The Cave Store: La Jolla's Secret Passage to Sunny Jim Cave
Explore a historic smuggler's tunnel leading to the unique Sunny Jim Sea Cave, a must-see La Jolla attraction and gift shop.
The Cave Store in La Jolla, California, offers a unique blend of quirky history and coastal adventure. More than just a gift shop, it holds the entrance to Sunny Jim Cave, the only sea cave in California accessible by land. In 1902, German artist Gustav Schulz hired laborers to dig a tunnel from his residence (now The Cave Store) through the sandstone cliffs to Sunny Jim Cave. Originally, visitors were lowered by rope. Stairs were added later. Legend says the cave and tunnel were used to smuggle alcohol and opium during Prohibition. L. Frank Baum, author of 'The Wizard of Oz', named the cave Sunny Jim because its opening resembled a cereal mascot. Today, visitors descend 145 steps through a narrow, damp tunnel. At the bottom, a viewing platform offers views of the Pacific Ocean and La Jolla Cove. The cave itself is the second largest of La Jolla's seven sea caves. Kayakers often explore the cave from the water.
Local tips
- Arrive early to avoid crowds, especially during peak season. Weekends can be particularly busy.
- Wear non-slip shoes, as the stairs can be damp and slippery.
- Be prepared for a bit of a climb; there are 145 steps to descend and ascend.
- Note that the tunnel has a low ceiling in places; taller visitors may need to duck.
- Combine your visit with a walk along the La Jolla Coast Walk Trail for scenic views.
A brief summary to The Cave Store
- 1325 Coast Blvd, La Jolla, La Jolla, California, 92037, US
- +1858-459-0746
- Visit website
- 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
Getting There
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Walking
From La Jolla Cove, walk north along Coast Boulevard for about 5 minutes. The Cave Store is located at 1325 Coast Blvd, on the left side of the street. Look for the wood-shingled building on the cliffside.
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Public Transport
From downtown San Diego, take MTS bus route 30 towards La Jolla. Get off at Coast Blvd and Girard Ave. Walk west on Coast Blvd for about 0.5 miles to The Cave Store. A single ride on public transport costs $2.50.
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Ride Share
Use a ride-sharing app (Uber/Lyft) and enter 'The Cave Store, 1325 Coast Blvd, La Jolla, CA 92037' as the destination. The trip from downtown San Diego takes approximately 20-30 minutes, depending on traffic. The estimated cost is $30-$40.
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Parking
Free street parking is available on Coast Blvd, but it can be difficult to find, especially during weekends. Try the business and residential areas between Torrey Pines Road and Prospect St. Paid parking lots are also available in the area. An all-day parking pass can be found for around $5. Valet parking is available on Prospect Avenue for approximately $12.
