Turn Carlsbad into a holiday playground with a citywide scavenger hunt delivered through an app. In about an hour you'll chase festive items, complete silly tasks, and learn local history while competing on a leaderboard.
More ways to explore the area's outdoor wonders
The game begins on a brisk Carlsbad morning with holiday lights still clinging to palm fronds and shop windows humming with seasonal displays. Players tap the app, and the city becomes a loose map of clues: wreaths, quirky storefront mannequins wearing Santa hats, and small-town traditions hiding around the next block.
Difficulty
easy
Duration
1 hour
Fitness Level
Suitable for all fitness levels; requires short periods of walking and standing.
Wildlife
History
Carlsbad was renamed in the 1880s after European spa towns when early settlers promoted local mineral springs; the railroad and later coastal tourism shaped its growth.
Conservation
Stay on sidewalks near sensitive coastal bluffs and avoid disturbing tidepools—local groups manage cleanups and ask visitors to pack out trash.
Reserve your spot on the Get in the holiday spirit with a scavenger hunt by Holly Jolly Hunt in Carlsbad today and enjoy a trusted, highly rated experience designed to help you make the most of your adventure.
Fully charge your phone
The hunt runs through a mobile app—bring a portable battery and turn off nonessential apps to preserve power.
Wear comfortable walking shoes
Expect paved sidewalks and short stair sections—supportive shoes make quick stops and sprints easier.
Watch for traffic and private property
Some clues are near busy streets or private storefronts—obey signs and use crosswalks.
Time your start
Mid-morning avoids evening crowds and gives daylight for better photos, especially during winter when sunsets come early.
Smartphone with the app installed
Required to view clues, submit photos and receive chat support from a remote guide.
Comfortable walking shoes
Paved sidewalks and quick bursts between clues make supportive footwear important.
Portable battery pack
Ensures your phone stays powered through photo tasks and GPS use.
Light rain jacket or windbreaker
Coastal breezes and occasional winter showers make a lightweight layer useful.
winter