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
“Our team had such a great time playing Moriarty's Manor! Our Game Master Isabella was amazing - super kind, welcoming, informative, and helpful! The game was dynamic, interesting, and had great game flow - puzzles were intuitive but still challenging in a fun and exciting way, including some unique puzzles I've never seen anywhere else. I think this room can be great for people at any and all levels, so don’t be afraid to ask for hints if you’re on the less experienced side, because there’s a lot of fun in store!”
nadina
58 games played
MindFox Escape
Overwhelmingly Positive
7404 Trade St, San Diego, CA 92121, USA
- Escape room
- IRL
“I’m glad I picked this escape room for my first solo run. The theme and set design were super immersive, and all the little details were really well thought out and personal. You can tell a lot of care went into it. The puzzles were clever and satisfying to figure out. Everything flowed nicely as the puzzles funneled toward the main objective. It was a great challenge to do alone since there were so many puzzles to start with, keeping me busy the whole time. Also, shoutout to the game master Isabella. She made my experience so much more enjoyable! Super friendly and knowledgeable. I asked for 2 hints but she gave the perfect amount of help that nudged me to the right direction without giving anything away. Overall, such a fun room. I’d definitely recommend it for beginners or veterans.”
ipyroball
98 games played
Steal and Escape
Very Positive
2602 Transportation Ave, National City, CA 91950, USA
- Escape room
- IRL
“My family of 4 (kids 10 and 12) thought this was a really fun room with some innovative puzzles. We also completed The Lost Expedition at this location two days before, but this was our favorite. Definitely a room that requires teamwork to get it all done.”
L
Laurann727
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
“Have played several of these Egyptian themed rooms and this one is my favorite based on everything - puzzles, set, tech, and more! This room offers something I haven't experienced before in a room, I won't spoil it. The staff is so friendly and wonderful. Highly recommend visiting this place and traveling to do so if you must, like we did!”
jpr
145 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
308 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
The Puzzalarium
Very Positive
8665 Miralani Dr Suite 100, San Diego, CA 92126, USA
- Escape room
- Other
“This game is so well designed and thrilling for the right group. Our group of four was able to learn the game and improve over the time limit, ending with a top score. Super fun, amazing detail to game play and instructions, and an overall memorable night. Would love to come back and play again!”
a
aaron4
102 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
115 games played
The Escape Game
Very Positive
4373 La Jolla Village Dr, San Diego, CA 92122, USA
- Escape room
- IRL
“This room is super great for a ton of people. There are a TON of puzzles, and they're mostly nonlinear. The theming is cool and the objectives are satisfying and click. There's some dexterity based puzzles which I think are just fun. The last puzzle is also fun and helped feel lots of comradery.”
Chickens
29 games played
Steal and Escape
Very Positive
2602 Transportation Ave, National City, CA 91950, USA
- Escape room
- IRL
“Our GM was enthusiastic to show off the room. I love the idea of introducing roles for players, and I think there’s room for more usage of the roles. This room is best with 4-6. It’s not super techy or immersive, but it doesn’t need to be. The puzzles were intuitive, creative, nonlinear, and required communication between players. The timing aspect of the room is really cool and interesting. The room is a lot of fun, and they offer difficulty adjustments. We enjoyed ourselves a lot.”
wesley
83 games played
The Escape Game
Very Positive
4373 La Jolla Village Dr, San Diego, CA 92122, USA
- Escape room
- IRL
“We have heard about the Ruins room in Nashville and have yet to make the trip out there. But this smaller version that Escape Game had exceeded my expectations that it definitely makes me want to go to Nashville even more. It’s an easier room than the other Escape Games (6/10 difficulty) but I enjoyed all the puzzles and found them intuitive. One of the production effects made me laugh out loud and depending on how jumpy you are, it could be a memorable experience (warrior heads). We had Angela as our game master and she went above and beyond for us. I was taking my younger sister to one of her first escape rooms and she made sure that we had a great time. I will be sure to recommend our friends to this location specifically. They have a Wall of Fame for individuals who finished all of the Escape Game rooms, which we happened to have done, so that is a nice touch! Great service and I would recommend no more than four people for this particular game.”
