Whether you’re Houdini or a novice escape artist, this top escape room list is for you! From the whimsical to downright terrifying, there’s an escape room for every genre.
These are the top 6 escape rooms in Los Angeles with an honorary mention of one of the top escape rooms in the country.
Looking for a great date night? How about a family activity? Maybe just a solo rainy-day deal?
Escape rooms are the trend that has taken over the world and we’re here to help you hack this adrenaline packed mind game.
1 – Magic Kingdom (by Maze Rooms Escape Games)
Description:
“The Tree of Life is dying, and only you can save it! Fantasy, whimsy, and a little bit of drama await both first-time players and experienced enthusiasts in Magic Kingdom Escape Room, which is a medium difficulty escape room game in Koreatown, LA that offers a spellbinding adventure to captivate both children and adults.
You and your friends have been transported to an otherworldly land known as the Magic Kingdom, where a mysterious curse threatens the ancient Tree of Life!”
Logistics – It’s 1 hour, in private room (you must book the whole room to play) and medium difficulty level. Ranges from $33 to $49.50 per person depending on the group size (max 6).
Review – The technology interaction is top notch in this adventure. Remember the elements (earth, wind, fire and water) are your friends and you have to use them quite literally to escape.
Without posting spoilers, we must warn that there is one area where you have to perform a “physical activity” that adds a “heightened” level of fun to this game.
This room appeals to players of all skill level. A group size of 4 is good for beginners and advanced players can win with just 2 people. They also offer Sky Odyssey at this location which is the more difficult Greek Gods themed version of this escape room.
Location: 132 S. Vermont Ave, Ste 204, Los Angeles CA 90004
Pic Credit: @chronosxd
hack:
Tuesday’s only at this maze room location are student discount night where you get $20 off their advertised rate with the promo code STUDENT.
If you choose to play a second game after your first one on any day, they offer a $20 discount.
2 – Stash House
Description:
You arrive at a nondescript black door with a green light…You knock. The door slowly swings open and you’re invited in. Welcome to Stash House.
Your group has been invited to a seemingly-normal Koreatown apartment owned by a local entrepreneur to discuss a business opportunity.
Shortly after arriving, you discover the apartment belongs to Ray Jones, notorious Los Angeles drug kingpin, and that Ray has a test in store for you: find all the drugs hidden in the space and flush them before the cops arrive or face the consequences.
Stash House is a ninety-minute escape experience that explores the dark underbelly of crime in Los Angeles. Does your crew have what it takes to pass the test?
Logistics – It’s 90 minutes, in private room (you must book the whole room to play) and medium difficulty level. It ranges from $33 to $49 per person depending on the group size (max 11).
Review – When you first arrive, you are literally standing outside of a nondescript building next to a green light. You are only allowed into the building during your scheduled game time because once you enter, the game starts.
There is so much to explore in this “room” and it’s much larger than you realize. There are fun elements hidden throughout the entire game. If you enjoyed Narcos or Breaking Bad, this escape room will make you feel like you’re part of the crime ring in LA.
They integrate a burner cell phone for helpful hints from the game master which is different from the normal walkie talkie most places use. It really helps with the immersiveness of the experience.
Location: 4267 W. 3rd Street, Los Angeles CA 90020
PIC Credit: @jmjlaca
hack:
The promo code TIP gets you $4.20 off your booking (hopefully you understand the significance).
3 – The Basement: A Live Escape Room Experience
Description:
“You’ve somehow foiled Edward Tandy and escaped The Basement in Chapter 1. You’ve managed to make it out once again after Edward and his assistant placed your sleeping body in The Elevator Shaft in Chapter 2.
In Chapter 3, things have changed and you’re treading on turf that Edward never expected you to gain access to. You’ve made it into his Study.
In The Study, you and your team have made your way into the upper quarters of the Tandy family home. He Is VERY unhappy that you have encroached on his personal space and he plans to make you pay dearly for this mistake.
In Chapter 3, you will find out more than you ever hoped about our matriarch obsessed serial killer. With event and theatrical puzzles, your level of interaction will need to take a step up in order to see the light of day ever again.”
Logistics – It’s 45 minutes, in a shared room (you have the option to book the entire room) and hard difficulty level. Ranges from $35 to $39 per person depending on the group size (max 10).
Review – This game starts off with a game to enter the building. The study is part of a four games storyline included in the basement saga but you don’t have to play them in order.
What’s nice about this room is that you’re able to play with strangers. Watch out though: there is also an actor in the room! And he or she will touch you…if you’re playing the game right.
Also, if you don’t like confined spaces, make sure you don’t volunteer in the beginning to be one of the two people chosen to be “separated” from the group.
Location: 12909 Foothill Blvd, Sylmar CA 91342
PIC Credit: @thebasementscaperoom
hack:
Their twitter account, @basementla, posts a brain torture puzzle each week. If you are able to solve it, it gives you a 10% discount code for your entire reservation.
If you book another game after your first one before you leave (can be same day or another day), they offer a 20% discount.
4 – Jumanji (60Out Escape Rooms)
Description:
“Get lost in the wild and enjoy a game that extends the narrative of the Jumanji sequel and pays homage to the original, too! An adventure in the world of Jumanji with your friends and family is guaranteed to be an experience you will never forget!
