this location. They had clever puzzles and the 90s references hit a sweet spot. Our game master also gave us pointers of where to take our group photo! Would recommend this room to tap into your inner child. While this experience is not a TERPECA winner, it wins a star in my books. Parking in this location could be quite difficult because there is no designated lot and you would have to find street parking.”
deniecee
264 games played
“Freaking scary! BUT I'm so glad you can opt for an experience W/O live actors! Whew! 😮💨 So then it wasn't too bad ... 😅 I guess it's more of spooky rather than scary ... although I was very sus in the beginning because they blindfold you and separate you from your group. The 1st 10 mins. or so I was vigilant for any live actor jumpscares. Overall, it kept me on edge, but not enough to cloud my thinking to solve puzzles. 😁”
FleurDeLiz
76 games played
“I had so much fun in this escape room! It's not your conventional escape room though. There is a live actor in the form of a puppet who will be in the room and that is sort of your ... hint system. It was very fun, but I gotta admit ... it wasn't really my cup of tea. BUT still 10/10 for set design, acting, theme, and costumes! 🪄”
FleurDeLiz
76 games played
![Heart Of Bastet [prev. Red Giant]](https://res.cloudinary.com/mortyapp/image/upload/c_limit,w_654/f_auto/v1/store/s/4a9b0cdc-3342-4107-92d2-2d103d5bedf4.png)
Lara's Labyrinth
Very Positive
2110 Hancock St, San Diego, CA 92110, USA
- Escape room
- IRL
“Very fun room! Such amazing set design and props for atmosphere and puzzles. The theming was amazing throughout and had some really fun challenges to overcome. There were two pretty finicky puzzles that didn’t work or were very particular about the way they needed to work, but overall we had a great experience that I’d recommend to anyone!”
Invisibo
106 games played
Lara's Labyrinth
Very Positive
2110 Hancock St, San Diego, CA 92110, USA
- Escape room
- IRL
“This game was very thoughtful and well done. Most puzzles were unique and not something I’d seen in over 100 games. High tech with no traditional locks or combos. Excellent use of props and clean design. The GM gave us extra time since no rooms were booked behind us which we really appreciated since this room was extremely challenging due to multilayer puzzles and difficult starting points. Some worn out text on one of the puzzles made it difficult to read and pop out. Some of the puzzles triggered early before they were perfectly complete and overall I think this non linear game was difficult to get into a flow due to tricky starting points. Beautiful set and definitely challenging.”
KReven
145 games played
“Probably my favorite so far from this company, they make great games puzzle wise, there's definitely a need for more inspiration in terms of immersion, but this is a chain, so that's to be expected. Fun puzzles, cool teamwork. A room that would be great to bring beginners to show the diverse puzzles of a good escape room”
P
Pogosticker
42 games played
The Escape Game
Very Positive
232 Fifth Ave, San Diego, CA 92101, USA
- Escape room
- IRL
“This was an awesome room. This may be my favorite from here, but it has been a long time since we did gold rush and the playground. The story flowed very well and kept us very immersed. Our group had a great time with a mix of 2 that have done over 100 rooms and 2 that had done 1 combined room before.”
mtaylor305
113 games played
Steal and Escape
Very Positive
2602 Transportation Ave, National City, CA 91950, USA
- Escape room
- IRL
“This was a very fun room. We did this with 2 people even though they recommend 4+. Everything flowed well even when we were split apart. The GM was helpful but didn’t steer too much and the game was immersive and fun.”
mtaylor305
113 games played
Steal and Escape
Very Positive
2602 Transportation Ave, National City, CA 91950, USA
- Escape room
- IRL
“This was a very good room. It integrated well and was thoughtful. The puzzles were good and some were unique. We were impressed and enjoyed it more than we expected. There are a lot of parts that we appreciated even more after the room like every room being used multiple times, one puzzle being used 2 different ways and that we could hear each other easily from different rooms. These took a lot of collaboration and we felt that was very easy because of the way the room was set up. Also, there was nothing that we didn’t like or that didn’t make sense. Often a good room can still have something that wasn’t optimal. Great room.”
mtaylor305
113 games played
Steal and Escape
Very Positive
2602 Transportation Ave, National City, CA 91950, USA
- Escape room
- IRL
“We found the missing season! This room has a lot of memorable gimmicks hidden inside. You start by taking a quiz and that comes back full circle at the end. I liked how we were able to be very physical in this room with the challenges. The set was also designed really well. We played all three rooms at this location and started with this one. The storylines for all the rooms connect together but you won’t realize it until you play them all. So much thought went into these games.”
