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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 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 tunnel from The Cave Store. Carved in the early 1900s, this man-made passage leads to a stunning sea cave, offering breathtaking ocean views and a glimpse into local history.

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 traction, as the stairs down to the cave can be damp and slippery.
  • Visit on a weekday morning to avoid crowds.
  • Be mindful of the low ceiling in some sections of the tunnel, especially if you are tall.
  • Allow about 15-30 minutes for your visit to the cave.
  • Check out nearby attractions like La Jolla Cove, Children's Pool, and Clam's Cave.
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Getting There

  • Walking

    From La Jolla Cove, walk south 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. Admission to the cave is purchased inside the store. Cost: $10 for adults, $7 for children.

  • Public Transport

    From Downtown San Diego, take the UC San Diego Blue Line Trolley to the Balboa Avenue Station. Transfer to Route 30 bus towards La Jolla. Get off at the stop on Torrey Pines Road and Prospect Street. Walk down Prospect Street and turn left onto Coast Boulevard. The Cave Store will be on your left. Bus fare is approximately $2.50.

  • Parking

    Limited free 2-3 hour street parking is available on Coast Boulevard near The Cave Store. If street parking is unavailable, paid parking lots are located across the street and on Prospect Street. Expect to pay $20-$25 for day parking in a parking structure. Arrive early, especially on weekends, to secure parking.

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Discover more about Sunny Jim's Sea Cave

Sunny Jim's Sea Cave is a captivating destination nestled in the La Jolla community of San Diego. As one of seven sea caves along the La Jolla coast, it stands out as the only one accessible by land. The journey begins in The Cave Store, a beach-themed gift shop with a rich history. In 1902, Gustav Schultz, a German entrepreneur and engineer, conceived the idea of creating a tunnel to the cave to attract tourists. He hired two Chinese laborers who, using only shovels and pickaxes, spent two years digging the tunnel. Originally, visitors were lowered by rope. Later, a staircase was built. L. Frank Baum, author of "The Wonderful Wizard of Oz," named the cave Sunny Jim, due to its resemblance to a British cereal mascot. Today, visitors descend 144 stairs through the man-made tunnel to reach the cave. Inside, a viewing platform offers stunning views of the Pacific Ocean. The cave's rugged walls and the sound of crashing waves create a memorable experience. The cave has a colorful past, with rumors suggesting it was used for smuggling alcohol during Prohibition. While visiting, be aware that the stairs can be slippery. The space inside the cave can be limited, and swimming is not allowed. Despite these limitations, Sunny Jim's Sea Cave remains a must-see attraction in La Jolla, offering a blend of history, natural beauty, and quirky charm.

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