Turn Costa Mesa’s streets into a gameboard: an app-led scavenger hunt sends you to murals, markets, and plazas for photo challenges and live rankings. Perfect for groups, families, and curious walkers—plan two hours, bring a charged phone, and let a remote host guide you.
More ways to explore the area's outdoor wonders
You step onto a sun-bright sidewalk and the city seems to dare you forward: plazas pulse with riders, murals watch from alleyways, and the app on your phone hands you the first clue. In this two-hour, app-led scavenger hunt through Costa Mesa you navigate streets and small parks, photographing objects and completing playful challenges while a remote host tracks your score and nudges the game along.
Difficulty
easy
Duration
2 hours
Fitness Level
Suitable for most fitness levels; expect continuous walking with occasional short breaks
Wildlife
History
Costa Mesa evolved from Rancho Santiago land and agricultural fields into a mid-20th-century suburban city, formally incorporated in 1953 and now known for retail and the arts.
Conservation
Urban scavenger hunts have a low environmental footprint—stay on sidewalks, avoid trampling landscaping, and carry out any trash to keep play areas clean and welcoming.
Reserve your spot on the Explore Costa Mesa with a Scavenger Hunt by Operation City Quest today and enjoy a trusted, highly rated experience designed to help you make the most of your adventure.
Charge your phone and bring a power bank
The game runs through your smartphone and involves taking photos; a full battery and a portable charger are essential to avoid interruptions.
Wear sturdy walking shoes
Routes cover sidewalks, plazas, and occasional short stairways—comfortable shoes keep you moving and focused on clues rather than sore feet.
Respect private property and businesses
Stick to public sidewalks and plazas when photographing challenges and be courteous to patrons and shopfronts to keep the experience low-impact.
Use public transit or plan parking ahead
Costa Mesa has nearby bus lines and paid parking; arrive early to avoid curbside traffic and give your team maximum play time.
Smartphone with camera
Required to run the game app, take challenge photos, and view live rankings.
Portable battery pack
Keeps your phone powered through the two-hour hunt and any extra photo or navigation needs.
Comfortable walking shoes
Provides traction and comfort on sidewalks, crosswalks, and plaza surfaces.
Sun protection (hat & sunscreen)
Summer sun can be strong during midday games; a hat and sunscreen reduce sun exposure.
summer