Sunny Side Down

Exploring Sunny Jim Cave in La Jolla

Sunny Jim Cave is anything but sunny. It’s what you want in a cave—cool and dark—and it has a literary connection. It’s also the only sea cave in La Jolla that can be accessed by land. The entrance is the back door of The Cave Store, a California Historical Landmark. Behind the wood shingles of the old storefront are 145 dimly lit steps that lead down to the mouth of the cave at the shoreline.

Sunny Jim Cave got its name from The Wonderful Wizard of Oz author L. Frank Baum, who thought the mouth of the cave resembled the profile of a 1920s British breakfast cereal mascot known as Sunny Jim. (Baum wrote several of his Oz novels in Coronado.) Naturally, then, the store sells Wizard of Oz memorabilia along with quirky trinkets, jewelry, and souvenirs.

Woman walking down the stairs in Sunny Jim Cave La Jolla

Sunny Jim Cave La Jolla

Sunny Jim Cave La Jolla

A group of people looking out of Sunny Jim Cave in La Jolla

A Low Ceiling sign in Sunny Jim Cave La Jolla

Sunny Jim Cave was the retirement vision of German mining engineer and painter Gustav Shultz. He wanted to access one of the La Jolla sea caves by land, and, of course, lure people to the site. So in 1902 he started digging a tunnel down to the natural sea cave. Upon finishing the tunnel a year later, Shultz set up the Sunny Jim Cave Store and charged a few pennies for the privilege of being lowered by rope into the cave. The rope has been replaced by a steep staircase. When you get down to the cave, you’ll see that this wonderful spot is highly endorsed by a colony of sea lions, who always appreciate cool spots on the coast.

Sunny Jim Cave is located at The Cave Store, 1325 Coast Blvd., La Jolla. From the I-5, exit on La Jolla Village Dr. and turn toward the ocean. Turn left on Torrey Pines Rd. for 1 mile. Turn right on Prospect Pl. for 0.2 mile; The Cave Store is on the right. Hours are 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Tickets are $10 for adults; $7 for seniors, students, and military; $6 for kids. No dogs.

Trending Stories NorCal

View all Stories
  1. Gentle Giants

    Some people visit national parks to marvel at the iconic sights, while others come seeking solitude in nature. With visitation on the rise, it can be hard to find both. But in Sequoia & Kings Canyon National Parks, this pair of trails offers both....

    View
  2. Screaming Good Garden

    Combine a classic scary movie backdrop and life-size elephant garden sculptures in beautiful downtown Sonoma.

    View
  3. A Hike to the Past

    This 5.2-mile redwoods hike through El Corte de Madera Creek Open Space combines a relaxing stroll with unique geologic formations and historical artifacts.

    View
  4. Golden Mile

    Dubbed the Golden Mile, this car-free stretch of road in Golden Gate Park features rotating art installations of murals, sculptures, and abundant bright yellow Adirondack chairs for kicking back to relax. See Naga, the recent new addition here, an impressive sea serpent art installation at Golden Gate Park's Rainbow

    View

Trending Stories SoCal

View all Stories
  1. Sponsored

    Chase Fall Colors & Family Fun in Reno Tahoe

    Ready to Reno? We’re so with you! Reno Tahoe is the ultimate urban basecamp for gathering family and friends for all kinds of fall fun and festivities.

    View
  2. Welcome to the Ice Age

    Only in LA can you stumble upon a lake of bubbling black goo right in the middle of the city—complete with a life-size family of mammoths frozen in time. Take a whiff and you’ll catch the unmistakable scent of asphalt: Yep, you’ve made it to the La Brea Tar Pits & Museum.

    View
  3. Griffith's Golden

    With over 4,200 acres and hundreds of trails, Griffith Park is the gold standard. Opt for the lesser-hiked northwestern end of the park and visit the 2.25-mile Skyline and Oak Canyon loop from Travel Town.

    View
  4. Mulholland's Most Majestic

    Take a leisurely drive along Mulholland Drive to discover beautiful urban scenery and unexpected wild beauty, right in the middle of the city. 

    View