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
“Excellent room for all experience levels. Fits the theme so well. Definitely take in the look and feel of the room once inside as they immerse you into this colorless world. Puzzles made sense and there were some unique ones we were pleasantly surprised to find. A one room experience but plenty to do to keep you busy for the hour. What I really like about MindFox though is how they do the little things well. From a welcoming experience, to taking time to answer questions on what happened throughout the room, and making you feel accomplished when all is said and done. You can tell they take pride in their rooms. Just the customer service alone brings this place to another level. Totally recommend and can’t wait to see the next room they come up with.”
SlyRy
38 games played
MindFox Escape
Overwhelmingly Positive
7404 Trade St, San Diego, CA 92121, USA
- Escape room
- IRL
“Loads of well designed unique puzzles in a nicely constructed immersive set. Some fun surprises and neat take on a typical theme. It’s nice to play such a thoughtfully created game, especially when it’s a well known story. There’s also a wide variety of puzzles that get everyone involved no matter their play style.”
moodeous
308 games played
The Unlockables
Very Positive
7380 Clairemont Mesa Blvd, San Diego, CA 92111, USA
- Escape room
- IRL
“Another great room! I enjoyed that we got 90 minutes in this room. It is very well needed as this room is jam packed with clues! So many cool little surprises in this room. Our game master was great, she did a fabulous job. We were so close to getting out, but this room really had ALOT to do. Get in there and focus! No time for error.”
MissAshlan
150 games played
The Unlockables
Very Positive
7380 Clairemont Mesa Blvd, San Diego, CA 92111, USA
- Escape room
- IRL
“OBSESSED! This room was killer, literally! Our game master was super awesome. This room had so many great features to it. The flow of the room was perfect. A huge surprise when you get into one of the rooms, we loved that part as it made it more personalized! Overall great experience!”
MissAshlan
150 games played
Quicksand Escape Games
Very Positive
1001 Garnet Ave, San Diego, CA 92109, USA
- Escape room
- IRL
“There were a lot of puzzles but they were well designed and went pretty fast. Good beginner room, I would recommend 3 more experienced players. A couple puzzles malfunctioned when we played but it didn’t take away from the game play.”
Perry
29 games played
“Great scary and immersive room. It’s very tactile and many of the puzzles integrate neatly into the theme. A couple of the puzzles were somewhat less than intuitive, but we had a fantastic game master (Christopher) who gave us just the right amount of nudging. Optimal group size is ~4 and recommended for intermediate/advanced players.”
Patroclus
331 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
54 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=BATCr5a20)
Lara's Labyrinth
Very Positive
2110 Hancock St, San Diego, CA 92110, USA
- Escape room
- IRL
“Red Giant is another fun game from quest!! There’s elements that were awesome to see and a couple REALLY fun parts that I’ve never gotten to do in a room before. If you play, bring someone who’s very patient 😂”
klohrey
54 games played
The Escape Game
Very Positive
232 Fifth Ave, San Diego, CA 92101, USA
- Escape room
- IRL
Steal and Escape
Very Positive
2602 Transportation Ave, National City, CA 91950, USA
- Escape room
- IRL
“Hands down in my top 5 rooms! My favorite part is how different this room is, but yet so much fun. The game time/escape time is different from anything else we’ve done and S&E has everything down pat!”
alainamanlove
31 games played
Steal and Escape
Overwhelmingly Positive
2602 Transportation Ave, National City, CA 91950, USA
- Escape room
- IRL
“Extremely impressive system to deliver hints or game progression. Haven't seen something like that before. A couple bits were fiddly, but overall a fantastic experience. The staff were fun to chat with afterward.”
RedMouse
52 games played
Steal and Escape
Very Positive
2602 Transportation Ave, National City, CA 91950, USA
- Escape room
- IRL
“Wasn’t sure if this room would be our cup of tea but we were pleasantly surprised. After some excitement doing the Lost Expedition, our GM Julia gave a brief summary of the Missing Season and we asked if there was availability for us to do it right now. It was pretty immersive and you feel like part of a story. If you like that style of gameplay, you will enjoy this. The puzzles were good, not too difficult and fit well with the theme. We escaped and felt the end was satisfying. The room was unique enough to feel like we were doing something new but not too difficult to progress and complete. I would totally recommend this.”