deniecee
308 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
79 games played
Moriarty's Manor
MindFox Escape
- Escape room
- IRL
“Our team had such a great time playing Moriarty's Manor! Our Game Master Isabella was amazing - super kind, welcoming, informative, and helpful! The game was dynamic, interesting, and had great game flow - puzzles were intuitive but still challenging in a fun and exciting way, including some unique puzzles I've never seen anywhere else. I think this room can be great for people at any and all levels, so don’t be afraid to ask for hints if you’re on the less experienced side, because there’s a lot of fun in store!”
nadina
58 games played
Black and White Cafe
MindFox Escape
- Escape room
- IRL
“I’m glad I picked this escape room for my first solo run. The theme and set design were super immersive, and all the little details were really well thought out and personal. You can tell a lot of care went into it. The puzzles were clever and satisfying to figure out. Everything flowed nicely as the puzzles funneled toward the main objective. It was a great challenge to do alone since there were so many puzzles to start with, keeping me busy the whole time. Also, shoutout to the game master Isabella. She made my experience so much more enjoyable! Super friendly and knowledgeable. I asked for 2 hints but she gave the perfect amount of help that nudged me to the right direction without giving anything away. Overall, such a fun room. I’d definitely recommend it for beginners or veterans.”
ipyroball
98 games played
The Neighbor
Steal and Escape
- Escape room
- IRL
“My family of 4 (kids 10 and 12) thought this was a really fun room with some innovative puzzles. We also completed The Lost Expedition at this location two days before, but this was our favorite. Definitely a room that requires teamwork to get it all done.”
L
Laurann727
76 games played
Heart Of Bastet [prev. Red Giant]
Lara's Labyrinth
- Escape room
- IRL
“Have played several of these Egyptian themed rooms and this one is my favorite based on everything - puzzles, set, tech, and more! This room offers something I haven't experienced before in a room, I won't spoil it. The staff is so friendly and wonderful. Highly recommend visiting this place and traveling to do so if you must, like we did!”
jpr
145 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
308 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
Parlour Nouveau
The Puzzalarium
- Escape room
- Other
“This game is so well designed and thrilling for the right group. Our group of four was able to learn the game and improve over the time limit, ending with a top score. Super fun, amazing detail to game play and instructions, and an overall memorable night. Would love to come back and play again!”
a
aaron4
102 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
115 games played
Playground
The Escape Game
- Escape room
- IRL
“This room is super great for a ton of people. There are a TON of puzzles, and they're mostly nonlinear. The theming is cool and the objectives are satisfying and click. There's some dexterity based puzzles which I think are just fun. The last puzzle is also fun and helped feel lots of comradery.”
Chickens
29 games played
The Lost Expedition
Steal and Escape
- Escape room
- IRL
“Our GM was enthusiastic to show off the room. I love the idea of introducing roles for players, and I think there’s room for more usage of the roles. This room is best with 4-6. It’s not super techy or immersive, but it doesn’t need to be. The puzzles were intuitive, creative, nonlinear, and required communication between players. The timing aspect of the room is really cool and interesting. The room is a lot of fun, and they offer difficulty adjustments. We enjoyed ourselves a lot.”
wesley
83 games played
Ruins: Forbidden Treasure
The Escape Game
- Escape room
- IRL
“We have heard about the Ruins room in Nashville and have yet to make the trip out there. But this smaller version that Escape Game had exceeded my expectations that it definitely makes me want to go to Nashville even more. It’s an easier room than the other Escape Games (6/10 difficulty) but I enjoyed all the puzzles and found them intuitive. One of the production effects made me laugh out loud and depending on how jumpy you are, it could be a memorable experience (warrior heads). We had Angela as our game master and she went above and beyond for us. I was taking my younger sister to one of her first escape rooms and she made sure that we had a great time. I will be sure to recommend our friends to this location specifically. They have a Wall of Fame for individuals who finished all of the Escape Game rooms, which we happened to have done, so that is a nice touch! Great service and I would recommend no more than four people for this particular game.”
deniecee
308 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
79 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!