The Cave Store, San Diego County Travel Guide

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Explore a secret sea cave through a historic tunnel! The Cave Store: La Jolla's unique blend of history, adventure, and coastal beauty.

Descend into Sunny Jim Cave, the only sea cave in California accessible by land, through a historic tunnel from The Cave Store. This unique La Jolla attraction combines quirky history with ocean adventure, offering a glimpse into a smuggler's past and stunning sea views.

A brief summary to The Cave Store

1325 Coast Blvd, La Jolla, La Jolla, California, 92037, US
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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

From Eve

Know before you go

Hi, I'm Eve. Here are a few practical things to know before exploring The Cave Store.

Wear comfortable, non-slip shoes for the descent into the cave, as the steps can be damp and uneven.
Visit on a weekday to avoid long lines and parking challenges.
Allow extra time to find parking, especially during peak season.
Combine your visit with a walk along the La Jolla Coast Walk Trail for stunning ocean views.

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Other nearby places you may find interesting

The closest places of the same kind, if this one is not quite what you had in mind.

Old Town San Diego State Historic Park

Sunset Cliffs Natural Park

Old Town San Diego

Sunny Jim's Sea Cave

Cabrillo National Monument

Explore The Cave Store on the Map

A handpicked selection of must-see spots near The Cave Store, mapped for you.

Getting There

Walking

If you are in the La Jolla Cove area, The Cave Store is easily accessible by foot. Head north along Coast Boulevard. The store is located at 1325 Coast Blvd, a short walk from La Jolla Cove.
Public Transport

From downtown San Diego, take the MTS bus route 30 towards La Jolla. Get off at the stop at Coast Blvd and Girard Ave. Head west on Coast Blvd for about 0.5 miles until you reach The Cave Store. A single ride on the bus costs $2.50.
Ride Share

Use a ride-sharing service such as Uber or Lyft. Enter 'The Cave Store, 1325 Coast Blvd, La Jolla, CA 92037' as your destination. A ride from downtown San Diego typically takes 20-30 minutes, depending on traffic. The estimated cost is $30-$40.
Parking

Free street parking can be found on Coast Blvd and the surrounding residential streets. However, parking can be challenging to find, especially during peak hours. Paid parking lots are also available in the area. The closest paid public lot is in the La Jolla Financial Building at 1200 Prospect Street. Valet parking is available at 1250 Prospect Street for a flat rate of $13.20.

Discover more about The Cave Store

The Cave Store in La Jolla offers a unique experience: a journey into Sunny Jim Cave, one of La Jolla's famous sea caves and the only one accessible by land. Located at 1325 Coast Blvd, the store itself is a gift shop with a fascinating history.The adventure begins inside the store, where you purchase a ticket for a self-guided tour. A long, steep stairway descends through a man-made tunnel into the cave. The tunnel, dug in 1902, is said to have been used for smuggling alcohol and opium during Prohibition. The 145 steps down can be damp and uneven, so wear appropriate footwear. The tunnel is dimly lit and the ceiling is low in places.At the bottom of the tunnel, a viewing platform offers a unique perspective of the ocean and La Jolla Cove. From here, you can see the cave opening and, if you're lucky, spot sea lions basking on the rocks or kayakers exploring the cave from the water. The cave is named Sunny Jim because its opening is said to resemble the silhouette of a cartoon cereal mascot.The Cave Store also sells a variety of souvenirs, jewelry, and water sports equipment. Above ground near the store, trails offer scenic views of the cliffs and ocean.