Play detective in downtown San Diego with a self-guided scavenger hunt that sends you to 10 historical markers to solve the 1926 murder of silent director Rex King. Expect about a mile of walking, plenty of local history, and a few good riddles.
More ways to explore the area's outdoor wonders
You step off Fifth Avenue with your phone in hand, the Gaslamp Quarter’s brick facades crowding the sidewalk as if leaning in to hear your answers. Traffic hums, streetlights and historical markers punctuate the route, and the game begins: a 1926 silent film director’s murder—Rex King— waits to be unraveled across ten downtown stops.
Difficulty
moderate
Duration
2–3 hours
Fitness Level
Light to moderate fitness—able to walk a mile plus stand and search for markers several times; comfortable with urban walking.
Wildlife
History
The route highlights sites tied to early 20th-century San Diego—when filmmakers used the city as location and parts of downtown served as the city’s red-light district.
Conservation
As an urban walk, impacts are low—stay on sidewalks, avoid tampering with or removing markers, and carry out trash; report missing plaques to preserve public history.
Reserve your spot on the Mysteries on the Move: Scavenger Hunt in San Diego today and enjoy a trusted, highly rated experience designed to help you make the most of your adventure.
Charge your phone and bring a battery pack
This game runs through webpages and passcodes—ensure a full battery and carry a small power bank to avoid interruptions.
Wear supportive walking shoes
Sidewalks and city blocks can be long between clues—comfortable, stable footwear keeps the focus on puzzles, not sore feet.
Mind traffic and intersections
You’ll be reading plaques and screens; pause at curbside to enter passcodes—don’t walk while looking at your phone.
Time your visit for milder temperatures
San Diego is sunny; mornings or late afternoons reduce glare and heat while giving softer light for reading markers.
Smartphone with browser
Required to access the game pages, view clues, and input passcodes.
Portable battery pack
Keeps your device powered through the multi-stop game and any photo notes you take.
Comfortable walking shoes
Provides support for pavement walking and repeated stops.
Light daypack or crossbody
Carries water, snacks, and a printed backup of instructions if you prefer not to rely entirely on a device.