Santa Cruz is where surf town charm meets redwood serenity—and this mystery weekend lets you explore both. Your adventure begins with a series of playful clues and riddles delivered via smartphone, each one guiding you to pick up gourmet picnic items from local artisans. As you solve each step, you'll uncover not only your next treat, but also the path to a hidden, scenic picnic spot. After a leisurely meal in nature, you’ll head to your pre-arranged accommodation for the night, hand-selected to reflect the cozy character of Santa Cruz. Whether it’s a boutique inn near the boardwalk or a peaceful forest hideaway, every stay is unique, comfortable, and close to the action. With personalized tips for local sights and secret spots, it’s an effortless way to explore, connect, and unwind together.

Any restrictions to participate?

• Age: 18+
• Physical limitations: Participants should be comfortable biking or driving a distance of approximately 1.6 miles during the picnic experience.

Who can you accommodate for?

• Children: This is not an experience for children. 
• Individuals with disabilities: The experience is wheelchair accessible.
• Dietary restrictions: Gluten free or vegetarian options are available with prior notice. Vegan or dairy free options are not available.
• Pets: Sorry, no pets allowed.

What to expect on the day of the experience?

• Duration: It is recommended to allow at least 2-3 hours for the picnic portion, with one night's accommodation to follow.
• What’s included: Depending on the package selected the experience will include the following:
  • Mystery Picnic: Pre-paid picnic items to collect along the way to compose a stunning picnic spread, interactive clues and riddles on your smartphone, games and conversation starters, as well as additional activity and walking recommendations.
  • Premium Mystery Picnic: All the amazing inclusions of the Mystery Picnic package plus additional treats, drinks and content as well as extra indulgences that make it perfect for special occasions!
• Who will be present: This is a self-guided adventure, designed for personal exploration and enjoyment.
• Photo/ video: Photos and video are encouraged!

How to prepare?

• Weather dependency: Mystery picnics can happen rain, hail or shine. As a self-guided experience, you are welcome to take your picnic items to a sheltered location to enjoy.
• Arrival: Solve your first clue before departure to know the starting point.
• Parking: Paid parking is available in the area.
• What to wear: Casual attire appropriate for weather conditions and comfortable walking shoes.
• What to bring: 
  • For the picnic please bring a fully charged phone for clues, pen and paper, a bottle of water, a cooler bag/carry bag with an ice pack for your items, cutlery, plates/cheeseboard, and a picnic blanket if you have one. 
  • An overnight bag for your one-night stay.

What is a Mystery Picnic?
A Mystery Picnic is a self-guided food adventure where you solve clues and riddles to collect delicious picnic ingredients. Using your smart phone to solve clues and riddles, your journey will take you to local artisan producers where you will collect delicious picnic ingredients, ending at a stunning picnic spot where you'll enjoy your food. The experience is designed for friends, families, and couples looking for a fun and unique day out.

How does it work?

1. Book your picnic: Select your preferred date and location.
2. Receive your clues: You'll get a series of clues and riddles sent to your email on the day of your picnic.
3. Solve the clues: Follow the clues to local artisan producers to collect your picnic ingredients.
4. Enjoy your picnic: Once you’ve gathered all your goodies, head to your final destination and enjoy a leisurely picnic.

Where are the Mystery Picnic locations?
Giftory.com offers Mystery Picnics in various scenic locations. Check our website for a list of available cities and regions.

What do I need to bring?
Just bring your sense of adventure, a fully charged smartphone, and appropriate clothing for the weather. Everything else, including your picnic ingredients, will be provided.

Can Mystery Picnics cater to dietary restrictions?
Yes, they can accommodate various dietary requirements, including vegetarian, vegan, gluten-free, and more. Please specify your needs when booking.

Is the experience suitable for children?
Absolutely! Mystery Picnics are family-friendly and suitable for all ages. Children will enjoy solving the clues and exploring new places.

Can I do a Mystery Picnic with more than one group?
Of course! These self-guided food adventures are easy to do in a single group or with groups of friends.

What happens if the weather is bad?
Mystery Picnics can proceed in most weather conditions. However, if extreme weather is forecasted, we can reschedule your picnic to another date.

Unused Experience Vouchers can be returned within 15 days for a full refund to the original purchaser, no questions asked.

If you have any unused Experience Vouchers, you can exchange them for anything else in our marketplace, no matter when. If you choose an experience that's more expensive, you'll need to pay the difference, but if you choose one that costs less, you'll receive a credit towards your next booking.

No refunds are allowed once the experience is booked, but you can reschedule up to 4 days before your experience, for a date within a year of the original booking. To reschedule, contact the experience provider directly. No-shows or rescheduling less than 4 days in advance means losing the value of your experience.