alyssaexplores
107 games played
Black and White Cafe
MindFox Escape
- Escape room
- IRL
“I love cute rooms and this one was one of them indeed!! Room was well designed and puzzle flowed nicely. Solid gen 1 room with some unique mechanics. MindFox as a company also went above and beyond. They welcome your team name on their tv and show the photo at the end. Snacks were provided between our frames which was a plus.”
jasminejuwvipart
248 games played
Moriarty's Manor
MindFox Escape
- Escape room
- IRL
“This was one of the most fun escape rooms I’ve ever done! Not only was the theme and set dec awesome, but the puzzles were unique and varied, and there were a lot of them so everyone always had something to do. Isabella was an amazing game master—super helpful and kind! Would highly recommend this one for big groups and/or experienced players.”
gmarshall613
33 games played
The Family Cabin
Quicksand Escape Games
- Escape room
- IRL
“What a nostalgic room. I have not had the chance to do all of Quicksand’s games yet but this might be my favorite one in this location. They had clever puzzles and the 90s references hit a sweet spot. Our game master also gave us pointers of where to take our group photo! Would recommend this room to tap into your inner child. While this experience is not a TERPECA winner, it wins a star in my books. Parking in this location could be quite difficult because there is no designated lot and you would have to find street parking.”
deniecee
264 games played
Cannibal
Lara's Labyrinth
- Escape room
- IRL
“Freaking scary! BUT I'm so glad you can opt for an experience W/O live actors! Whew! 😮💨 So then it wasn't too bad ... 😅 I guess it's more of spooky rather than scary ... although I was very sus in the beginning because they blindfold you and separate you from your group. The 1st 10 mins. or so I was vigilant for any live actor jumpscares. Overall, it kept me on edge, but not enough to cloud my thinking to solve puzzles. 😁”
FleurDeLiz
76 games played
BeWitched
Lara's Labyrinth
- Escape room
- IRL
“I had so much fun in this escape room! It's not your conventional escape room though. There is a live actor in the form of a puppet who will be in the room and that is sort of your ... hint system. It was very fun, but I gotta admit ... it wasn't really my cup of tea. BUT still 10/10 for set design, acting, theme, and costumes! 🪄”
FleurDeLiz
76 games played
Heart Of Bastet [prev. Red Giant]
Lara's Labyrinth
- Escape room
- IRL
“Very fun room! Such amazing set design and props for atmosphere and puzzles. The theming was amazing throughout and had some really fun challenges to overcome. There were two pretty finicky puzzles that didn’t work or were very particular about the way they needed to work, but overall we had a great experience that I’d recommend to anyone!”
Invisibo
106 games played
DaVinci Challenge
Lara's Labyrinth
- Escape room
- IRL
“This game was very thoughtful and well done. Most puzzles were unique and not something I’d seen in over 100 games. High tech with no traditional locks or combos. Excellent use of props and clean design. The GM gave us extra time since no rooms were booked behind us which we really appreciated since this room was extremely challenging due to multilayer puzzles and difficult starting points. Some worn out text on one of the puzzles made it difficult to read and pop out. Some of the puzzles triggered early before they were perfectly complete and overall I think this non linear game was difficult to get into a flow due to tricky starting points. Beautiful set and definitely challenging.”
KReven
145 games played
Prison Break
The Escape Game
- Escape room
- IRL
“Probably my favorite so far from this company, they make great games puzzle wise, there's definitely a need for more inspiration in terms of immersion, but this is a chain, so that's to be expected. Fun puzzles, cool teamwork. A room that would be great to bring beginners to show the diverse puzzles of a good escape room”
P
Pogosticker
42 games played
Special Ops: Mysterious Market
The Escape Game
- Escape room
- IRL
“This was an awesome room. This may be my favorite from here, but it has been a long time since we did gold rush and the playground. The story flowed very well and kept us very immersed. Our group had a great time with a mix of 2 that have done over 100 rooms and 2 that had done 1 combined room before.”
mtaylor305
113 games played
The Lost Expedition
Steal and Escape
- Escape room
- IRL
“This was a very fun room. We did this with 2 people even though they recommend 4+. Everything flowed well even when we were split apart. The GM was helpful but didn’t steer too much and the game was immersive and fun.”
mtaylor305
113 games played
The Neighbor
Steal and Escape
- Escape room
- IRL
“This was a very good room. It integrated well and was thoughtful. The puzzles were good and some were unique. We were impressed and enjoyed it more than we expected. There are a lot of parts that we appreciated even more after the room like every room being used multiple times, one puzzle being used 2 different ways and that we could hear each other easily from different rooms. These took a lot of collaboration and we felt that was very easy because of the way the room was set up. Also, there was nothing that we didn’t like or that didn’t make sense. Often a good room can still have something that wasn’t optimal. Great room.”
