Sunny Jim’s Sea Cave

This tunnel was dug out by two Chinese laborers hired by German artist, mining engineer, and entrepreneur Gustav Schultz in 1902. It leads from the Cave Store, Schultz’s original residence, down through the sandstone cliffs of La Jolla Cove and into Sunny Jim’s Sea Cave.

Tours are approximately 15-20 minutes long and self-guided. You’ll have the entire tunnel and sea cave for yourself and your party (unless you come on one of our ‘walk-in’ days)! Come prepared to both descend and climb the original 144 stairs (roughly a five-minute ascent at a gentle pace). Experience a real piece of San Diego history at the Cave Store.

To get there: Walk a few minutes north on Coast Boulevard to The Cave Store. Inside this souvenir shop awaits the entrance to the only sea cave accessible by land, Sunny Jim sea cave. It’s a sometimes-slippery walk down the staircase into the cave, so be mindful of small children. Once inside, it’s fun to hear the echo of the ocean and occasional sea lion. A small admission fee is required.

Along the way to The Cave Store, you’ll pass Clam’s Cave, another of La Jolla’s seven sea caves, which is the only sea cave in California that you can see from land. There is no need to plan a ton of time for this side adventure, maybe 30 minutes, including the walk from La Jolla Cove and it’s not necessary if you are short on time.