The Cave Store

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.

• ✓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

1. 1.Visit during low tide for the best cave views and to see more of the cave's interior and ocean life.
2. 2.Bring a light jacket even on warm days,the cave can be cool and damp inside.
3. 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. 4.Set a souvenir budget before entering,kids will want everything from fossils to shark teeth to geodes.
5. 5.Arrive early (right at 9 AM opening) to avoid crowds in the narrow tunnel, especially on weekends.

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.

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.

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.

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.