mtaylor305
113 games played
The Missing Season
Steal and Escape
- Escape room
- IRL
“We found the missing season! This room has a lot of memorable gimmicks hidden inside. You start by taking a quiz and that comes back full circle at the end. I liked how we were able to be very physical in this room with the challenges. The set was also designed really well. We played all three rooms at this location and started with this one. The storylines for all the rooms connect together but you won’t realize it until you play them all. So much thought went into these games.”
alyssaexplores
107 games played
More Escape Rooms
About San Diego
San Diego is a major metropolis that feels less like a city as it does a series of interwoven neighborhoods that simultaneously embrace the new, while paying homage to its roots. Perched along the coast, overlooking the Pacific Ocean, and just 20 miles from the border, San Diego is an idyllic destination for anyone seeking a break from the everyday hustle and bustle of life. Next time you find yourself in this beautiful place, make sure to reserve some time in itinerary to visit Balboa Park, a 1,400-acre paradise of gardens and historical architecture. Or perhaps you are the type of person willing to go the extra mile for a beautiful view? If so, Sunset Cliffs Natural Park is the place for you, and is sure to never disappoint. But if pure relaxation is what you seek, then Mission Beach is a must, with its white sands and gorgeous sunsets. Whatever your taste, just be sure to save some time to play San Diego’s incredible escape rooms, which are some of the best in all of California.
Learn More About San Diego Escape Rooms
San Diego shines as an escape room destination, and is the home of some of the very best escape rooms in all of California. Since the first escape rooms arrived in the city, San Diego has crafted some of the most imaginative escape experiences anywhere. In fact, greater San Diego is home to over 20 different escape room venues, and that number is sure to rise in the future. The Lost Expedition at Steal and Escape is an award winning room that boasts some really great, technical puzzles. Sister’s Secret at The Unlockables Puzzle Room Experience was voted the number 1 escape room in San Diego in 2018. Quicksand Escape Games’s The Diner is an exciting game that wonderfully builds on itself throughout the experience. With over 60 escape games in the entire area, you’re sure to find the perfect game for you and your group.
How Do Escape Rooms Work?
Remember those point-and-click adventure games where you’re locked in a room and have to solve puzzles to find the key and escape? Those online games were the original inspiration for the live escape rooms you’ll find all across the world today. An escape room is an immersive experience where you (and your team of 2 or more people) are locked in a room with a series of puzzles for 60 minutes. To escape and win the game, you have to look for clues, solve the puzzles, and find the key. While most escape rooms only give you 60 minutes to complete the challenge, others may have shorter or longer time limits. Many venues are private rooms where you and your team are the only players. However, some places may pair you with other groups who booked a slot at the same time. And don’t worry about getting stuck, asking for hints on a difficult puzzle is totally normal. While the original escape room (created by SCRAP in 2007) had a fairly simple aesthetic, today’s escape games often take you into a different world. Artistic set designs, secret doors, and unique interactive elements are all part of the fun. It’s like an adventure game that you can interact with in real life. But if you’re hoping to preview any rooms before you book a game somewhere, detailed images and videos can be hard to find. To keep the puzzles a secret and preserve the experience of seeing the room for the first time, most venues only offer a few photos or a short trailer about the room’s theme or narrative. The only way to know what it’s like is to go and try it for yourself!
Find the Best San Diego Escape Rooms with Morty
There are plenty of awesome escape rooms to choose from in San Diego. The goal of Morty is to make escape rooms more accessible for everyone to find and play. With Morty, you can: - Browse escape rooms anywhere in the country - Read reviews and ratings from other community members - Book a room together with your friends Whether you’re a beginner or a seasoned escape room enthusiast, our aim is to help you play more escape rooms and visit more immersive attractions.
Frequently asked questions
How Do I Book an Escape Room in San Diego?
Most escape room venues don’t accept walk-ins, and time slots for popular games may fill up fast. Besides that, not every escape room is the same — some have varying difficulties, and you don’t want to get stuck playing a room that’s beyond your experience level. That’s why the best way to book an escape room in Hollywood is through the Morty app. You can get updates on new games, read reviews, compare details (including difficulty, theme, runtime) and plan an outing with friends, all on the same platform. You can even coordinate games with your friends collaboratively. Download the Morty app and book your adventure today!