United States of America>Santa Barbara>Butterfly Habitat to Bluffs to Beach
City exploration game

Butterfly Habitat to Bluffs to Beach

Play at your pace · usually 51 min 3.1 km Santa Barbara App-guided
Play in
English

The experience

About this quest

Experience an outdoor adventure with 3 settings from the butterfly habitat to the bluffs above the beach to the beach itself.  
Enjoy a pristine environment protected from development with mountains on the left, islands in the front and the beach below.  Solve interesting challenges including those not often seen in natural settings.  

This is a full outdoor scavenger hunt adventure!

Is this for you?

Who it's for

Families and couples visiting the Ellwood Mesa monarch grove can turn it into a walk of just under two hours, from the butterfly habitat to the bluff tops facing the islands and down to the beach, solving puzzles in the landscape along the way. The 3.1 km route crosses uneven ground with climbs, so anyone with limited mobility or hoping for town sights should pick a flatter route.

What makes this quest special

Highlights

  • Test your scavenger hunting skills of scent, tracking, sound and spotting landmarks.

  • Discover wildlife habitats and coastal treasures and how they're protected.

  • Track down and answer the Wind Phone.

  • Learn about the island national park and the Chumash Indians.

  • Spot the "prehistoric foot" from the bluffs and up close on the beach.

From your phone to the streets

A walk that turns into an adventure.

  1. 1

    Open the app. You’re on your way.

    Choose your pass, then open your quest in the Questo app. It guides you from the starting point.

  2. 2

    Get outside. Follow your curiosity.

    Discover real places and their stories on foot. Stop for a coffee or a photo, then pick up where you left off.

  3. 3

    Crack a clue. Share a little victory.

    Look around for answers, solve puzzles and enjoy the “we got it!” moments.

Your walk, at a glance

Santa Barbara

A · Start

7729 Hollister Ave, Goleta, CA 93117, USA

B · Finish

Hollister Ave, Goleta, CA 93117, USA

Get directions to the start

Start and finish only. Discover the stops as you play.

The people behind the adventure

Created by codechick.

A route that brings places and playful storytelling together.

Made by codechick

Good to know before you play

  • Ensure your phone is fully charged or bring along your trusty power bank
  • Wear a hat and sunscreen, have enough water
  • Varied terrain/elevation, may not be suitable for those with limited mobility
  • Family friendly
  • Fun to do as a couple

A little clarity before you go

Frequently asked questions

Is this a scavenger hunt in Santa Barbara?
Yes. It is a self-guided outdoor scavenger hunt at Ellwood Mesa, played on your phone. It covers three settings: the butterfly habitat, the bluffs above the beach and the beach itself. Along the way you solve challenges, including some not often seen in natural settings. It is free to play.
Where does the walk start and finish?
It starts at Ellwood Mesa Open Space & Sperling Preserve and finishes at the Ellwood Butterfly Preserve Parking Lot. In between, the route follows the beach access trail, the Butterfly Grove Trail, the Bluffs Overlook Trail and the trail to Ellwood Beach, about 3.1 km in total.
How long does it take, and can we pause?
Most players take just under two hours, walking and puzzles included. You can pause and continue later. It is all outdoors with little shade on the bluffs, so bring a hat, sunscreen and enough water, and make sure your phone is fully charged or carry a power bank.
Is it good for kids?
It is tagged as family friendly, and the mix of butterfly grove, clifftop views and beach keeps things varied. The terrain is uneven with changes in elevation over about 3.1 km, so it suits children who can comfortably walk that distance on natural trails.
Do we need to book a time or join a group?
No. The quest is free to play and you can start whenever you like. There is no guide and no group to join, so families, couples or friends simply play together on a phone at their own pace.

Your next story starts outside.

Your next adventure is an app away.

Get the Questo app. Pick a quest, follow the clues and make the city your playground.

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