The 12 best escape rooms in Washington DC
You can't escape the beltway, but you can play one of the best escape rooms in Washington DC.
Encrypted Escape Room
Very Positive
4936 Fairmont Ave, Bethesda, MD 20814, USA
- Escape room
- IRL
“LOVED THIS ONE!!!! First of all, Jeffrey & co. have totally elevated this location since taking taking over after the previous owners. The staff is GREAT, the new interactive elements with The Architect are super immersive, and this game (an Encrypted original) is just truly fabulous. We had a blast! This game is super non-linear, which would be ideal for a bigger group (I’d recommend 3-4 people). I played with a team of two, and we definitely felt like we were being pulled in every direction. But that part was fun & challenging! My only tiny gripe is that there were a couple of times we weren’t sure if our solution to a puzzle was correct and had triggered something, or even WHAT had been triggered. With a few more people, this would probably be less of an issue, but be prepared to be a bit overstimulated by all of the things in there … you may not realize you’ve already solved something and it triggered a mag lock just feet away from you🤣 This is a must-play, and we can’t wait to come back for Cult of the Dragon - a DnD inspired game coming soon 🤞 Also, honorable mention to the soundtrack. It’s a great classic rock playlist that gets you in the zone of the storyline 🎸🏍️”
lucycherry
105 games played
“Some really imaginative puzzles in this space! This room hits a nice balance - if you're a family or new to escape rooms, this room is not too challenging. However, if you're a puzzle person, the bonus puzzles were especially tricky (even for me). Really clever room, and great set-dressing, too.”
wontrice
39 games played
Ravenchase Adventures
Overwhelmingly Positive
406 Elden St, Herndon, VA 20170, USA
- Escape room
- IRL
“We found this room to be downright... well... magical! We played 3 rooms last night at this location and this was where we started. This ended up being our favorite out of all 3! There were just so many magical moments that were very unique to this room. Our team of two had a couple points where we got stumped, puttered around for a few minutes in circles, but eventually had some "AHA!" moments. We managed to make it out with no hints and 5 and a half minutes to spare. I would recommend this room to new players and enthusiasts alike.”
Onaroll
135 games played
Ravenchase Adventures
Overwhelmingly Positive
406 Elden St, Herndon, VA 20170, USA
- Escape room
- IRL
“From the very moment I stepped into the room, I felt like I was in that era! I didn't know all the cultural references but there were enough that I was grinning with glee as I solved puzzles related to them. This room was just. plain. fun. While many puzzles were lock and key, there was also a particularly innovative puzzle type that wowed me. It was a bit short, but it was well worth it!”
Asmodaios
40 games played
Ravenchase Adventures
Very Positive
406 Elden St, Herndon, VA 20170, USA
- Escape room
- IRL
“Very fun room with a great atmosphere. Immersive and challenging. The price here is pretty exorbitant so that’s the only thing making me question returning. I’ve done a lot of escape rooms and this is definitely at the high-end for price.”
WalkerDead
79 games played
Ravenchase Adventures
Overwhelmingly Positive
388 Elden St, Herndon, VA 20170, USA
- Escape room
- IRL
“This was our second room of the night with ERH and we had a wonderful time here as well. The room was ADORABLE and the puzzles were great. We will basically enjoy anything cryptid themed, so this was right up our alley. There is one particular element in this room that felt super unique, and though it took a bit of patience, it was really quite fun to engage with. It felt like our team of 2 blew through this one with no hints, getting out with 22 minutes to spare, so I'd say this one is on the easier side and would be better for smaller groups. I would have loved to kept going in this room with this theme but overall we had an absolute blast!”
