Exploring the Sea Cave in La Jolla is a must-do experience! This popular spot is easily accessible in San Diego and is a tourist favorite. Let’s enjoy the hidden cave of La Jolla!
Sunny Jim’s Sea Cave Store
About a 10-minute walk from Ellen Browning Scripps Park brings you to Sunny Jim’s Sea Cave Store. After paying the admission fee inside, you’re led to a somewhat mysterious entrance (a little spooky!). You descend the stairs leading into the cave from this dim, narrow passageway. It takes about 5 to 10 minutes one way, though it may take a bit longer if it’s crowded or two-way traffic. Be cautious of your footing—the stairs are damp and slippery!
The Cave’s History
This tunnel was hand-dug 1902 by two Chinese laborers hired by Gustav Schulz, a German artist and entrepreneur. It’s said that during the Prohibition era, this tunnel was secretly used as a route for smuggling alcohol. This cave holds a fascinating little secret from history, which makes it all the more intriguing!
The Stunning View from the Cave
After descending 144 steps, you’ll reach the end of the cave. In front of you, the emerald green waters of La Jolla stretch out, framed by the beautifully carved entrance shaped by natural erosion. Doesn’t this entrance look just like the profile of a man’s face? It’s a fascinating example of nature’s accidental beauty.
The cave is named ‘Sunny Jim’s Sea Cave’ because the shape of the entrance resembles the profile of ‘Sunny Jim,’ the mascot of the British cereal brand ‘Force.’ It’s a unique sight that makes you feel like you’ve stumbled upon a secret place!
I have to say, I’m impressed with how well I took this photo (lol).
This is a recommended spot to enjoy a cave exploration experience and stunning views in about an hour. When visiting San Diego, spend a special moment at La Jolla’s sea cave. The breathtaking view from this hidden cave is genuinely worth seeing!
Sunny Jim’s Cave Store
1325 Coast Blvd. La Jolla, CA 92037
Ellen Browning Scripps Park
1100 Coast Blvd, La Jolla, CA 92037
A must-see Sea Cave exploration in La Jolla if you are in San Diego! This popular spot is easy to enjoy. You can access the cave inside a souvenir shop called Sunny Jim’s Cave Store. Over 100 years ago, during the Prohibition era, smugglers utilized this tunnel and sea cave to transport alcohol and opium into San Diego. As you walk down the dark stairs, feeling the history, you will arrive at a spectacular view you would never imagine from the outside!
When you enter the shop, head to the right,
where you pay the entrance fee and are then led to a suspicious-looking entrance (lol)
The narrow staircase built inside the dimly lit cave has 144 steps.
It takes about 5-10 minutes to go down if it’s not crowded.
The tunnel was commissioned in 1902 by German artist, mining engineer, and entrepreneur Gustav Schulz.
It was apparently dug by hand by two Chinese workers.
Arriving at the entrance of the cave facing the sea!
It’s such a stunning shape that it’s hard to believe that it was created by nature due to wave erosion!
You can see the beautiful emerald green sea of La Jolla, it’s really beautiful
Now, after all the fun, it’s time to climb the 144 steps back up (lol)!
The incredible view from the hidden cave is something you shouldn’t miss
Quick Trivia & Key Tips
- You’re lucky if you can find parking along the nearby street, but if not, it’s safer to park in a paid lot and walk. La Jolla gets quite crowded on weekends and holidays!
- If the cave isn’t crowded, it takes 5-10 minutes to go one way. If it’s busy and people are going both directions, it might take longer since the stairs are narrow.
- Inside the cave, water drips down, and the stairs are damp and slippery, so be careful.
- The name “Sunny Jim Cave” comes from the advertising character “Sunny Jim” for the British cereal brand “Force.” The name comes from the fact that the shape of the entrance to the cave resembles the character’s profile!
- You can also walk along the coast from Ellen Browning Scripps Park near downtown La Jolla.
It’s a great activity where you can enjoy the cave exploration feeling and the spectacular views in about an hour
Sunny Jim’s Cave Store
1325 Coast Blvd. La Jolla, CA 92037
Ellen Browning Scripps Park
1100 Coast Blvd, La Jolla, CA 92037
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