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 this room! This is probably one of my favorites! This was my 11th escape room (7W-4L) that I solved with two other players with similar statistics. The theme and decorations were FABULOUS! The puzzles were very clever and in tip-top condition. We got stuck two or three times so had to ask for hints. I wish I could play this again.”
BeatCal
26 games played
MindFox Escape
Overwhelmingly Positive
7404 Trade St, San Diego, CA 92121, USA
- Escape room
- IRL
“Fantastic room! Incredible company, we cant talk about the black and white cafe enough so we knew we had to get back to this one. Puzzles were fun and unique, challenging and fun! The asthetic was awesome and loved seeing what they could do with .multiple rooms. Cant wait for their newest room!”
capnrogers7
71 games played
The Unlockables
Very Positive
7380 Clairemont Mesa Blvd, San Diego, CA 92111, USA
- Escape room
- IRL
“My group played all 8 rooms at the 3 locations and had an amazing time!! Mary was our GM; she was so welcoming and made each experience unique in its own way. Edwin was also super amazing and accommodating to us the entire day. Thanks everyone for a great experience! :) I definitely recommend playing all locations if you have the time. This was my favorite room out of the 8, though. It had great theming and the puzzles were difficult but doable. Also had a spooky vibe that was just scary enough to keep the group scared while still successfully completing the puzzles.”
mnh
61 games played
The Unlockables
Very Positive
7380 Clairemont Mesa Blvd, San Diego, CA 92111, USA
- Escape room
- IRL
“Split start, which is always fun. Really gets you warmed up to get you used to talking and sharing what you see with your team. Got through as a team of 4 in the nick of time. There were some added touches to this room that makes it a bit more immersive and mysterious that I appreciated. Our group had a blast and probably one of my favorites in the San Diego area.”
SlyRy
70 games played
Quicksand Escape Games
Very Positive
1001 Garnet Ave, San Diego, CA 92109, USA
- Escape room
- IRL
“One of my all time favs! Recommend this puzzle to anyone who lived through the 90's. I have never left a room so happy, as I have with this one. I am obviously biased because I grew up in the 90's. Bias aside, this room includes loads of unique and intuitive puzzles that fit seamlessly together. There is absolutely no deviation from the theme and it is as lighthearted as one could hope to experience. Also, nothing in the room requires preexisting knowledge. If you are in search of a pick-me-up room that doesn't feel stressful(and bonus if you lived through the 90's) then you should book this room. I left feeling as light-hearted as one could hope to feel after leaving a race against the clock. Lol. Classic room, 10/10... and btw, all of the rooms at quicksand are awesome.”
EscapeTimeMel
51 games played
“This room was so unique and engaging! There was a wide variety of puzzles (lock and key, codes, item-based) and the game had a good balance of each. The flow of the room felt easy to follow and the pace of each section was well-balanced. The anxiety of wanting to escape the cannibal really helped push my group through the puzzles and made us move quickly. This room is definitely a gem and I could not recommend it more highly!”
karisjean
34 games played
“Malediction is such a fun room! I personally loved the use of a “live actor”! It definitely felt like an experience than an escape room, especially if you play “Dark Mode”. If you’re not into anything that’s got adult content I’d do the family friendly version instead. We didn’t know going into the adventure that it was going to be the way it was but it was so much fun. Madi and Tiff were great hosts and we loved getting to interact with in game characters. Some of the puzzles were a little finicky but it happens. If you’re playing later at night good luck trying to get in the building 😂 it was locked and luckily some guy was leaving so we just snuck in lol.”
klohrey
64 games played
![Heart Of Bastet [prev. Red Giant]](https://res.cloudinary.com/mortyapp/image/upload/c_fill,w_416/v1/store/s/4a9b0cdc-3342-4107-92d2-2d103d5bedf4.png?_a=DATAdtd+ZAA0)
Lara's Labyrinth
Very Positive
2110 Hancock St, San Diego, CA 92110, USA
- Escape room
- IRL
“A fun Egyptian-themed room. It was a fun date activity for two people. Our game master was super friendly and helpful. The set design was super cool and there’s a fun surprise at the end. We’ll definitely be back for more of Lara’s rooms!”
