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Sunny Jim's Sea Cave: La Jolla's Subterranean Secret

Explore La Jolla's hidden gem: Descend into Sunny Jim's Sea Cave for stunning ocean views and a unique historic experience.

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Descend into Sunny Jim's Sea Cave, a unique La Jolla attraction accessed through a historic, man-made tunnel. Carved in 1903, the tunnel leads to a stunning sea cave, offering breathtaking ocean views and a glimpse into local history. It's a quirky and memorable experience for all ages.

A brief summary to Sunny Jim's Sea Cave

  • Monday 9 am-4:30 pm
  • Tuesday 9 am-4:30 pm
  • Wednesday 9 am-4:30 pm
  • Thursday 9 am-4:30 pm
  • Friday 9 am-4:30 pm
  • Saturday 9 am-4:30 pm
  • Sunday 9 am-4:30 pm

Local tips

  • Wear comfortable shoes with good grip, as the steps down to the cave can be slippery.
  • Arrive early, especially on weekends, to avoid crowds and secure parking.
  • Take your time on the stairs, as the tunnel has a low ceiling in some areas.
  • Be prepared for some water splashing up from the ocean.
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Getting There

  • Walking

    From La Jolla Cove, walk north along Coast Boulevard. The Cave Store, which provides access to Sunny Jim's Sea Cave, will be on your left. The walk is approximately 5 minutes and offers scenic views of the coastline.

  • Public Transport

    From downtown San Diego, take the UC San Diego Blue Line Trolley to the Nobel Drive Station. From there, transfer to Bus Route 30 and ride towards La Jolla. Get off at the stop on Torrey Pines Road and Prospect Street. Walk west on Prospect Street, then turn left onto Coast Boulevard. The Cave Store will be on the left. A one-way fare on the bus is $2.50.

  • Parking

    Limited street parking is available on Coast Boulevard. There is also a paid parking lot across the street from The Cave Store. Expect to pay $20-$25 for day parking in nearby parking structures. Arrive early for the best chance of finding a spot.

Unlock the Best of Sunny Jim's Sea Cave

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Discover more about Sunny Jim's Sea Cave

Sunny Jim's Sea Cave is a captivating destination nestled in the heart of La Jolla, California. Unlike the other sea caves dotting the coastline, Sunny Jim's is the only one accessible by land, offering a unique subterranean adventure. The journey begins within The Cave Store, a beach-themed gift shop located on Coast Boulevard. Here, for a small fee, visitors can descend into the depths via a hand-dug tunnel created in 1903. Gustav Schultz, a German entrepreneur, hired two Chinese laborers to carve the tunnel, hoping to capitalize on the natural beauty of the caves. The endeavor took nearly two years, using only shovels and pickaxes. Originally, visitors were lowered by rope. Soon after a staircase was created. Today, 144 wooden steps lead down to a viewing platform inside the cave. Inside the cave, the sounds of crashing waves echo through the cavern. The light filters in, illuminating the rocky walls and the stunning ocean view. Keep an eye out for local marine life; seals and sea lions are frequent visitors, adding to the magic of the experience. Legend has it that Sunny Jim's Sea Cave was also used for smuggling during the Prohibition era. The cave was named by L. Frank Baum, the author of "The Wonderful Wizard of Oz," who thought the cave's opening resembled the British cereal mascot, Sunny Jim. A visit to Sunny Jim's Sea Cave is a step back in time and a chance to witness the power and beauty of nature.

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