Imagine turning a university campus into an outdoor digital playground where you solve puzzles and learn about local history—all at your own pace. That’s exactly what the Cal State San Bernardino Scavenger Hunt and Escape Game offers. This innovative experience uses a Pokémon Go-style app to guide you through nine iconic spots around the campus, combining elements of a scavenger hunt with the excitement of an escape room. Whether you’re visiting solo, with friends, or family, this activity promises a fun, active way to explore.
Two things we particularly like about this experience are its self-guided nature, which allows complete flexibility, and the interactive puzzles that make learning about San Bernardino’s traditions and landmarks engaging. One potential consideration is that, since it’s a digital outdoor activity, it’s best suited for those comfortable walking about 1.7 miles and using a smartphone. If you enjoy light physical activity paired with mental challenges, this tour is a natural fit. It’s especially appealing to curious travelers who prefer a more personalized and immersive way of sightseeing rather than a traditional guided tour.
This experience is ideal for adventurous families, young learners, or casual explorers who want to combine technology with local discovery. It’s perfect for anyone looking to add a playful twist to their visit to San Bernardino, or for those on a budget—at just $10 a person, it offers great value for a memorable hour of exploration.
Key Points

- Self-guided and flexible: Play at your own pace, with no fixed schedule.
- Educational and fun: Learn intriguing details about San Bernardino’s traditions and history.
- Active outdoor activity: Walk approximately 1.7 miles across campus while solving puzzles.
- Cost-effective: At only $10 per person, it offers good value for a unique experience.
- Accessible for most travelers: Service animals are allowed, and most people can participate.
- Interactive tech: Uses a mobile app similar to Pokémon Go, making it engaging and tech-friendly.
A Closer Look at the Experience

The Cal State San Bernardino Scavenger Hunt and Escape Game transforms the campus into a lively outdoor puzzle arena. For just $10 per person, you get an activity that lasts about an hour and covers roughly 1.7 miles of walking. The activity begins at 5500 University Pkwy, where all players start their digital adventure. After that, the journey takes you through nine different locations scattered across the campus, each offering its own puzzle or challenge.
The app guides you seamlessly from one spot to the next, encouraging you to look around, observe, and think critically. The puzzles are crafted to be fun yet challenging—think riddles and clues connected to the location’s history or significance. As you advance, you learn fascinating facts about San Bernardino, enriching your understanding of the area beyond what a typical campus tour could offer. It’s like combining an educational scavenger hunt with an escape room, but in the open air.
One of the most appreciated features, based on participant feedback, is the ability to go at your own pace. Some players find it perfect for a quick hour-long adventure, while others enjoy taking their time exploring every detail. The flexibility makes it suitable for all kinds of schedules and energy levels. Plus, with the activity operating daily from 6:00 AM to 8:00 PM, you can fit it into most travel days without stress.
For those who love digital adventures, the app’s design echoes the excitement of Pokémon Go, making it appealing to younger travelers or tech enthusiasts. The puzzles challenge your problem-solving skills, and the educational content deepens your appreciation for San Bernardino’s local culture and history.
You can also read our reviews of more tours and experiences in Los Angeles.
Itinerary Breakdown
Starting Point: The adventure kicks off at the campus entrance with clear instructions on how to access the app and begin your quest. From here, the app guides you to each of the nine locations, which are carefully chosen to highlight the campus’s most iconic and historically significant spots.
Key Locations: While specific details about each stop aren’t provided, you can expect to visit landmarks that tell stories about San Bernardino’s traditions. Each clue requires solving a puzzle that might involve identifying a building’s significance, interpreting a symbol, or answering a question related to the campus’s heritage.
Puzzles and Challenges: The puzzles are designed to be fun and stimulating. They’re accessible to most participants, but enough to keep you thinking. Whether it’s deciphering a cryptic message or recognizing a historical figure, each challenge adds to the sense of accomplishment.
Walk and Learn: The route covers approximately 1.7 miles, which is manageable for most, and offers a chance to stretch your legs while soaking in campus scenery. Participants often mention how the activity combines sightseeing with mental engagement, making it more memorable than just walking around.
End Point: The adventure concludes back at your starting point, giving you a complete loop around the campus. This makes it easy to plan your day—whether you want to continue exploring or head off to other attractions nearby.
What Travelers Say

Though this experience has yet to gather reviews, the enthusiasm around the concept is clear. The emphasis on interactive puzzles and learning about local traditions seems to resonate well, especially with younger players or families. The fact that over 200,000 players have used the app worldwide suggests it’s a trusted, well-designed digital platform.
One potential highlight is the stunning views and meaningful storytelling that await at each location. Participants love the way it turns an ordinary campus walk into an engaging adventure, adding a sense of curiosity and discovery. The self-guided format, combined with the affordability, makes it an attractive option for budget-conscious travelers who want a little more than a straightforward sightseeing trip.
Practical Details and Tips

