Experiences
Presidio Treasure Hunt is a team-based scavenger hunt experience designed to promote collaboration, communication, and problem-solving in a social outdoor setting. The event takes place in San Francisco’s historic Presidio, a 1,500-acre national park site that served as a U.S. Army base from 1776 until 1994, when it was transformed into a scenic public park with forested trails, historic buildings, and views of the Golden Gate Bridge.
This experience is powered by an augmented reality mobile app that delivers location-based clues, interactive puzzles, and creative photo and video challenges. The app blends digital gameplay with real-world exploration, keeping teams engaged while reinforcing strategic thinking and cooperation. Participants use their own smartphones to access the app, which provides real-time scoring, team leaderboards, and automated progress tracking.
The scavenger hunt begins on the Presidio’s Main Post, the historic heart of the former army base, and guides participants through a walkable, roughly 1.5-mile route that includes key landmarks such as the Presidio Officers’ Club, the Main Parade Ground, and the historic Pershing Square. The route is designed to be accessible for most fitness levels and takes approximately 90 minutes to complete.
What’s included in the Presidio Treasure Hunt:
- Augmented reality mobile app with location-based clues and puzzles
- Creative photo and video challenges integrated into the gameplay
- Automated scoring and team leaderboards through the app
- Self-facilitated format with clear instructions for organizers
- Support for multiple teams competing simultaneously
- Access to the Presidio’s historic and scenic outdoor environment
Event types served: This scavenger hunt is designed for corporate team-building events, academic group activities, social organizations, birthday parties, and private group outings. The format works well for groups of 10 or more participants, as the app supports multiple teams competing side by side. The self-facilitated model allows organizers to run the event without a host or guide, using the app’s built-in instructions and scoring.
Key features and benefits: The augmented reality technology adds an interactive layer to the physical environment, encouraging participants to explore the Presidio’s historic sites while solving puzzles. The experience promotes communication and collaboration among team members, as many challenges require group input to solve. The outdoor setting provides fresh air and physical activity, making it a healthy alternative to indoor team-building activities. The self-facilitated format offers flexibility in scheduling and reduces the need for on-site staff.
Service area: The Presidio Treasure Hunt takes place exclusively within San Francisco’s Presidio National Park, with the route starting at the Main Post and covering a walkable portion of the park. The event is suitable for visitors to San Francisco as well as local groups looking for a unique outdoor activity in the city.
Unique selling points: This experience combines historic exploration with modern augmented reality technology, offering a blend of education and entertainment. The Presidio’s status as a former military base turned national park provides a distinctive backdrop that is not available at other scavenger hunt locations. The self-facilitated model makes it easy to organize without external coordination, and the app’s automated features reduce administrative burden for organizers.
Participant experience: Teams work together to solve puzzles, complete photo challenges, and navigate the Presidio’s paths using the app. The experience is designed to be fun and engaging for adults, with a focus on teamwork rather than individual competition. The route includes both paved paths and natural terrain, so comfortable walking shoes are recommended. The event is rain or shine, as the Presidio’s tree cover provides partial shelter in most weather conditions.
