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
“A refreshingly original setting. Although maybe it wasn’t maximized as much as if could have been. Still, I give the room overall a “heart” rating because the industry needs more of this. Clever, creative and charming rooms. The only downside is that the puzzles were relatively standard fair and didn’t fully utilize the amazing setting at its disposal. But they also didn’t take away. So that’s a big win. Overall it was a fun, charming, and whimsical escape room that made so much out of a limited space that the industry could use more of. Side note: I can’t wait for the day where escape rooms graduate from generic, over-explaining intro videos and GM rules. They suck the fun and anticipation out of the experience for players coming in.”
sonicboom
103 games played
MindFox Escape
Overwhelmingly Positive
7404 Trade St, San Diego, CA 92121, USA
- Escape room
- IRL
“Isabella was a great game master! The room was extremely well designed and tons of fun. The puzzles were challenging and we started getting anxious at the end because we thought we weren’t gonna make it and it’s the best feeling when we did!”
BMark1213
104 games played
The Unlockables
Very Positive
7380 Clairemont Mesa Blvd, San Diego, CA 92111, USA
- Escape room
- IRL
“So glad to see this game is still around. Sometimes, an escape room is also trying to tell you a story or even harder, they want you to solve a mystery. When this happens, it's very easy to make the whodunit the focal point & the escape room part is just meh. Other times, the opposite. Worst of all is a failed attempt at integration where you are trying to escape the room but the solving-the-mystery part gets in the way & is annoying. Or the gamesmaster has to explain the answer after the game is over. So after hearing all that, it's the rare room that threads the needle where everything works: the escape, the puzzling, the solving of the mystery-all with flow & where nothing needs explaining by the game's end. Sister's Secret is that room. There's a reason it's so award winning. I HIGHLY recommend this room. Put it on your wishlist.”
darthkumar37
284 games played
The Unlockables
Very Positive
7380 Clairemont Mesa Blvd, San Diego, CA 92111, USA
- Escape room
- IRL
“We've done both Sister's Secret (creepier) and this one. The separated start is really unique and a fun way to start. All of Unlockables' rooms are non-linear, which is really great for larger groups. We played with a group of 5, which was almost too many people, but we were all able to have something to do most times.”
jigglypu
29 games played
Quicksand Escape Games
Very Positive
1001 Garnet Ave, San Diego, CA 92109, USA
- Escape room
- IRL
“FUN!!!!! is the best description of this room. The set is average, but the puzzles and nostalgia were wonderful. This room could handle a little bit larger group as there were multiple puzzles to work on at once. Getting to watch someone do the Macarena to solve a puzzle is priceless.”
RenoTahoeDG
179 games played
“One of our favorite escape rooms to date and the second one I've done at Lara's Labyrinth. This multi-room escape room experience was a blast from start to finish. We picked the regular version instead of the sh*t your pants version but it was still creepy and had a few scares that got our group into a very cautious mindset. Perfect for those groups that think they'd escape the killer in those slasher flicks! Our GM, Josie, was super nice and helpful throughout the entire thing and was sure to explain everything thoroughly before we began. Overall, the experience wasn't overly difficult and the clues flowed well enough that our group of 4 only needed to use one hint to escape with nearly 15 minutes to spare. I imagine this room would be far more fun if you chose to do it with full scares on. I definitely recommend this room for anyone who likes a creepy slasher experience and likewise don't recommend this is you scare easily, even the non-scary version.”
Kiralue
75 games played
“We had such a good time! My boyfriend and I went for my birthday and did Bewitched. I love fantasy stuff. This room has live actor puppets that interact with you throughout the game, and give you clues. But when you get a clue you don’t feel like you got help, it just feels like you’re playing a game with an animal. Set design was beautiful. The room looks like 3D molded clay. It’s dark for moody vibes, but not dark enough that I felt frustrated. Every prop we touched we used, no random red herrings. Our game master Lexie was so fun and personable. We did the rated R version of this room so we had a fun time jesting with the animal puppets. But I see how they can make it G rated for kids and it would still be so fun. I can’t recommend it enough. Go just go!”
sideseden
25 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
95 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
“A split start like no other, assigned roles, a great set and some very unique puzzles combined to make this a really fun room. I like split start rooms where you still need to work together and this room has that. I absolutely loved several of the puzzles. One was so clever and simple that it definitely makes the list of top puzzles. Our GM, sorry, forgot her name, was a lot of fun.”
RenoTahoeDG
179 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
264 games played
Steal and Escape
Very Positive
2602 Transportation Ave, National City, CA 91950, USA
- Escape room
- IRL
“This room was super enjoyable and gave us several moments where we were pleasantly surprised or amused. Very creative and gives you some awesome souvenirs at the end. Our group of 3 experienced people completed it in 43 minutes with only 1 hint but the narration itself does provide several hints as part of the story if you listen closely. I don't recommend this for anyone who doesn't like narration or story driven rooms and advise those who attempt it to wear something cool as it can get warm.”
