1325 Coast Walk Trail
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The Cave Store: La Jolla's Secret Passage to Sunny Jim Sea Cave
Explore a secret tunnel leading to a stunning sea cave at La Jolla's historic Cave Store, a unique coastal adventure.
Descend into a world of mystery and natural beauty at The Cave Store in La Jolla. This unique gift shop holds a secret: a man-made tunnel leading to Sunny Jim Sea Cave, the only sea cave in California accessible by land. Explore the depths and discover a hidden gem carved into the sandstone cliffs.
Plan your visit
A brief summary to The Cave Store
Opening times, essentials, and a few local tips gathered into one calmer, easier-to-scan planning section.
Plan your visit
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
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Getting There
Walking
From La Jolla Cove, walk north along Coast Boulevard for about 0.5 miles. The Cave Store will be on your left, marked by its distinctive wood-shingled building. Look for the address 1325 Coast Blvd. Along the way, you'll pass Clam's Cave, the only sea cave visible from land. No cost for walking.
Public Transport
From downtown San Diego, take MTS bus route 30 towards La Jolla. Get off at the stop at Coast Blvd and Girard Ave. From there, head west on Coast Blvd for about 0.5 miles until you reach The Cave Store at 1325 Coast Blvd. Single fare is $2.50.
Ride Share
Use a ride-sharing app such as Uber or Lyft and enter 'The Cave Store, 1325 Coast Blvd, La Jolla, CA 92037' as your destination. The trip from downtown San Diego typically takes about 20-30 minutes, depending on traffic. Expect to pay around $20-$40 for a one-way trip.
Local tips
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Arrive early, especially on weekends, as parking can be challenging to find.
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Wear comfortable, non-slip shoes, as the stairs down to the cave can be steep and damp.
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Be prepared for a bit of a workout, as the 145 steps back up can be tiring.
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Take your time on the stairs, as some parts can be slippery.
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Combine your visit with a walk along the La Jolla Coast Walk Trail for stunning ocean views.
Discover more about The Cave Store
The Cave Store in La Jolla offers a unique blend of quirky history and ocean adventure. More than just a gift shop, it serves as the gateway to Sunny Jim Sea Cave, the only sea cave in California accessible by land.
In 1902, German artist Gustav Schultz hired two Chinese laborers to carve a tunnel into the sandstone cliffs of La Jolla Cove, leading to what is now known as Sunny Jim Sea Cave. Legend has it that the tunnel was originally intended to provide tourist access to the cave and fund Schultz's retirement. However, it's also rumored to have been used by bootleggers to smuggle alcohol and opium during Prohibition.
Today, visitors can descend the 145 steps into the tunnel, which is dimly lit and can be damp. At the bottom, a viewing platform offers stunning views of the ocean and the cave's interior. The cave itself was named Sunny Jim by L. Frank Baum, author of "The Wizard of Oz", because its opening resembled a British cereal cartoon mascot.
The Cave Store itself is filled with beach-themed souvenirs and historical information about the cave. It's a popular destination for families and tourists alike, offering a glimpse into La Jolla's natural beauty and colorful past.
A brief summary to The Cave Store
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