Why You'll Love the San Jose Scavenger Hunt
Get ready to experience downtown San Jose in a whole new way! Explore historic landmarks, public art, beautiful plazas, and fascinating stories while working together to solve puzzles, complete challenges, and earn points. Most teams complete the adventure in approximately 90 minutes to 2 hours while walking about 2 miles through the heart of San Jose.
 
Historic Points of Interest Along the Way
Cathedral Basilica of Saint Joseph
Plaza de César Chávez
Quetzalcoatl Sculpture
San Jose Veterans Memorial
President McKinley Monument
Hotel De Anza
Luis María Peralta Adobe
Thomas Fallon House
Site of California's First State Capitol
St. James Park
Santa Clara County Courthouse
Site of the Palomar Ballroom
Public art installations and additional historic downtown landmarks
 
Educational Benefits
This scavenger hunt provides a unique form of experiential learning by encouraging participants to:
Practice observation and critical thinking skills
Solve puzzles and interpret clues
Learn about California history and the founding of San Jose
Discover how San Jose grew from a small pueblo into the heart of Silicon Valley
Explore architecture from multiple time periods
Learn about public art, monuments, and memorials
Develop teamwork and communication skills
Strengthen problem-solving abilities
Build navigation and spatial awareness skills
Connect with local history, government, culture, and community through active exploration
 
How It Works
Detailed login instructions and access information will be provided.
When you're ready to begin, travel to the designated starting location.
Access the scavenger hunt on your smartphone through your account.
Follow clues, solve puzzles, answer questions, and complete challenges.
Earn points for correct answers and climb the leaderboard.
Explore downtown San Jose while uncovering hidden stories and fascinating landmarks.
 
Team Information
One purchase covers your entire team.
Recommended team size: 2–6 participants.
Family-friendly and suitable for a wide range of ages.
 
Visiting Tips for Families
Bring a Charged Smartphone
A smartphone is required to access clues, challenges, and scoring.
Wear Comfortable Shoes
Participants should expect approximately 2 miles of walking.
Take Time to Explore
Downtown San Jose is filled with parks, museums, public art, restaurants, and historic buildings. Consider spending extra time exploring before or after your scavenger hunt
Work Together
The best experience comes from collaborating as a team to solve challenges and uncover clues.
Take Your Time
There is no time limit, so feel free to stop, explore, take photos, and enjoy the experience at your own pace.
 
Educator Package
Includes educational resources, interactive project ideas, trip organization support, and engaging pre- and post-visit educational activities designed to help students connect their scavenger hunt experience to broader learning concepts in history, geography, observation, communication, art, architecture, and problem-solving.