Kiralue
75 games played
Black and White Cafe
MindFox Escape
- Escape room
- IRL
“A refreshingly original setting. Although maybe it wasn’t maximized as much as if could have been. Still, I give the room overall a “heart” rating because the industry needs more of this. Clever, creative and charming rooms. The only downside is that the puzzles were relatively standard fair and didn’t fully utilize the amazing setting at its disposal. But they also didn’t take away. So that’s a big win. Overall it was a fun, charming, and whimsical escape room that made so much out of a limited space that the industry could use more of. Side note: I can’t wait for the day where escape rooms graduate from generic, over-explaining intro videos and GM rules. They suck the fun and anticipation out of the experience for players coming in.”
sonicboom
103 games played
Moriarty's Manor
MindFox Escape
- Escape room
- IRL
“Isabella was a great game master! The room was extremely well designed and tons of fun. The puzzles were challenging and we started getting anxious at the end because we thought we weren’t gonna make it and it’s the best feeling when we did!”
BMark1213
104 games played
Sister's Secret
The Unlockables
- Escape room
- IRL
“So glad to see this game is still around. Sometimes, an escape room is also trying to tell you a story or even harder, they want you to solve a mystery. When this happens, it's very easy to make the whodunit the focal point & the escape room part is just meh. Other times, the opposite. Worst of all is a failed attempt at integration where you are trying to escape the room but the solving-the-mystery part gets in the way & is annoying. Or the gamesmaster has to explain the answer after the game is over. So after hearing all that, it's the rare room that threads the needle where everything works: the escape, the puzzling, the solving of the mystery-all with flow & where nothing needs explaining by the game's end. Sister's Secret is that room. There's a reason it's so award winning. I HIGHLY recommend this room. Put it on your wishlist.”
darthkumar37
284 games played
The Escape
The Unlockables
- Escape room
- IRL
“We've done both Sister's Secret (creepier) and this one. The separated start is really unique and a fun way to start. All of Unlockables' rooms are non-linear, which is really great for larger groups. We played with a group of 5, which was almost too many people, but we were all able to have something to do most times.”
jigglypu
29 games played
The Family Cabin
Quicksand Escape Games
- Escape room
- IRL
“FUN!!!!! is the best description of this room. The set is average, but the puzzles and nostalgia were wonderful. This room could handle a little bit larger group as there were multiple puzzles to work on at once. Getting to watch someone do the Macarena to solve a puzzle is priceless.”
RenoTahoeDG
179 games played
Cannibal
Lara's Labyrinth
- Escape room
- IRL
“One of our favorite escape rooms to date and the second one I've done at Lara's Labyrinth. This multi-room escape room experience was a blast from start to finish. We picked the regular version instead of the sh*t your pants version but it was still creepy and had a few scares that got our group into a very cautious mindset. Perfect for those groups that think they'd escape the killer in those slasher flicks! Our GM, Josie, was super nice and helpful throughout the entire thing and was sure to explain everything thoroughly before we began. Overall, the experience wasn't overly difficult and the clues flowed well enough that our group of 4 only needed to use one hint to escape with nearly 15 minutes to spare. I imagine this room would be far more fun if you chose to do it with full scares on. I definitely recommend this room for anyone who likes a creepy slasher experience and likewise don't recommend this is you scare easily, even the non-scary version.”
Kiralue
75 games played
BeWitched
Lara's Labyrinth
- Escape room
- IRL
“We had such a good time! My boyfriend and I went for my birthday and did Bewitched. I love fantasy stuff. This room has live actor puppets that interact with you throughout the game, and give you clues. But when you get a clue you don’t feel like you got help, it just feels like you’re playing a game with an animal. Set design was beautiful. The room looks like 3D molded clay. It’s dark for moody vibes, but not dark enough that I felt frustrated. Every prop we touched we used, no random red herrings. Our game master Lexie was so fun and personable. We did the rated R version of this room so we had a fun time jesting with the animal puppets. But I see how they can make it G rated for kids and it would still be so fun. I can’t recommend it enough. Go just go!”
sideseden
25 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
95 games played
Special Ops: Mysterious Market
The Escape Game
- Escape room
- IRL
The Lost Expedition
Steal and Escape
- Escape room
- IRL
“A split start like no other, assigned roles, a great set and some very unique puzzles combined to make this a really fun room. I like split start rooms where you still need to work together and this room has that. I absolutely loved several of the puzzles. One was so clever and simple that it definitely makes the list of top puzzles. Our GM, sorry, forgot her name, was a lot of fun.”
RenoTahoeDG
179 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
264 games played
The Missing Season
Steal and Escape
- Escape room
- IRL
“This room was super enjoyable and gave us several moments where we were pleasantly surprised or amused. Very creative and gives you some awesome souvenirs at the end. Our group of 3 experienced people completed it in 43 minutes with only 1 hint but the narration itself does provide several hints as part of the story if you listen closely. I don't recommend this for anyone who doesn't like narration or story driven rooms and advise those who attempt it to wear something cool as it can get warm.”
Kiralue
75 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!