Sunny Jim Sea Cave is the only sea cave in California you can access by land—down 144 stairs through a tunnel that’s been open to visitors since 1903. It’s tucked inside The Cave Store, a small wood-shingled gift shop on Coast Blvd, and most people walking by have no idea it’s there.
I’ve called La Jolla home for most of my adult life, over three decades now, minus a few years living overseas, and Sunny Jim remains one of my favorite spots to bring first-time visitors. It takes about 20 minutes, costs a few dollars, and adds something unexpected to a day exploring the Cove. It’s a hidden gem and one of La Jolla’s coolest attractions.
The History of Sunny Jim Cave
This La Jolla sea cave has an interesting story. A German artist and mining engineer named Gustav Schulz arrived in This La Jolla sea cave has an interesting story. A German artist and mining engineer named Gustav Schulz arrived in La Jolla to enjoy his golden years. But his fascination with the sea caves called him out of retirement. He thought that if there were a tunnel to the cave below his property, people would pay to access it.
Work on the tunnel began in November 1902. Schulz hired two Chinese laborers who dug it out with picks and shovels over the following year. At first, guests descended via rope.
Stairs came later, and today there are 145 of them leading down to a platform with one of the most unique Pacific Ocean views on the West Coast.
The cave got its name from Frank Baum, author of The Wizard of Oz, who visited in the early 1900s and thought the cave’s opening resembled Sunny Jim, a cartoon mascot for a British cereal.
According to local legend, the tunnel was also used to smuggle booze into San Diego during Prohibition.
What It’s Like Inside Sunny Jim Sea Cave
If you have some time to spare in La Jolla, a quick trip into the cave is worth it. Plan on about 15-20 minutes total.
Pay the entry fee inside The Cave Store, and you’ll be directed to the tunnel entrance. A few things to know before you go down:
- Leave bulky bags and strollers outside, as you should hold on to the rails with both hands. The wooden steps can be very slippery from moisture and tides. I’ve seen visitors lose their footing.
- If you’re bringing a baby, use a carrier strapped to your body. I to not recommend holding a baby while navigating these often slippery steps.
A note on accessibility: There are 145 stairs in each direction, with no elevator, so Sunny Jim Cave isn’t suitable for anyone with difficulty with stairs.
The tunnel is dark, musty, and slightly mysterious, which is part of its appeal. Kids will think this part is really, really cool. (I did, too.)
At the bottom, you’ll reach a small viewing platform where you can watch the water flow in and recede. The sound of the ocean echoes off the cave walls and it’s louder than you might expect.
Guests are prohibited from entering the water from the viewing platform, but people can come into the cave from the ocean side. You might spot a kayaker, swimmer, or snorkeler passing through.
Funny story —I posted the blow photo on Instagram. Because social media can be such a small world, I learned that the kayaker is not only a guide with Bike and Kayak but that she snapped a similar photo at the same time.
Don’t forget you have to walk back up those 145 stairs. Stopping for a breather is totally normal. Cameras monitor the tunnel for safety.
The Cave Store: Souvenirs and Snorkel Gear
There’s more to The Cave Store than the entrance to Sunny Jim. You can pick up beachy souvenirs like shell jewelry and beach essentials if you’re headed out to swim or sunbathe.
It’s also a convenient place to rent snorkel gear. Some of the best San Diego snorkeling is steps away at La Jolla Cove.
Don’t Forget Clam’s Cave and the Sea Lions/Seals
I like to suggest that visitors pair Sunny Jim Sea Cave with a walk south along the boardwalk to the La Jolla seals to the Children’s Pool. It’s a fantastic way to spend a mornign and get some exercise. The walk passes by some of my favorite La Jolla sights.
Walk to the left of The Cave Store (if facing the ocean) to catch a glimpse of Clam’s Cave, the only La Jolla sea cave visible from shore. It’s called Clam’s Cave because it’s double-sided—you can enter from either direction.
If you keep walking south, you’ll pass:
- La Jolla Cove (see my La Jolla Cove guide for why this is so popular)
- Ellen Browning Scripps Park
- Shell Beach
- Seal Rock
- Children’s Pool Beach (where the harbor seals hang out)
How to Visit Sunny Jim Sea Cave
Getting There and Parking
There’s 3-hour street parking along Coast Blvd, but you’ll need to arrive early to snag it. Otherwise, check Prospect Street or park in one of the all-day lots nearby.
You can walk down to Coast Blvd from Coast Blvd via the stairs next to La Valencia Hotel (north side).
The Cave Store Hours and Admission
The Cave Store
1325 Coast Blvd
La Jolla, CA 92037
(858) 459-0746
Hours: 9 a.m.–4:30 p.m. daily
Admission:
- Adults: $13
- Youth (3-17): $7
- Seniors and Active Military: $8
Tickets are sold at the door only. No reservations needed or available.
Tips for Visiting Sunny Jim Cave
- Weekday mornings tend to be less busy
- Wear closed-toe shoes with good grip
- Budget about 20 minutes total
- Great for kids who can handle stairs and will hold the railing
A stop at Sunny Jim is a perfect way to round out a visit to our coastal town. Because of social media, you can often see lines to get in. So rather than waiting in a long line, I suggest walking around the coastline or the Village or doing something else and then checking back again.
Sunny Jim Sea Cave: FAQ
How many stairs are in Sunny Jim Cave?
There are 145 stairs down to the viewing platform, and 145 back up. The climb takes about five minutes each way at a comfortable pace.
Do you need reservations for Sunny Jim Cave?
No. Tickets are sold at the door only on a first-come, first-served basis. No reservations are needed or available.
How long does it take to visit Sunny Jim Sea Cave?
Plan on about 20 minutes total, including the descent, time on the viewing platform, and the climb back up.
Is Sunny Jim Cave worth it?
If you’re already visiting La Jolla Cove or the seals, it’s a fun addition especially for kids who are steady walkers. It’s the only land-accessible sea cave in California, and the tunnel has over 100 years of history including a Prohibition-era smuggling past.
Can you swim in Sunny Jim Cave?
Not from the viewing platform inside because guests are prohibited from entering the water there. Trust me, it would not be safe due to the currents in the cave. However, experienced kayakers, swimmers, and snorkelers do enter the cave from the ocean side.
Katie Dillon
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