Hunt the Clues: A Hosted Murder Mystery Scavenger Through Huntington Beach

DANA POINT EVENTS FIELD GUIDE

Hunt the Clues: A Hosted Murder Mystery Scavenger Through Huntington Beach

A hosted, on-foot murder mystery scavenger hunt across iconic Huntington Beach locations — a timed, team-based event designed for adults and visiting teams seeking a logic-driven urban adventure.

Hunt the Clues: A Hosted Murder Mystery Scavenger Through Huntington Beach.

Duration
4 - 5 Hours
Location
Dana Point
Operator
Murder Mystery Scavenger Hunt
Category
Events
Robert Eric Crews
Founder & Editor, The Adventure Collective
Published Verified

On a sunlit day in Huntington Beach you and a small team untangle twisted riddles, follow logic-based clues and move on foot from one landmark to the next — Downtown Huntington Beach, the Huntington Beach Pier, Pacific City and Triangle Park — all while competing against other teams and an event host to unmask a fictional killer.

Highlights

Outing Highlights

THE GAME

Logic-Driven, Hosted Competition

This is a hosted, non-app event where each team receives packets of clues, suspects and puzzles; teams call a helpline if stuck and compete to identify the murderer with the least assistance and the fastest time.

THE PLACES

A Walkable Loop of Huntington Beach Icons

The course guides teams through scenic, public sites around Huntington Beach — from downtown to the pier and nearby public parks and plazas — revealing pieces of the investigation at each stop.

THE CROWD

Designed for Adults, Great for Groups

Events are tailored to be engaging and challenging for adults — ideal for locals and tourists who want a competitive, social outdoor activity rather than a smartphone-guided tour.

What the day feels like

What the Hunt Feels Like

After a brief orientation, teams fan out on foot with a packet of suspects and logic puzzles, moving between Huntington Beach’s public waypoints. Each solved clue reveals another piece of the case; teams juggle speed and accuracy while calling headquarters only when truly stumped. The event blends sightseeing with sustained mental focus across several hours.

Suitability

Who it's for

Who this event suits — and who should reconsider.

1
Competitive GroupsTeams that enjoy timed, head-to-head challenges and collaborative puzzle-solving will find this format ideal given the event’s competitive structure and hosted scoring.
2
Locals & TouristsBoth residents and visitors can join; no familiarity with the area or specialized knowledge is required to participate successfully.
3
Adults & Mixed-Age PartiesEvents are designed to be engaging for adults; while there’s no official age cutoff, the logic-based clues are generally too difficult for young children.
4
Moderately Active ParticipantsExpect roughly three miles of walking over the course — participants should be comfortable on their feet for several hours and mobile enough to traverse public sidewalks and park areas.

Practical planner

Details to review before reserving

What to Bring

Bring a cell phone for the helpline; the operator also recommends water, snacks, sunscreen and comfortable shoes. A smartphone is not required and will not aid gameplay.

Booking Notice

Review cancellation policies before reserving.

Frequently asked questions

Planning Your Outing

How long does the event take?

The total event runs about 4–5 hours: arrive 20 minutes early, a 20-minute orientation, and teams typically take about 3 hours 45 minutes to complete the course; an extra 30 minutes is allowed before a quick awards ceremony.

Where is the meeting point?

The meeting location is in Huntington Beach; the exact meeting point is included in your confirmation email after ticket purchase.

Do I need a smartphone or special app?

No — this is not a phone app game. You do need a cell phone to call the helpline if you get stuck, but a smartphone will not help you complete the hunt.

How far will we walk?

You should expect to walk approximately 3 miles on foot over the course of the event.

Is this suitable for children?

There’s no official age limit, but the logic-based clues are generally too difficult for young kids; the events are designed primarily for adults.

Do I need to know the area beforehand?

No — you don’t need prior familiarity with Huntington Beach or any specialized knowledge to participate and win.