The cave
Welcome To The Cave Store
Inside the infamous Cave Store, a century-old bootlegger's tunnel leads through the sandstone cliffs of La Jolla Cove into Sunny Jim's sea cave. Tours are self-guided, and approximately 15 minutes in duration.
The Cave Store has offered tours of the tunnel and sea cave since 1905.
Tours are offered FIRST-COME, FIRST-SERVED basis. NO RESERVATIONS NECESSARY OR AVAILABLE.
Tickets are available at the door ONLY. NO ADVANCE PURCHASES.
We appreciate your support and interest in our historic attraction.
Please be aware that tours involve 145 stairs, each way. This amounts to about five minutes of self-paced stair climbing. Before visiting your tour, we recommend checking in with every member of your party to ensure they feel comfortable making the trip.
The stairs can be slippery, so for your safety, we also advise wearing closed toed walking shoes.
ADMISSION AND HOURS
Tours run 9am - 4:30pm
Adults: $10 | Youth (3-17): $6
All under 18 must be accompanied by an adult or have a written and signed letter from their parent/ legal guardian.
Service dogs allowed, pets/emotional support animals are not.
QUESTIONS ABOUT THE CAVE
SIGN UP FOR OUR NEWSLETTER
ABOUT THE CAVE STORE
La Jolla's Favorite Historic Landmark
This tunnel was dug out by two Chinese laborers hired by German artist, mining engineer, and entrepreneur Gustav Schultz in 1902.
It leads from the Cave Store, Schultz's original residence, down through the sandstone cliffs of La Jolla Cove and into Sunny Jim's Sea Cave.
It's been said that during Prohibition, bootleggers smuggled alcohol and opium into San Diego through the sea cave by carrying it through this tunnel!