SlyRy
38 games played
Black and White Cafe
MindFox Escape
- Escape room
- IRL
“Excellent room for all experience levels. Fits the theme so well. Definitely take in the look and feel of the room once inside as they immerse you into this colorless world. Puzzles made sense and there were some unique ones we were pleasantly surprised to find. A one room experience but plenty to do to keep you busy for the hour. What I really like about MindFox though is how they do the little things well. From a welcoming experience, to taking time to answer questions on what happened throughout the room, and making you feel accomplished when all is said and done. You can tell they take pride in their rooms. Just the customer service alone brings this place to another level. Totally recommend and can’t wait to see the next room they come up with.”
SlyRy
38 games played
Moriarty's Manor
MindFox Escape
- Escape room
- IRL
“Loads of well designed unique puzzles in a nicely constructed immersive set. Some fun surprises and neat take on a typical theme. It’s nice to play such a thoughtfully created game, especially when it’s a well known story. There’s also a wide variety of puzzles that get everyone involved no matter their play style.”
moodeous
308 games played
Sister's Secret
The Unlockables
- Escape room
- IRL
“Another great room! I enjoyed that we got 90 minutes in this room. It is very well needed as this room is jam packed with clues! So many cool little surprises in this room. Our game master was great, she did a fabulous job. We were so close to getting out, but this room really had ALOT to do. Get in there and focus! No time for error.”
MissAshlan
150 games played
The Escape
The Unlockables
- Escape room
- IRL
“OBSESSED! This room was killer, literally! Our game master was super awesome. This room had so many great features to it. The flow of the room was perfect. A huge surprise when you get into one of the rooms, we loved that part as it made it more personalized! Overall great experience!”
MissAshlan
150 games played
The Family Cabin
Quicksand Escape Games
- Escape room
- IRL
“There were a lot of puzzles but they were well designed and went pretty fast. Good beginner room, I would recommend 3 more experienced players. A couple puzzles malfunctioned when we played but it didn’t take away from the game play.”
Perry
29 games played
Cannibal
Lara's Labyrinth
- Escape room
- IRL
“Great scary and immersive room. It’s very tactile and many of the puzzles integrate neatly into the theme. A couple of the puzzles were somewhat less than intuitive, but we had a fantastic game master (Christopher) who gave us just the right amount of nudging. Optimal group size is ~4 and recommended for intermediate/advanced players.”
Patroclus
331 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
54 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=BATCr5a20)
Heart Of Bastet [prev. Red Giant]
Lara's Labyrinth
- Escape room
- IRL
“Red Giant is another fun game from quest!! There’s elements that were awesome to see and a couple REALLY fun parts that I’ve never gotten to do in a room before. If you play, bring someone who’s very patient 😂”
klohrey
54 games played
Special Ops: Mysterious Market
The Escape Game
- Escape room
- IRL
The Lost Expedition
Steal and Escape
- Escape room
- IRL
“Hands down in my top 5 rooms! My favorite part is how different this room is, but yet so much fun. The game time/escape time is different from anything else we’ve done and S&E has everything down pat!”
alainamanlove
31 games played
The Neighbor
Steal and Escape
- Escape room
- IRL
“Extremely impressive system to deliver hints or game progression. Haven't seen something like that before. A couple bits were fiddly, but overall a fantastic experience. The staff were fun to chat with afterward.”
RedMouse
52 games played
The Missing Season
Steal and Escape
- Escape room
- IRL
“Wasn’t sure if this room would be our cup of tea but we were pleasantly surprised. After some excitement doing the Lost Expedition, our GM Julia gave a brief summary of the Missing Season and we asked if there was availability for us to do it right now. It was pretty immersive and you feel like part of a story. If you like that style of gameplay, you will enjoy this. The puzzles were good, not too difficult and fit well with the theme. We escaped and felt the end was satisfying. The room was unique enough to feel like we were doing something new but not too difficult to progress and complete. I would totally recommend this.”
SlyRy
38 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!