Discover a secret 1912 typewriter company that’s still in operation, learn the real story behind the first-ever cheeseburger, visit your favorite film locations and uncover well-kept secrets of the Crown City.
How many are playing?
Unlock · $20.99Live in Pasadena? The Annual Pass is how locals play · $79.99/yr. See the Annual Pass →
Places you will visit
10
It will take you
71-101 mins
You will walk
3940 steps
Total distance
3 km
Made by Marlee Delia
Marlee Delia created this quest · the route, the puzzles and the story are theirs.
Meet the makerWhat you'll actually do
Download the Questo app and unlock the quest. Walk to Vroman’s Bookstore whenever you like · no guide, no group, no time slot.
Solve 10 puzzles hidden in the streets around you. Each one you crack unlocks the next location.
Finish at Pasadena Senior Center Public Art Einstein & Beyond and see where you land on the Pasadena leaderboard.
Highlights
Uncover the crumbling remains of an influential building that put Pasadena on the map.
Discover why one of the most influential Asian-inspired buildings stands in Southern California.
Visit the oldest bookstore in Pasadena and learn why Pasadena locals can’t stay away.
Find Pasadena’s well-hidden restaurants and bars in an unlikely historic spot.
Bring your crew
Race to the finish.
Everyone plays on their own phone · race solo, as a couple, or with a crew of any size. First to solve every clue takes the crown.
Adventure
Your pace, no timer
Escape
Beat the clock
Plays offline at your own pace · live group races need a connection.
Final leaderboard
Landmarks & Hidden Gems Included
Memorial Park (Public Library Remains)
Pasadena City Hall
USC Pacific Asia Museum
The mission: Your story in Pasadena
A large red button sits on a desk. Always curious, you press it. You look at the desk and see a note.
“Tolman, this isn’t something I’m proud of but it’s the only way to defeat the Germans at their own game. This button releases a nuclear bomb. I’ve hidden eight devices around town to disarm it.”
With the note still in your hand, you race out of the room. You must find clues to stop this before it’s too late.
HISTORY AND CULTURE IN PASADENA
A history-led way to explore Pasadena
Pasadena: Stop the Bomb is for visitors who want more context than a casual walk, but more freedom than a scheduled guided tour. The quest uses a route through Pasadena to connect clues, places and stories.
The route starts at Vroman’s Bookstore and finishes at Pasadena Senior Center Public Art Einstein & Beyond over 3 km, with 10 challenge locations. Typical duration: 86 min; 3 km walking route; 10 challenge locations
Choose this for active, private discovery at your pace. Choose a guided historical tour or museum when expert live interpretation or curated exhibits matter more. Playable languages: English.
Good to know before you play
- Best during the day
- Kid friendly
- Best for couples
Tips & Recommendations
Wear Comfortable Shoes
You will be walking throughout the city, so comfortable footwear is essential for enjoying the experience.
Charge Your Phone
Make sure your smartphone is at least 60% charged. The quest runs through the Questo app, and you will be using it throughout.
Check the Weather
This is an outdoor activity. Bring an umbrella or sunscreen depending on the forecast.
Bring a Camera
You will discover photogenic locations and hidden gems perfect for capturing memories.
Stay Hydrated
Bring water, especially during warmer months or longer quests.
Play with Friends
Quests are more fun with friends or family. Each player who wants to play on their own phone needs their own access.
Ratings and Reviews
87 ratings
Tamara Blum
Timothy Huls
micahthemagician
JeanSk
Martha Hall
Beat the best: Top Pasadena explorers
You might be interested in these quests
Murder Mystery: Death in the Shadows in Downtown, Pasadena
2.1 km
Pasadena Detective Mystery: Infiltrate a Secret Society!
2 km
Ghost Hunt in Pasadena
2.3 km
Murder Mystery: Crime on Date Night in Pasadena
2 km | Avg. time: 90 min
Compare Questo vs. Guided Walking Tours
Flexibility
Regular Guided Tours
Fixed schedules & no pausing
Questo
Start, pause, and resume anytime
Privacy
Regular Guided Tours
Crowds of up to 30 strangers
Questo
Private experience for your group only
Pricing
Regular Guided Tours
$30-$40 per person
Questo
Transparent pricing shown before checkout
Availability
Regular Guided Tours
Requires advance booking
Questo
Instant access 24/7/365
Experience
Regular Guided Tours
Passive listening to a guide
Questo
Active gamification; you solve the mystery
| Feature | Regular Guided Tours | Questo |
|---|---|---|
| Flexibility | Fixed schedules & no pausing | Start, pause, and resume anytime |
| Privacy | Crowds of up to 30 strangers | Private experience for your group only |
| Pricing | $30-$40 per person | Transparent pricing shown before checkout |
| Availability | Requires advance booking | Instant access 24/7/365 |
| Experience | Passive listening to a guide | Active gamification; you solve the mystery |
