Pasadena Spy Quest: Disarm the Bomb on a Self-Guided Adventure
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Step into a thrilling spy adventure right in the heart of Pasadena with the Pasadena Spy Quest: Stop the Bomb (Einstein & Caltech). Starting at Vroman’s Bookstore, you'll receive your first clue and set out on an 86-minute journey across some of Pasadena’s most iconic landmarks.
Using the Questo app on your smartphone, you'll decode secret messages, solve puzzles, and uncover a conspiracy linking Caltech physicists, the Manhattan Project, and Albert Einstein. The adventure takes you from historic spots like City Hall and the Pasadena Playhouse to hidden alleys and a famous Einstein mural—each stop revealing a piece of the story.
This self-guided experience is perfect for curious explorers, couples, and families. No prior knowledge needed—just a sharp mind and a sense of urgency. Play at your own pace, exploring approximately 3 kilometers of Pasadena’s storied streets, all while uncovering fascinating local history and hidden gems.
Frequently asked questions
How long does the Pasadena Spy Quest: Stop the Bomb take?
The adventure lasts between 1 hour 10 minutes and 1 hour 40 minutes, depending on your pace.
Is this experience suitable for children?
Yes, it’s suitable for all ages from 1 to 99. Infants and small children can ride in strollers, and the activity is accessible for all fitness levels.
Do I need to bring anything?
Just a charged smartphone with the Questo app downloaded and your account created. No other equipment is necessary.
Can I start the adventure anytime?
Absolutely! You can begin whenever it suits you, and play at your own pace throughout the day.
Is a guide provided?
No, this is a self-guided experience. You’ll use the app to navigate and solve puzzles independently.
What’s included in the experience?
You’ll get a self-guided nuclear thriller puzzle adventure, interactive clues at real landmarks, fascinating facts about Pasadena, and the flexibility to play solo or with a team.
Free cancellation
Cancel at least 24 hours before your scheduled start for a full refund.
Reserve now
Check a date here, then finish booking with our partner. Payment options are confirmed at checkout.
Duration 1 hour 10 min – 1 hour 40 min
Check availability to see start times.
Guided experience
English
Key facts
What's included
Included
- Self-guided nuclear thriller puzzle adventure through Old Town Pasadena
- Interactive puzzles: code-breaking, observation, logic, wordplay at real landmarks
- Fascinating facts about Pasadena history, food, film locations, and hidden gems
- Team play or solo on one booking
- Flexible scheduling, available all day, every day of the week
- Story-driven clues connected to Caltech, the Manhattan Project, and 1930s Pasadena
Not included
- Live tour guide (self-guided via the Questo app)
Itinerary
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Stop 1
Begin at Vroman’s Bookstore, where you'll receive your first clue to start the challenge. This unlocks the story and guides you to the next location.
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Stop 2
Solve a new clue at Pasadena Star-News Building. You can take your time exploring this landmark before moving on.
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Stop 3
Uncover the next puzzle at Pacific Asia Museum. Feel free to explore at your own pace.
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Stop 4
Find your next clue at Pasadena City Hall. Take your time to soak in the historic surroundings.
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Stop 5
Decipher the challenge at Legge Alley, then continue exploring Pasadena’s hidden corners.
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Stop 6
Solve the puzzle at Russell’s, then head to the final stop.
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Stop 7
Finish your adventure at Pasadena Memorial Park, where the story concludes.
Meeting point & pickup
Meet at the starting point
Go to East Colorado Boulevard & North Oak Knoll Avenue. Bring a charged phone, open the Questo app, and follow the instructions. Make sure you’ve downloaded the app and created an account using the same email as your purchase.
Open in Google MapsCancellation & confirmation
Free cancellation
Cancel at least 24 hours before your scheduled start for a full refund.
- 100% refund if canceled at least 1 day in advance
- No refund if canceled within 24 hours of the start
Instant confirmation
Your booking is confirmed immediately after checkout.
From $7.40 per person
- Free cancellation
- Secure checkout with our booking partner
