A Tour of Tinseltown – Having Fun On An UrbanQuest

Now I love me a good walking tour. I’m not afraid to say it. Tours are the best (when they’re done right). You see new places, learn new things, get some exercise – it’s a win win! So when I was contacted by UrbanQuest to try out one of their Los Angeles tours I jumped at the opportunity. Then when I found out it would be a self-guided scavenger hunt I was even more excited!

UrbanQuest offers multiple tours in major cities throughout the US and Canada. For the Los Angeles area they have two options – Venice and Hollywood. Being the film buff that I am naturally I chose the Hollywood Tour.

So what’s nice about UrbanQuest is that the tours are done at your own pace. Once you sign up for one on their website you’re given a chance to set your time and date and it can be whenever you want. Then you download the clues package and get ready to explore!

You’ll be advised on where to start and then will be given clues on how to get from one spot to the next. Then, at each spot they’ll be a task you’re required to do. Don’t worry! It’s nothing embarrassing like soliciting a complete stranger for something. It’s essentially trivia and puzzles that you complete.

I really liked this as I am a puzzle and trivia geek. The ones in the tour are great because they really encourage you to observe the area you are at. I’ve been to Hollywood many times but rarely walk around. Thanks to UrbanQuest I was able to view up close many sights that I would ordinarily glimpse whizzing by through my car window.

I keep saying “I” but I didn’t take the tour alone – I had my sister with me. I would definitely suggesting completing it as a group as it’s much more fun that way and I wouldn’t really recommend wandering the streets of Hollywood alone, especially if you are unfamiliar with the area.

Since my sister and I are both quite familiar with the surroundings we were able to complete the entire quest in just under and hour and a half. We did run into some trouble because one of the spots was closed due to a film premiere (darn those Hollywood stars!). No worries though because smart phones are encouraged. We just looked up what we needed to know and had no trouble finishing up.

Now what’s also fun about UrbanQuest is that you can opt to include lunch or dinner reservations at a secret location. If you choose to do this you’ll be given a list of available restaurants. Then how is it a secret? Well, they’re just listed by type (gastropub, Mexican, Indian, etc.) and price range. Choose which type you want and complete the tour to find out where you’re headed for eats!

All in all UrbanQuest is a great way to get to know the city a little better and have fun while you’re doing it. I may now have to see what the Venice one is all about.

UrbanQuest is available here. Each tour is $28.99 per team (the meal option is not included in the price).

full disclosure: I was provided with a free UrbanQuest to try out. All opinions are my own.