- Price: At $10 per person, this activity offers excellent value for a one-hour, self-paced adventure.
- Duration: About 60 minutes, but can be longer if you linger at each spot.
- Distance: Approximately 1.7 miles, suitable for most fitness levels.
- Availability: Open daily from 6:00 AM to 8:00 PM; plan according to your schedule.
- Meeting Point: Starts at the campus entrance at 5500 University Pkwy, San Bernardino.
- Accessibility: Service animals are permitted, and most travelers can participate.
- Booking: Confirmations are immediate, and the tour is private, so only your group will participate.
- Cancellation: Full refunds are available if canceled at least 24 hours in advance.
Who Will Love This Experience?
This scavenger hunt and escape game is best suited for travelers eager for a hands-on, tech-driven activity that blends education with light physical activity. Families with kids or teens will find it engaging, especially if they enjoy puzzles or digital games. History buffs who want to discover more about San Bernardino in a playful way will also appreciate it.
It’s a fantastic choice for budget travelers who prefer self-guided activities over traditional tours, and for those who enjoy exploring at their own pace without a large group. If you’re visiting during the cooler parts of the day or early evening, the flexible hours make it easy to incorporate into your itinerary.
- 30-Minute Private Ferrari Driving Tour To Hollywood Sign
- The Official Hollywood Sign Walking Tour in Los Angeles
- Private Transfers Between LAX Airport and Los Angeles
- Los Angeles Romantic Helicopter Tour With Mountain Landing
- Private Tour Hollywood Beverly Hills Santa Monica Venice
- Las Vegas: Death Valley Private Tour
The Sum Up
For anyone visiting Cal State San Bernardino or the surrounding area, this digital scavenger hunt and escape game offers a refreshing blend of learning, activity, and fun. It’s a cost-effective way to get some exercise, explore the campus, and uncover local stories that might otherwise go unnoticed. The app-driven approach keeps things modern and engaging, especially for younger travelers or those who love a little challenge.
Most importantly, it offers a personalized experience—you control the pace, the level of challenge, and what you see along the way. Whether you’re traveling solo, with friends, or family, this activity makes discovering San Bernardino feel like a game you’re excited to win. If you’re after something different from the usual sightseeing, this scavenger hunt is a smart, enjoyable choice.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is this activity suitable for all ages?
Yes, most travelers can participate, and the puzzles are designed to be accessible while still entertaining.
How long does the activity take?
Expect around 60 minutes, but you can take longer if you wish to explore each location more thoroughly.
Can I do this activity alone or with a group?
You can play solo or in a group. It’s flexible and designed to accommodate both.
Where does the activity start and end?
It begins at 5500 University Pkwy in San Bernardino and ends back at the same point.
What is included in the cost?
The price covers the digital app, access to the puzzles, and learning about San Bernardino’s culture and history.
Are there any physical requirements?
You’ll walk about 1.7 miles, so comfortable shoes are recommended but no strenuous activity is involved.
What are the operating hours?
Open daily from 6:00 AM to 8:00 PM, giving you plenty of flexibility.
Can service animals participate?
Yes, service animals are allowed.
Is advance booking required?
Yes, bookings are confirmed immediately, and the activity is private for your group.
What if I need to cancel?
You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.
This local digital adventure offers a smart, fun way to see the campus and learn some local stories—perfect for curious explorers looking for an active, affordable, and engaging experience.
More Tour Reviews in Los Angeles
- Deep Creek Hot Springs Adventure from Los Angeles
- 8 Day Tour Los Angeles, Las Vegas, Yellowstone and Grand Teton
- Santa Barbara Scenic Train and Coastal Charm 1-Day Trip from LA
- Disneyland Resort Anaheim Tickets in California
- Malibu: Exclusive Beautiful Beach and Celebrity Lifestyle Tour
- Yellow Semi-Submarine Tour of Catalina Island From Avalon
Not for you? Here's more nearby things to do in Los Angeles we have reviewed
- Santa Barbara Scenic Train and Coastal Charm 1-Day Trip from LA
- Disneyland Resort Anaheim Tickets in California
- Malibu: Exclusive Beautiful Beach and Celebrity Lifestyle Tour
- Yellow Semi-Submarine Tour of Catalina Island From Avalon
- Catalina Island Private 2-Hour Tour of Avalon
- Scenic Malibu Overlook Electric Bike Tour for Beginners
- Catalina Island City and Scenic Mount Ada Tour
- Catalina Island Private Guided Golf Cart Tour of Avalon
- Capture LA’s Coastal Magic-Wildlife, Marina Photography Tour
- Personal Photo Shoot on the Sunset Strip
- Three filming locations of the America TV show Modern Family
- Santa Barbara, Solvang, Wine Country Private from Los Angeles