Onaroll
135 games played
Beat the Bomb
Very Positive
2005 Hecht Ave NE, Washington, DC 20002, USA
- Escape room
- IRL
- Other
“A blast! As others have said, Not your typical escape room. Basically a “get out before the bomb explodes (literally)” challenge. Multiple rooms, where each room has either a physical or mental challenge/task that requires full teamwork. Really a great time and my group felt it was great to try a unique take on an “escape room.””
t
travelingescapist69
49 games played
The Escape Game
Overwhelmingly Positive
950 F St NW #106, Washington, DC 20004, USA
- Escape room
- IRL
“This has been my favorite room at this location. I loved the theme and everything flowed so well. Did it with two people and had plenty of time to spare, plus no hints! Definitely recommend this room and this company to escape room enjoyers!”
wordydreamer
27 games played
The Escape Game
Overwhelmingly Positive
950 F St NW #106, Washington, DC 20004, USA
- Escape room
- IRL
“Super fun room- my husband and I ended up doing with with six other strangers. Most of the rooms we do are private but it was actually a really fun experience and the GM almost was like a 9th player. Very cooperative and helped communication between people who didn't know each other. Clever puzzles but you do need more than two people. As someone who usually only does rooms as a duo- I'll say that it would be almost impossible to complete the first try as a duo. Definitely worth checking out though and we'll be trying to do another room at this location while we are in town!”
wordydreamer
27 games played
“Great experience- super thematic and lots of different type of puzzles. We did it as two people and it was a little difficult, but totally doable. As someone whose done over 30 escape rooms, I'd definitely recommend this company and their games. Very high production level and great support. We will be trying to complete all of the rooms before we leave DC.”
wordydreamer
27 games played
Cyber Raccoon Escape Room
Overwhelmingly Positive
7201 Lee Hwy, Falls Church, VA 22046, USA
- Escape room
- IRL
“Great escape room that was on the harder side. Immersive room with period pieces and innovative puzzles. You can tell a lot of love went into this room. Helpful lockers to place phones and bags in before the room that included chargers in the lockers for your phones. Not scary and appropriate for children to participate in. GM was welcoming and when we needed a clue, there was a unique delivery method. Highly recommend on any trip near DC. Can’t wait for the second room to be added to this location.”
r
rayanihle
47 games played
The Great Escape Room
Very Positive
2301 Columbia Pike suite c, Arlington, VA 22204, USA
- Escape room
- IRL
“Recommend this room. Great theming and some really rewarding puzzles. A couple were pretty challenging and we needed hints. Plenty to do for 4 people. Would love to go back and try some of their other rooms. Beautiful space and creative gameplay.”
RamusEscape2023
74 games played
Bikers' Revenge
Encrypted Escape Room
- Escape room
- IRL
“LOVED THIS ONE!!!! First of all, Jeffrey & co. have totally elevated this location since taking taking over after the previous owners. The staff is GREAT, the new interactive elements with The Architect are super immersive, and this game (an Encrypted original) is just truly fabulous. We had a blast! This game is super non-linear, which would be ideal for a bigger group (I’d recommend 3-4 people). I played with a team of two, and we definitely felt like we were being pulled in every direction. But that part was fun & challenging! My only tiny gripe is that there were a couple of times we weren’t sure if our solution to a puzzle was correct and had triggered something, or even WHAT had been triggered. With a few more people, this would probably be less of an issue, but be prepared to be a bit overstimulated by all of the things in there … you may not realize you’ve already solved something and it triggered a mag lock just feet away from you🤣 This is a must-play, and we can’t wait to come back for Cult of the Dragon - a DnD inspired game coming soon 🤞 Also, honorable mention to the soundtrack. It’s a great classic rock playlist that gets you in the zone of the storyline 🎸🏍️”
lucycherry
105 games played
Maritime Mutiny
Ravenchase Adventures
- Escape room
- IRL
“Some really imaginative puzzles in this space! This room hits a nice balance - if you're a family or new to escape rooms, this room is not too challenging. However, if you're a puzzle person, the bonus puzzles were especially tricky (even for me). Really clever room, and great set-dressing, too.”
wontrice
39 games played
Magician's Workshop
Ravenchase Adventures
- Escape room
- IRL
“We found this room to be downright... well... magical! We played 3 rooms last night at this location and this was where we started. This ended up being our favorite out of all 3! There were just so many magical moments that were very unique to this room. Our team of two had a couple points where we got stumped, puttered around for a few minutes in circles, but eventually had some "AHA!" moments. We managed to make it out with no hints and 5 and a half minutes to spare. I would recommend this room to new players and enthusiasts alike.”
Onaroll
135 games played
8-Bit Escape
Ravenchase Adventures
- Escape room
- IRL
“From the very moment I stepped into the room, I felt like I was in that era! I didn't know all the cultural references but there were enough that I was grinning with glee as I solved puzzles related to them. This room was just. plain. fun. While many puzzles were lock and key, there was also a particularly innovative puzzle type that wowed me. It was a bit short, but it was well worth it!”
