If you’ve ever wished for a secret passage that didn’t lead to a wizard’s castle but instead dropped you into the rumbling echo-chamber of the Pacific, there’s only one spot for you: Sunny Jim’s Sea Cave. This is just a hop down the coast to Del Mar, about 15 miles south. Even if your GPS groans at a little detour, you’ll thank yourself for making the trip.
Wander up to 1325 Coast Blvd, and at first, you’ll spot a charming, surf-side gift shop: The Cave Store. It’s not just any old souvenir stop. This particular shop features a tunnel carved through La Jolla’s sandstone cliffs, descending into the belly of Sunny Jim’s Sea Cave—the only sea cave in California accessible by land.
The Bootlegger’s Tunnel: A Trip Through Time (and Sandstone)
The backstory is almost as amusing as the attraction. Back in 1902, local entrepreneur Gustav Schultz figured a tunnel to the sea caves would be more profitable than just sitting at home listening to seagulls. He hired two hardworking laborers who, equipped with nothing more than shovels and sheer determination, spent two years burrowing a passage straight to the surf.
The result was a tunnel that came in especially handy during Prohibition, when it’s rumored that crafty bootleggers smuggled whiskey and opium right under the locals’ noses.
Tours have been running here since 1905, making this a time capsule of kitsch, history, and ocean spray. If you’re into century-old secrets, this tour will deliver.
Welcome to The Cave Store: No Reservations (Just Resolve)
Everything about visiting Sunny Jim’s leans on the side of classic charm. No reservations. No advance tickets. No online shenanigans. Simply waltz in during their daily hours from 9am to 4:30pm, grab your ticket at the door ($13 for adults, $7 for kids, and $8 for seniors or active veterans), and get ready for your fifteen-minute rendezvous with coastal history.
Heads up: You’ll need to navigate 145 narrow, wooden stairs—each way! Factor in about five minutes going down, and perhaps ten minutes puffing your way back up. The descent is a hair dim, occasionally damp, and not recommended for those unsteady on their feet. Those stairs can get slippery, so closed-toe, grippy shoes are your best friend. Strollers, bulky bags, and the family goldfish should remain safely at the top.
What Awaits Down Below?
At the bottom of your spiral into the sea, a sturdy wooden platform greets you. The cave opens up to the mighty Pacific, its mouth shaped eerily like “Sunny Jim,” a British cereal mascot with an unforgettable profile.
If you time it right, a sea lion might pop its head up and pose for your photo—but don’t bank on wildlife as part of the package. The ocean takes center stage, reverberating through the rock in a way that’s both wild and oddly peaceful.
Grab your photos, soak up salty air, maybe squint to see if the outline of “Sunny Jim” reveals itself to you (pro tip: angle your camera to the right for the uncanny face effect), and enjoy the moment. The crowd usually keeps moving, so you’re free to savor the echo and spray with few interruptions.
Make it a Day: La Jolla’s Coastal Charms
Once you ascend back to daylight (bonus points if you didn’t stop for a breather), reward yourself with a spin through the Cave Store’s curios and jewelry selection (yes, you’ll find a trinket or two worth bringing home). La Jolla itself serves up oceanfront parks, deluxe coffee, and enough sea views to meet your Instagram quota for months.
Parking along Coast Blvd is a scavenger hunt—opt for the free two or three-hour street spots, and be prepared to circle a bit.
Essential Details for the Savvy Visitor
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Address: 1325 Coast Blvd, La Jolla, California 92037
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Distance from Del Mar: About 15 miles south (a 20-25 minute drive, traffic permitting)
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Tour hours: 9am to 4:30pm daily
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Admission: $13 adults, $7 youth (ages 3-17), $8 active veterans and seniors
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Tickets: At the door only—no reservations or advance purchases
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Requirements: All guests under 18 must be with an adult or bring a signed letter from a parent/guardian
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Accessibility: 145 stairs each way; not suitable for strollers, large bags, or those unable to navigate steep, potentially slippery stairs
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Pets: Service dogs welcome; emotional support animals and pets are not allowed in the tunnel
Oddities, Echoes, and Ocean Spray
Sunny Jim’s Sea Cave isn’t your average tourist trap—it’s a physical punchline to a century-old practical joke. Every visit is a playful nod to California’s eccentric coastal history, a minor workout, and a five-star way to hear the Pacific rumble beneath your feet. So skip the “hidden gems” hype: this is the original sea cave stroll, and everyone’s invited to step down into San Diego’s past, present, and pounding surf.
Sources: cavestore.com, The Cave Store Facebook Page, The Cave Store Instagram Page
Header Image Source: cavestore.com