hikingfanatic
31 games played
Lara's Labyrinth
Very Positive
2110 Hancock St, San Diego, CA 92110, USA
- Escape room
- IRL
“The prop designs were incredible! This was a very high end game and almost every puzzle was unique for us. We are still beginners (this was my 12th room: 8W-4L) and I played with 2 others with similar stats. Because of this, we thought some of the puzzles were difficult. The GM gave us several hints (only when we asked) and even allowed us to stay a few extra minutes to finish everything. We really appreciated that... bc who likes to lose when you're so close? We are eager to try one of their other rooms tomorrow!”
BeatCal
26 games played
Steal and Escape
Very Positive
2602 Transportation Ave, National City, CA 91950, USA
- Escape room
- IRL
“Really liked this room! It was very well decorated and looked amazing. This room involves COMMUNICATION, so make sure you’re ready for that. We’ve done another room there and we will definitely be back for the third!”
EscapeArtist
25 games played
Steal and Escape
Very Positive
2602 Transportation Ave, National City, CA 91950, USA
- Escape room
- IRL
“The Neighbor was such a fun game with one of the most fun interactive characters!! The story and puzzles had a seamless flow that worked extremely well together. I highly recommend this game to all skill levels!!”
KirbyLove18
228 games played
Steal and Escape
Very Positive
2602 Transportation Ave, National City, CA 91950, USA
- Escape room
- IRL
“My group of experienced escape room goers absolutely loved this one! It was very unique compared to all the other rooms that we’d done. It felt more like you were being guided through a story than solving an escape room, which was very cool! I only wish the puzzles had been a bit more challenging, as we blew through them and got out of the room very quickly. That being said, the production quality was very good and the puzzles were more unique than what you usually see. So I’d definitely recommend it for the experience.”
Trudeau
26 games played
Black and White Cafe
MindFox Escape
- Escape room
- IRL
“I love this room! This is probably one of my favorites! This was my 11th escape room (7W-4L) that I solved with two other players with similar statistics. The theme and decorations were FABULOUS! The puzzles were very clever and in tip-top condition. We got stuck two or three times so had to ask for hints. I wish I could play this again.”
BeatCal
26 games played
Moriarty's Manor
MindFox Escape
- Escape room
- IRL
“Fantastic room! Incredible company, we cant talk about the black and white cafe enough so we knew we had to get back to this one. Puzzles were fun and unique, challenging and fun! The asthetic was awesome and loved seeing what they could do with .multiple rooms. Cant wait for their newest room!”
capnrogers7
71 games played
Sister's Secret
The Unlockables
- Escape room
- IRL
“My group played all 8 rooms at the 3 locations and had an amazing time!! Mary was our GM; she was so welcoming and made each experience unique in its own way. Edwin was also super amazing and accommodating to us the entire day. Thanks everyone for a great experience! :) I definitely recommend playing all locations if you have the time. This was my favorite room out of the 8, though. It had great theming and the puzzles were difficult but doable. Also had a spooky vibe that was just scary enough to keep the group scared while still successfully completing the puzzles.”
mnh
61 games played
The Escape
The Unlockables
- Escape room
- IRL
“Split start, which is always fun. Really gets you warmed up to get you used to talking and sharing what you see with your team. Got through as a team of 4 in the nick of time. There were some added touches to this room that makes it a bit more immersive and mysterious that I appreciated. Our group had a blast and probably one of my favorites in the San Diego area.”
