When you’re going through an emotional time, a rage room might be the tension release you need. On a recent much-needed trip to La Jolla with my long-distance best friend, we spent a memorable Saturday night at Xcape & Rage San Diego. It’s an experience I’ve wondered about in the past, and it’s one I’m happy we did together.
The rage and escape room business was fairly new, with only five Google reviews at the time. We chose the “VIP” room over the window room because we didn’t want people on the sidewalk to have a view into our experience. The cost was the same per room, at about $45 per person. When you book the room, you’re asked to wear long sleeves and pants, which we did. We also chose to wear the protective jumpsuit they offer for added safety. They provide a helmet and safety glasses, along with a pair of rubber gloves and protective gloves over them. Why two pairs? Because your hands get excessively sweaty, and you wouldn’t want to wear the sweaty gloves someone wore before you, would you? I know I wouldn’t.
Lock your valuables, like your keys, in a lockbox outside the room, and you’re ready to go!
In the room itself, you get a rundown of the rules, including not hitting the punching bag dummy with any sharp objects and not destroying the table in the room. We were provided with two crates of objects that we could break, including wine bottles, candle holders, vases, plates and bowls. Some were surprisingly difficult to break.
We chose to mostly throw them against the wall to break them, but we could also use the various instruments they had, like hammers, mallets and similar tools. The safety glasses were a much-appreciated necessity as glass shards bounced off the walls.
You can also use Xcape’s tripod to hold your phone, or set the phone up to record on a wall mount. Tip: Create a playlist ahead of time and have your music played as you rage by connecting your phone to the speaker.
We had about 17 minutes to rage, which is honestly more than enough time. It’s tiresome but hilarious. After our time was up, we headed back to the hallway, where we were given a cold mini water bottle and sat in front of a fan. Be sure to snap a photo, and you can use the provided signs as props. You are also free to take a photo in the room itself before you leave.
I had expected the rage room to be more emotional and to release pent-up anger, but instead, it brought me joy and laughs as my friend and I shared this fun experience. I recommend it!
Marette Flora is the founder of Floradise blog and personalized gift shop. Marette is a passionate storyteller and creator. She attended the Walter Cronkite School of Journalism at Arizona State University and obtained a bachelor’s degree in journalism and mass communication.
She is passionate about creating helpful and meaningful things.