The Cave Guide

Sunny Jim Cave

La Jolla, CA
144
steps on the tour
15 min
on the main tour
$13
adult ticket

A sea cave on La Jolla Cove reached by a century-old tunnel from inside the Cave Store — about 145 steps down, self-guided.

The story

In 1902 Gustav Schultz began cutting a tunnel through the sandstone cliffs from his land above the coast down to one of La Jolla's sea caves, which before then could only be reached from the water. The tunnel, later fitted with a stairway from the Cave Store, became an unusual tourist entrance, and city archives record a dispute between neighbors over the digging. The name is usually linked to the smiling Sunny Jim advertising character, because the cave opening looks like a face; accounts crediting L. Frank Baum with the comparison are disputed.

History source: City of San Diego archives and Los Angeles Times.

Tickets and timing

Adults
$13
Kids
$7 (ages 3–17)
How long it takes
About 15 minutes, self-guided
Hours
Daily 9am–4:30pm
Booking
No online booking — tickets at the door only, first come first served.

Getting around underground

The walk
144–145 steps each way down a tunnel; can be slippery.
Wheelchairs
No — stairs only.

Dogs, weather and what to wear

Dogs
No pets or emotional support animals; service dogs allowed.

Getting there

Los AngelesSan FranciscoSacramentoFresno

Sunny Jim Cave is in or near La Jolla, CA.

Directions in Google Maps

Distances are straight-line from each city center.

Before you go

  • Wear closed-toe shoes.
  • Under-18s need an adult or a signed parent letter.
  • 15–20 people enter at a time.

Questions people ask

How long does a visit to Sunny Jim Cave take?

About 15 minutes, self-guided

Can you visit Sunny Jim Cave in a wheelchair?

No — stairs only.

Are dogs allowed at Sunny Jim Cave?

No pets or emotional support animals; service dogs allowed.

Do you need to book Sunny Jim Cave in advance?

No online booking — tickets at the door only, first come first served.

Listed in: self-guided caves

Checked on 2026-10-22 against cavestore.com. Prices and hours change, so confirm on the official site before you drive out.

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