Turn Balboa Park, Old Town, and Seaport Village into a giant outdoor game board.
Looking for the perfect outdoor activity in San Diego? Whether you are planning a kid's birthday party in Balboa Park or a family weekend adventure in Old Town, Quest-Hero transforms the city into an interactive playground. Our GPS-guided scavenger hunts combine the fun of a treasure hunt with the excitement of a video game—no prep required.
No app required • No sign-up needed • Play instantly
Why Choose a Digital Scavenger Hunt in San Diego?
San Diego is widely known as "America's Finest City," and for good reason. With year-round sunshine and pedestrian-friendly landmarks, it is the ideal location for an outdoor adventure. However, organizing a traditional scavenger hunt here can be a hassle—printing maps, hiding clues in crowded public spaces, and worrying about setup time.
Quest-Hero solves this by putting the entire adventure on your phone. Our app guides your team to San Diego's most iconic hidden gems, solving riddles and completing photo challenges along the way. It is the modern, stress-free solution for parents and teachers.
Top San Diego Scavenger Hunt Locations
- Balboa Park: Explore the 1,200-acre cultural heart of the city. Our routes take you past the stunning Botanical Building, the Bea Evenson Fountain, and the historic Spanish Village Art Center. It is perfect for spotting art, architecture, and nature without needing a ticket to the museums.
- Old Town San Diego: Travel back to the birthplace of California. Kids will love hunting for clues near the Whaley House, the bustling marketplace, and the historic adobe structures. It is a history lesson disguised as a game.
- Seaport Village & The Embarcadero: Enjoy the ocean breeze while hunting for treasure along the waterfront. Solve puzzles near the USS Midway and the famous "Unconditional Surrender" statue.
Quest-Hero vs. Traditional Options
| Feature | Quest-Hero App | DIY Paper Hunt | Guided Tour |
|---|---|---|---|
| Preparation | None (Instant) | Hours of printing/hiding | Booking weeks ahead |
| Flexibility | Start Anytime | Fixed schedule | Strict start times |
| Cost | One price per group | Free (but time-costly) | Expensive per person |
| Engagement | High (GPS & Audio) | Low (Paper gets lost) | Varies by guide |
| Privacy | Private Group | Public | Shared with strangers |
Whether you are a local family from La Jolla looking for a new weekend activity or a tourist exploring the Gaslamp Quarter, Quest-Hero offers a flexible, affordable way to see the city. Stop for tacos in Old Town or a picnic in Balboa Park whenever you want—the game timer pauses when you do!
Explore Top San Diego Spots
Curated routes through Balboa Park, Old Town, and the waterfront ensure you see the best sights.
Instant Adventure
No reservations or tour guides needed. Download the app, drive to the start point, and play immediately.
Affordable Party Fun
Stop paying per head. One affordable purchase covers your entire family or birthday party group.
"I planned my son's 8th birthday at Balboa Park using Quest-Hero. It was a lifesaver! The kids ran around finding statues and answering questions while the adults could just follow along. Way cheaper than hiring an entertainer."
- Sarah M., Chula Vista
"We were visiting San Diego for the weekend and wanted to see Old Town without dragging the kids through a boring tour. This app made them actually excited to look at the historic buildings. Highly recommend!"
- David P., Phoenix, AZ
"As a teacher, I used this for a small field trip group. It was educational but engaging. The kids loved the GPS feature and felt like they were on a real mission."
- Emily R., San Diego
What ages are these San Diego scavenger hunts suitable for?
Our hunts are designed for kids ages 6-12, but they are fun for the whole family. Younger children love the 'treasure hunt' aspect of following the arrow, while older kids and adults enjoy solving the riddles and trivia about San Diego history.
Where exactly do the hunts start?
We have multiple routes! Our most popular Balboa Park hunt starts near the Natural History Museum, while our Old Town adventure begins near the State Historic Park entrance. Exact GPS coordinates are provided instantly upon booking.
Can I pause the game to visit a museum or get food?
Absolutely! That is the beauty of a self-guided app tour. If you want to stop for lunch in Seaport Village or visit the San Diego Zoo mid-game, just pause the app and resume whenever you are ready.
How does the outdoor treasure hunt work?
The treasure hunt runs right in your mobile browser (Safari or Chrome). GPS guides you to each station where exciting riddles await.
What do I need to play?
You only need a smartphone or tablet with GPS - Android or Apple, either works perfectly. For treasure hunt games you should also hide a small treasure at the final stop.
What can I use as a treasure?
Anything fun works: small toys, candy, chocolate, or another surprise. It doesn’t have to be expensive. A themed container such as a small treasure chest adds to the excitement.
What ages can take part?
Our quests are suitable for children ages 4 and up and adapt to the selected age range. Younger kids who can’t read yet may need a little help.
How long does a game last?
Playtime depends on your route and the number of quizzes. Plan for roughly 30–90 minutes for a typical adventure. The setup shows you the expected walking distance.
Where can we play the treasure hunt?
The quests automatically adjust to your chosen location. Play in a park, downtown, your neighborhood, or even the backyard.
Do I need to prepare anything?
Preparation is quick and easy. Pick the stations on a map to create your personalized route and you’re ready to go in minutes.
What happens if the weather turns bad?
A little rain is fine, but please postpone the game if thunderstorms or high winds are forecast to keep everyone safe.
Can we pause the game?
Yes. You can pause at any time and continue later. Your progress is saved automatically.
What if we can’t solve a quiz?
You receive up to three hints. If you’re still stuck, you can skip the quiz and keep the adventure moving.
How many times can we play a purchased game?
Each quest can be completed twice.
How long is a game valid?
Your game license is valid for one year from the purchase date.
What if I placed a station at the wrong spot?
No worries - even if it ended up in a pond or on private property. You can adjust every station at any time, including while you play. Just reopen the setup and move the marker.
How do I get help?
Email us at [email protected] and we'll assist you as quickly as possible.