It begins with you sneaking into your friend’s room, but he doesn’t seem to be coming anytime soon, so you start snooping around a bit. After uncovering a series of puzzles you get sucked into the world of JUMANJI and need to do whatever it takes to survive this new, wild world you’ve discovered.”
Logistics – It’s an hour, in a private room (you must book the whole room to play) and hard difficulty level. Ranges from $43 to $45 per person depending on the group size (max 8).
Review – If you loved the movie, you’ll love this lighthearted escape room. Ideal for a group of friends wanting to experience nostalgia, this escape room has impressive set design in each of the rooms.
What’s most fun about this experience is the character role play. Everyone is assigned a character from the new Jumanji movie. Each player has to solve their own puzzles based on their role so choose your teammates wisely. This room books out far in advance so make your reservation early.
Location: 7270 Melrose Ave, Los Angeles CA 90046
PIC Credit: @60outscaperooms
hack:
If you join their email list, they send out promo codes for $20 off on every holiday: New Years, Valentine’s Day, President’s Day, 4th of July, Halloween, Thanksgiving, etc.
If you check-in on yelp at this location, you get 10% off your game.
Also, if you book a new reservation after you complete an escape room, they offer a $20 discount on the new room.
5 – The Pyramid (Escape Room LA)
Description:
“Set out on an expedition to a hidden jungle pyramid in search of The Mask of the Jade Warrior, a fabled lost treasure of the Maya.
The mask is hidden in a secret tomb deep within the ancient pyramid. But to find it, you must solve the pyramid’s perplexing puzzles, riddles and challenges. Will you find the jade mask and escape? Or will you be trapped inside forever?”
Logistics – It’s an hour, in a shared room (you have the option to book the entire room) and hard difficulty level. Ranges from $33 to $39 per person depending on the group size (max 8).
Review – One of the first escape rooms on the LA scene, this company knows how to build an escape room. This grandiose Mayan temple tests your knowledge and senses.
Your memory will be tested since there is nothing to write on and a lot of the puzzles are complex combinations. Even the set pieces are part of your interactive journey. You’ll walk (and crawl) along your way to escape from this tomb.
Location: 120 E. 8th Street, Los Angeles CA 90014
PIC Credit: @happeningindtla
hack:
Goldstar offers discounted rates on weekdays at $16.50 a ticket.
This is the biggest discount we’ve found on any escape room and this deal applies to all of their rooms just depending on the time that Goldstar offers.
6 – The Hex Room (Cross Roads Escape Games)
Description:
Honorable Mention (not located in Los Angeles):
“Can you survive a horror film? This murderous horror movie fan wants to watch you try. Each player will take a quiz before the game to find out which character they are: The Nerd, Virgin, Jock, Rebel, Prom Queen, or Detective.
Your team will be divided up into separate rooms where you must work individually and as a team. Not only do you need to escape, but you must also survive! Who will live? Who will die?”
Logistics – It’s an hour, in a private room (you must book the whole room to play) and hard difficulty level. Ranges from $33 to $37 per person depending on the group size (max 10).
Review – This is one of the top 10 escape rooms in the nation and once you play, you’ll know why. It starts off with taking a personality quiz and getting assigned a character from a horror movie: the jock, prom queen, nerd, virgin, rebel or detective.
Each person is placed in their own room where they must unlock their hex box, get out of their individual room and escape the final door together. This room requires MAJOR teamwork.
This can’t be emphasized enough. It’s also one of the only escape rooms that you can play over again; the caveat is that you have to play as another character. It’s suspenseful for sure. The puzzles are moderate after you get over the shock of having to rely on your own will and wit to get out of your individual room.
If you’re a seasoned escape room vet and you’re about to experience your 25th, 50th, 75th, 100th escape room, they have a way to commemorate those milestones. You can get a package with a trophy, “I escaped” t-shirt and cupcakes.
Location: 4245 E. La Palma Ave, Anaheim CA 92807
PIC Credit: @cross_roads_escape_game
hack:
They don’t have a set discount schedule but if you monitor their social sites, they usually release discounts on the room’s birthday’s and holidays.
The Cross Road’s birthday is in January, Hex Room’s is in January, Funhouse is in April, and Psych Ward is in December. They also post puzzles as well as codes hidden in videos they post online so pay attention.
“Ultimate Escape Room Challenge” Link to all these escape rooms bookmarked on Yelp:
https://www.yelp.com/collection/j2K5sCLCCpSAGCBLB7Vx0g?utm_content=Collections&utm_source=ishare
Guest Writer
Alyssa Green – Alyssa Explores
Alyssa is a California transplant by way of Chicago. After 8 years of living in LA, she’s earned the title of #LAhacker, Yelp Elite and top notch tour guide (for all the friends and family that visit).
By day she is a Producer for FOX Sports and by night, she’s an urban explorer looking for unique experiences. Her favorite place in LA is Griffith Observatory, you won’t catch her without a strawberry matcha latte from boba guys and she won’t stop raving about the food from burritos La Palma.
Do you agree with our list or did we miss an obvious one? Let us know by commenting below!