Imagine heading into a store, down a set of stairs to find yourself looking out at the ocean from inside a sea cave. Does such a place exist? Yes, at the Cave Store in La Jolla!
The Cave Store is one of seven sea caves in La Jolla, California, but it’s the only one in California accessible by land. Here’s everything you should know about visiting the sea cave inside The Cave Store.
History of the Cave Store in La Jolla, CA
The tunnel to the sea cave was dug out in 1902 as a way to smuggle in alcohol and other illegal goods by boat. The Cave Store used to be someone’s home but is now a shop selling souvenirs.
The sea cave is officially called the Sunny Jim Cave because the cave opening looks like the shape of a man’s head (Can you see it in the photo below?).
Quick Facts about Visiting the Cave Store
Location: 1325 Coast Blvd., La Jolla, CA 92037
Hours: 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
Cost: $10 for adults, $6 for youth (3-17)
How to Buy Tickets: Get tickets upon arrival on first-come, first-served basis when the store is open.
Tips for Visiting the Cave Store
Arrive early. I’d recommend arriving as close to the store’s opening as possible, before the crowds. Luckily we arrived early and were able to head right in. However, upon exiting the store, a line was already forming outside and around the corner.
Be patient. Only 15-20 people are allowed in the cave at one time, so others will need to wait until people leave before entering.
Watch out for sea lions. You might see sea lions in the cave — and sometimes even on the platform! There are CCTV cameras that the Cave Store employees monitor to determine how crowded the cave is and to watch for sea lions. In the event that sea lions do come up on the platform, the cave could be temporarily closed. Do not try to approach sea lions.
A Typical Experience Inside the Cave Store
Step 1: Head down the stairs. There are 145 stairs that you need to walk up/down, and it’s very humid and damp in the tunnel.
Step 2: Admire the cave on the platform. At the bottom platform you can take photos and admire the views inside the sea cave. We only spent about 20 minutes in the tunnel and sea cave, so it’s not a huge time commitment. It’s still very much worth it as it’s such a unique experience.
Step 3: Climb back up the stairs. You can’t leave the platform, meaning you’re not allowed to jump into the water from the platform in the cave. So once you’re done taking in the views at the bottom, you’ll have to turn around and climb back up the stairs.
Other Things to Do Around the Cave Store
The Cave Store is in La Jolla, which stretches for 7 miles along the California coast. La Jolla is a beach community known for its sea caves, bluffs, and wild locals — the seals and sea lions.
The local seals and sea lions have really taken over La Jolla’s famous cove. You can find them sunbathing or swimming in the surf all year round. (Be sure to give them a wide berth especially during pupping and mating seasons.)
Walk the Coast Walk Trail
Walk along the coast, near the Cave Store, and you’ll find places to venture out onto the cliffs. The views of the ocean and beyond are stunning. There’s a trail here called the Coast Walk Trail, and it’s a little over a half mile long. Follow it as long as you like! It’s a stunning and historic trail.
Explore La Jolla Cove and Look for Sea Lions
La Jolla Cove is a small sandy stretch amid all the bluffs. A lot of people come here to swim and sunbathe — but so do the seals.
I wasn’t too keen to jump in the waters at La Jolla Cove because of all the seals and sea lions already there. These are wild animals, and I didn’t personally feel comfortable trying to swim with them.
Point La Jolla is nearby and much of it was closed to the public when we visited in the summer, and I believe this is done annually to give the seals and sea lions more space. There are petitions to close it year-round for the safety of both animals and humans.
It’s interesting to observe the seals and sea lions, of course, but definitely give them their space.
Kayak
Kayaking is a popular activity in La Jolla as the waters are a gorgeous blue and there are several sea caves you can explore on kayak. Waters are often calm and clear, too. Arrange to kayak with a group or rent your own gear and head out on the ocean. I haven’t personally done this activity yet, but we saw a lot of kayakers while in La Jolla, so I assume it’s an incredible experience. Hopefully one day I can get out there and try it!
Here are a few kayaking companies in La Jolla to check out:
- La Jolla Kayak (read the TripAdvisor reviews)
- Everyday California (read the TripAdvisor reviews)
- La Jolla Sea Cave Kayaks (read the TripAdvisor reviews)
- Bike and Kayak Tours La Jolla (read the TripAdvisor reviews)
Note that I haven’t personally done a tour with any of these companies, so definitely do your research before booking to make sure you get the best experience.
Browse the Vendors at Scripps Park
Vendors line the walkway at Scripps Park in La Jolla, selling various souvenirs and even coconuts. Browse some of the vendor stalls as you walk back to your car or down the beach. This area can get quite busy, especially on weekends. A lot of people also use the park for picnics, which seems like a charming idea.
Get Ice Cream
What’s a trip to the beach without ice cream? Stop in at Bobboi Natural Gelato for delicious and unique gelato flavors. The gelato is so good, I can’t recommend it enough. I got the pistacchio flavor but was also able to try a sample of the rose honey flavor. It was hard to choose!
Frequently Asked Questions about the Cave Store
How many stairs are in the Cave Store?
There are 145 stairs that you need to walk up/down inside the tunnel to reach the sea cave. Note that it’s very humid and damp in the tunnel.
How long to spend in the Cave Store?
We only spent about 20 minutes in the tunnel and sea cave, so it’s not a huge time commitment. It’s still very much worth it as it’s such a unique experience.
How much is the Cave Store?
Tickets to enter the sea cave is $10 for adults, $6 for youth (3-17). Tours are self guided.
Map of the Cave Store and Other La Jolla Activities
Other Posts to Help You Plan Your Trip to California
Guide to the Torrey Pines Hiking Trails in San Diego
Day Trip to Channel Islands National Park
Perfect 1 to 3 Day Itinerary for Kings Canyon National Park
Guide to Visiting the Pismo Beach Butterfly Grove
Where to See Cherry Blossoms in Los Angeles
Bear Gulch Cave and Reservoir: The Best Hike in Pinnacles National Park