SlyRy
70 games played
The Family Cabin
Quicksand Escape Games
- Escape room
- IRL
“One of my all time favs! Recommend this puzzle to anyone who lived through the 90's. I have never left a room so happy, as I have with this one. I am obviously biased because I grew up in the 90's. Bias aside, this room includes loads of unique and intuitive puzzles that fit seamlessly together. There is absolutely no deviation from the theme and it is as lighthearted as one could hope to experience. Also, nothing in the room requires preexisting knowledge. If you are in search of a pick-me-up room that doesn't feel stressful(and bonus if you lived through the 90's) then you should book this room. I left feeling as light-hearted as one could hope to feel after leaving a race against the clock. Lol. Classic room, 10/10... and btw, all of the rooms at quicksand are awesome.”
EscapeTimeMel
51 games played
Cannibal
Lara's Labyrinth
- Escape room
- IRL
“This room was so unique and engaging! There was a wide variety of puzzles (lock and key, codes, item-based) and the game had a good balance of each. The flow of the room felt easy to follow and the pace of each section was well-balanced. The anxiety of wanting to escape the cannibal really helped push my group through the puzzles and made us move quickly. This room is definitely a gem and I could not recommend it more highly!”
karisjean
34 games played
BeWitched
Lara's Labyrinth
- Escape room
- IRL
“Malediction is such a fun room! I personally loved the use of a “live actor”! It definitely felt like an experience than an escape room, especially if you play “Dark Mode”. If you’re not into anything that’s got adult content I’d do the family friendly version instead. We didn’t know going into the adventure that it was going to be the way it was but it was so much fun. Madi and Tiff were great hosts and we loved getting to interact with in game characters. Some of the puzzles were a little finicky but it happens. If you’re playing later at night good luck trying to get in the building 😂 it was locked and luckily some guy was leaving so we just snuck in lol.”
klohrey
64 games played
![Heart Of Bastet [prev. Red Giant]](https://res.cloudinary.com/mortyapp/image/upload/c_fill,w_654/v1/store/s/4a9b0cdc-3342-4107-92d2-2d103d5bedf4.png?_a=DATAdtd+ZAA0)
Heart Of Bastet [prev. Red Giant]
Lara's Labyrinth
- Escape room
- IRL
“A fun Egyptian-themed room. It was a fun date activity for two people. Our game master was super friendly and helpful. The set design was super cool and there’s a fun surprise at the end. We’ll definitely be back for more of Lara’s rooms!”
hikingfanatic
31 games played
DaVinci Challenge
Lara's Labyrinth
- Escape room
- IRL
“The prop designs were incredible! This was a very high end game and almost every puzzle was unique for us. We are still beginners (this was my 12th room: 8W-4L) and I played with 2 others with similar stats. Because of this, we thought some of the puzzles were difficult. The GM gave us several hints (only when we asked) and even allowed us to stay a few extra minutes to finish everything. We really appreciated that... bc who likes to lose when you're so close? We are eager to try one of their other rooms tomorrow!”
BeatCal
26 games played
The Lost Expedition
Steal and Escape
- Escape room
- IRL
“Really liked this room! It was very well decorated and looked amazing. This room involves COMMUNICATION, so make sure you’re ready for that. We’ve done another room there and we will definitely be back for the third!”
EscapeArtist
25 games played
The Neighbor
Steal and Escape
- Escape room
- IRL
“The Neighbor was such a fun game with one of the most fun interactive characters!! The story and puzzles had a seamless flow that worked extremely well together. I highly recommend this game to all skill levels!!”
KirbyLove18
228 games played
The Missing Season
Steal and Escape
- Escape room
- IRL
“My group of experienced escape room goers absolutely loved this one! It was very unique compared to all the other rooms that we’d done. It felt more like you were being guided through a story than solving an escape room, which was very cool! I only wish the puzzles had been a bit more challenging, as we blew through them and got out of the room very quickly. That being said, the production quality was very good and the puzzles were more unique than what you usually see. So I’d definitely recommend it for the experience.”
Trudeau
26 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!