Photo: Brian P
Photo: Gene Caldwell
Photo: The Cave Store
The Cave Store
★4.2(2,088 reviews)$Activity
🕑 45 minutes to 1 hour (15-20 minutes for cave visit, 30-40 minutes browsing the shop)👶 Best for ages 5 and up. The steep staircase with 145 steps requires stamina and sure-footedness, making it challenging for toddlers. Kids ages 5-12 particularly love the adventure of descending into a real sea cave and exploring the unique gift shop treasures.🧡 Saved by 60+ families
About
The Cave Store offers a unique underground adventure where families descend 145 steps through a hand-carved tunnel to reach Sunny Jim Cave, the only sea cave in La Jolla accessible by land. Before or after your cave exploration, kids will be mesmerized by the shop's collection of shells, fossils, geodes, and ocean treasures,perfect for budding marine biologists and rock collectors.
Highlights
- ✓Descending 145 steps through a hand-carved tunnel into a real sea cave
- ✓Spotting seals, sea lions, and ocean wildlife from inside Sunny Jim Cave
- ✓Browsing authentic fossils, shark teeth, and geodes in the treasure-filled shop
- ✓The cave's natural skylight opening and dramatic ocean views
- ✓Learning about the cave's history,carved in 1902 by Gustav Schultz
Pro Tips
- 1.Visit during low tide for the best cave views and to see more of the cave's interior and ocean life.
- 2.Bring a light jacket even on warm days,the cave can be cool and damp inside.
- 3.The stairs are narrow and steep, so plan for about 10-15 minutes to descend and ascend; adults carrying babies or with mobility issues should reconsider.
- 4.Set a souvenir budget before entering,kids will want everything from fossils to shark teeth to geodes.
- 5.Arrive early (right at 9 AM opening) to avoid crowds in the narrow tunnel, especially on weekends.
Best Time to Visit
Weekday mornings (9:00-11:00 AM) are ideal for fewer crowds in the narrow tunnel. Winter and early spring offer the most dramatic wave action inside the cave, while summer provides calmer conditions for nervous explorers.
What to Know
Cave admission costs around $10 for adults and $5 for kids (3-12). Street parking along Coast Boulevard can be challenging; arrive early or use nearby paid lots. The cave tunnel is not stroller or wheelchair accessible.
Seasonal Notes
Open year-round seven days a week. Winter months (November-March) bring more dramatic waves and stronger ocean activity inside the cave. Occasionally closes during extreme high tides or severe weather for safety,call ahead during storm season.
Nearby Eats
The Cottage La Jolla (5-minute walk) offers kid-friendly breakfast and lunch with pancakes and grilled cheese favorites. Duke's La Jolla has ocean views and a children's menu featuring fish tacos and burgers.
More Activities Near La Jolla
Activity
La Jolla Shores Beach
Free❤️10
La Jolla Shores Beach is one of San Diego's most family-friendly beaches, featuring a wide stretch of soft sand and gentle, shallow waves perfect for young swimmers and sandcastle builders. The protected cove creates calm conditions ideal for first-time ocean explorers, while the nearby tide pools and kayak launch areas offer additional adventures for curious kids.
Adventure
Torrey Pines Gliderport
★4.8$❤️53
Torrey Pines Gliderport offers a thrilling spectacle that captivates kids of all ages,colorful paragliders and hang gliders launching off dramatic coastal cliffs and soaring overhead like real-life superheroes. The expansive grassy bluffs provide the perfect spot for kite flying, picnicking, and watching the action, while scenic trails lead to breathtaking ocean views that make for unforgettable family photos.
Activity
La Jolla Cove
★4.8Free❤️179
La Jolla Cove is a stunning beach destination where kids can splash in gentle waves, peer into tide pools teeming with marine life, and get up close with adorable sea lions lounging on the rocks. The crystal-clear, protected waters make it ideal for families with young snorkelers, while the dramatic coastal cliffs and abundant wildlife create endless opportunities for exploration and discovery.
Aquarium
Birch Aquarium
★4.4$$❤️401
Birch Aquarium at Scripps Institution of Oceanography offers an intimate, manageable aquarium experience perfect for families exploring La Jolla. With hands-on tide pool touch tanks, mesmerizing seahorse and jellyfish exhibits, and breathtaking ocean views from its hilltop location, this aquarium delivers an educational marine adventure without the overwhelming crowds of larger facilities.