Asmodaios
40 games played
The Graverobber's Dilemma
Ravenchase Adventures
- Escape room
- IRL
“Very fun room with a great atmosphere. Immersive and challenging. The price here is pretty exorbitant so that’s the only thing making me question returning. I’ve done a lot of escape rooms and this is definitely at the high-end for price.”
WalkerDead
79 games played
Cryptid Grove
Ravenchase Adventures
- Escape room
- IRL
“This was our second room of the night with ERH and we had a wonderful time here as well. The room was ADORABLE and the puzzles were great. We will basically enjoy anything cryptid themed, so this was right up our alley. There is one particular element in this room that felt super unique, and though it took a bit of patience, it was really quite fun to engage with. It felt like our team of 2 blew through this one with no hints, getting out with 22 minutes to spare, so I'd say this one is on the easier side and would be better for smaller groups. I would have loved to kept going in this room with this theme but overall we had an absolute blast!”
Onaroll
135 games played
Paint Bomb Mission
Beat the Bomb
- Escape room
- IRL
- Other
“A blast! As others have said, Not your typical escape room. Basically a “get out before the bomb explodes (literally)” challenge. Multiple rooms, where each room has either a physical or mental challenge/task that requires full teamwork. Really a great time and my group felt it was great to try a unique take on an “escape room.””
t
travelingescapist69
49 games played
Special Ops: Mysterious Market
The Escape Game
- Escape room
- IRL
“This has been my favorite room at this location. I loved the theme and everything flowed so well. Did it with two people and had plenty of time to spare, plus no hints! Definitely recommend this room and this company to escape room enjoyers!”
wordydreamer
27 games played
Prison Break
The Escape Game
- Escape room
- IRL
“Super fun room- my husband and I ended up doing with with six other strangers. Most of the rooms we do are private but it was actually a really fun experience and the GM almost was like a 9th player. Very cooperative and helped communication between people who didn't know each other. Clever puzzles but you do need more than two people. As someone who usually only does rooms as a duo- I'll say that it would be almost impossible to complete the first try as a duo. Definitely worth checking out though and we'll be trying to do another room at this location while we are in town!”
wordydreamer
27 games played
The Depths
The Escape Game
- Escape room
- IRL
“Great experience- super thematic and lots of different type of puzzles. We did it as two people and it was a little difficult, but totally doable. As someone whose done over 30 escape rooms, I'd definitely recommend this company and their games. Very high production level and great support. We will be trying to complete all of the rooms before we leave DC.”
wordydreamer
27 games played
Train Robbery
Cyber Raccoon Escape Room
- Escape room
- IRL
“Great escape room that was on the harder side. Immersive room with period pieces and innovative puzzles. You can tell a lot of love went into this room. Helpful lockers to place phones and bags in before the room that included chargers in the lockers for your phones. Not scary and appropriate for children to participate in. GM was welcoming and when we needed a clue, there was a unique delivery method. Highly recommend on any trip near DC. Can’t wait for the second room to be added to this location.”
r
rayanihle
47 games played
Poe's Chamber
The Great Escape Room
- Escape room
- IRL
“Recommend this room. Great theming and some really rewarding puzzles. A couple were pretty challenging and we needed hints. Plenty to do for 4 people. Would love to go back and try some of their other rooms. Beautiful space and creative gameplay.”
RamusEscape2023
74 games played
More Escape Rooms
About Washington D.C.
Washington, D.C. is a vibrant and exciting city with many fun things to do and see. Some of the most popular attractions in Washington, D.C. include the National Mall, the Smithsonian museums, and the National Zoo. The city is also home to many historic landmarks and monuments, including the Lincoln Memorial, the Washington Monument, and the White House. Additionally, Washington, D.C. is known for its vibrant food and drink scene, with many great restaurants and bars to choose from. Overall, there is a lot to see and do in Washington, D.C., making it a fun city to visit.
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 Washington DC Escape Rooms with Morty
There are plenty of awesome escape rooms to choose from in Washington DC. 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 Washington DC?
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 Washington DC 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!