Sunny Jim's Sea Cave

Sunny Jim’s Sea Cave lets visitors explore an enchanting sea cave and enjoy a stunning view of the ocean. The cave can be accessed through a tunnel located in the historic Sunny Jim’s Cave Store. Although there are 7 caves on the shores of La Jolla that have been forged by ocean waves, Sunny Jim’s Sea Cave is the only one that you can access by land.

The Cave Store is a well-known historical landmark that boasts an eccentric beach theme and sells jewelry from local and Bali artists as well as souvenir gifts and beach attire.

Sunny Jim's Sea Cave - one of the highlights of 10 Things to Do Off the Beaten Track in San Diego (Read all about San Diego here)

Highlights of Sunny Jim’s Sea Cave

Sunny Jim’s Sea Cave has great historical significance with the local community. In 1902, Gustav Schultz had a tunnel carved with the plan to drop people into the cave for a small fee. After his death, the business was taken on by his wife and the store grew substantially.

It is rumored that during Prohibition the shop was a speakeasy and the tunnel was used to sneak alcohol in. Later, the tunnel was replaced by the current 145-step staircase and the cave was renamed by the author of "The Wonderful Wizard of Oz" in light of the cave's shape resembling a cereal mascot known as Sunny Jim.

Good to know about Sunny Jim’s Sea Cave

The path leading to Sunny Jim’s Sea Cave is 145 steps and is not handicap accessible. To best navigate the staircase, be sure to leave extra bags behind and watch your footing as the steps may be slick.

Note that guests are not allowed to go into the water while viewing the cave. After exploring Sunny Jim’s Sea Cave, you may enjoy taking a stroll along the boardwalk where you can see Clam’s Cave, Shell Beach, La Jolla Cove, and Children’s Pool Beach, which is a great place to view harbor seals.

Location: La Jolla, CA 92037, USA

Open: Monday–Thursday from 10 am to 5.30 pm, Friday–Sunday from 9 am to 5.30 pm

Phone: +1 858-459-0746

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