Experience The 13 Keys Scavenger Hunts
FAQ for The 13 Keys Scavenger Hunts
What are The 13 Keys Scavenger Hunts All About?
The 13 Keys Scavenger and Mystery Games are a fun and exciting way to immerse yourself in the sights and history of historic St. Augustine! Unlock fascinating history, solve riddles, and complete challenges on a self-guided scavenger hunt that is great for all ages.
What do you do on The 13 Keys Scavenger Hunts?
When you check-in with your group you will be given your scavenger hunt materials and gear. You'll get connected with your guide who will be cheering you on from the scavenger base as you make your way to each checkpoint. Once you are briefed you will be ready for your adventure in the Old City. Your guide will assist you in real time, as needed, helping with additional clues along the way where you'll utilize your wits to solve puzzles and challenges, while having fun and finding the 13 Keys that unlock the Archives of the Old City.
What's the duration of The 13 Keys Scavenger Hunts?
The 13 Keys Scavenger Hunt games are geared to fit you...want to meander through the old city and see the museums, sample the cuisine, and imbibe along the way? Great! Are you competitive and love a good challenge? Hit the stopwatch and race to beat the record time. You are able to see the city at your own pace. On average the hunts take about 2.5 hours without stopping along the way.
What do I need to bring for The 13 Keys Scavenger Hunts?
An Attitude for fun, your wits, and comfortable weather-appropriate clothing and shoes, with a fully charged cell phone. We provide everything else you need to have a great time!
What's included with The 13 Keys Scavenger Hunts?
The Scavenger Hunt Gear and a Live guide connected via text to assist with any help.
What's ages enjoy The 13 Keys Scavenger Hunts?
What's the best group size for The 13 Keys Scavenger Hunts?
Individuals, couples, and families, large groups for team building, bridal parties, family reunions, school groups and more, The 13 Keys Scavenger Hunts are great for all!
How The 13 Keys Scavenger Hunts Work
Before you set foot on the cobblestone streets, you’ll receive a briefing that turns your smartphone into a portal to the past. The game is built around a series of checkpoints, each tied to a real location, landmark, or hidden corner of St. Augustine. At each stop, you’ll solve a riddle, decode a clue, or complete a hands-on challenge. The answers are never random—they’re woven into the architecture, plaques, statues, and even the patterns of the brickwork around you.
Your live guide is not just a passive observer. They’re your safety net and your cheerleader, ready to nudge you with an extra hint if you get stuck, or to celebrate when you crack a particularly tricky puzzle. This real-time interaction means the hunt adapts to your group’s pace and style. Whether you’re a history buff who wants to linger at every marker or a family with kids who need to keep moving, the experience bends to fit you.
The 13 Keys themselves are the ultimate goal. Each key you earn represents a piece of the Old City’s story—its founding, its pirates, its architecture, its ghosts. Collect all 13, and you’ll unlock the metaphorical “Archives of the Old City,” a satisfying conclusion that ties together everything you’ve seen and learned. It’s a game, a tour, and a story all rolled into one.
What Makes These Hunts Different from a Typical Walking Tour?
A standard walking tour tells you where to look and what to think. The 13 Keys flips that script. You’re not following a guide with an umbrella; you’re the protagonist. The city becomes your game board, and every fountain, gate, and gargoyle is a potential clue. This active engagement means you’ll notice details that most visitors walk right past—a carved date above a doorway, a symbol hidden in a courtyard, a view that only makes sense from a certain angle.
Because the hunts are self-guided, you’re never rushed. Want to stop for a coffee or a photo? Go ahead. Need to rest your feet or wait out a rain shower? The clock is yours. Yet the live guide keeps you connected, so you’re never truly alone. If you’re competitive, you can race against the clock and see how your time stacks up against other groups. If you’re more relaxed, you can turn it into a full-day adventure with lunch breaks and museum detours.
Another key difference is the blend of mental and physical challenges. Some clues require logic and wordplay; others ask you to find a physical object or recreate a pose. This variety keeps everyone engaged—kids, grandparents, first-time visitors, and locals who think they’ve seen it all.
Who Should Try The 13 Keys Scavenger Hunts?
The short answer: anyone with a sense of curiosity. The hunts are designed to be inclusive and adaptable. Here are a few groups that especially love them:
- Families with kids: The puzzles are challenging enough for adults but accessible for younger players, especially when working as a team. Kids love the “treasure hunt” feel, and parents love that they’re learning without realizing it.
- Couples and date nights: There’s something romantic about solving mysteries together in a historic city. It’s a shared adventure that gives you plenty to talk about over dinner afterward.
- Corporate teams and groups: The hunts are a natural fit for team building. Communication, collaboration, and creative problem-solving are all put to the test in a low-pressure, high-fun environment.
- Bridal parties and reunions: When you have a mixed group of ages and interests, a scavenger hunt is the great equalizer. Everyone can contribute, and the shared memories become part of the celebration.
- Solo explorers: Yes, you can do this alone! It’s a fantastic way to explore at your own pace, with the guide as your virtual companion.
No prior knowledge of St. Augustine history is required. The game teaches you as you go, and the guide is always there to fill in gaps. All you need is a willingness to look closely and think creatively.
Tips for Getting the Most Out of Your Hunt
To make your experience as smooth and enjoyable as possible, keep these practical tips in mind:
- Charge your phone fully. You’ll use it for clues, communication with your guide, and possibly photos. A portable charger is a smart backup.
- Wear comfortable shoes. You’ll be walking on uneven cobblestones, brick paths, and possibly stairs. Leave the heels at home.
- Dress for the weather. St. Augustine can be hot and sunny, so hats, sunscreen, and water are essential in summer. In cooler months, layers are your friend.
- Bring a sense of humor. Some clues are tricky, and you might take a wrong turn. That’s part of the fun. Your guide will help you get back on track.
- Don’t rush the ending. The final key is satisfying, but the journey is the real reward. Take time to enjoy the scenery and the stories.
If you’re planning a special occasion—a birthday, anniversary, or proposal—let the team know in advance. They may be able to add a personalized twist to your hunt.
Beyond St. Augustine: Other Adventures
While St. Augustine is the original and most iconic setting, The 13 Keys has expanded to other historic cities. If you’ve already conquered the Old City or you’re planning a trip elsewhere, check out The 13 Keys Scavenger Hunts Experiences Savannah GA for a similar blend of mystery and Southern charm. Each location is carefully researched to highlight the unique stories and landmarks of that city.
For a deeper dive into the game mechanics and what to expect on the day of your hunt, visit The 13 Keys Scavenger and Mystery page. And if you’re curious about the different game formats—from classic hunts to themed mysteries—the The 13 Keys Scavenger and Mystery Experience Games page has more details.
No matter which city you choose, the core promise is the same: you’ll see the place with new eyes, learn something unexpected, and have a genuinely good time doing it.