La Jolla Cave Store is a popular experience.

Step back in time as you descend a century-old smugglers' tunnel that opens up to the historic Sunny Jim Sea Cave in downtown La Jolla. Since 1902, this establishment has been offering daily self-guided sea cave tours to witness a true piece of history in this popular little town. ​Here they will tell you stories of how this cave was infamously used for illicit activities in its early history. Historians believe that smugglers of alcohol, opium, and Chinese immigrants hid their boats inside the cave and used the tunnel as an entry point into San Diego. This exciting cave is a 200,000-year-old naturally formed sea cave, it is actually one of seven that run along the La Jolla coast. This particular cave, however, is the only one accessible by land - starting inside the Cave Store.

At first glance, the store seems like a normal La Jolla shop with gifts and photos for sale, but then you peer around a corner and are looking down a dark man-made tunnel... the mysteriousness of it pulls you in! You descend 144 stairs which lead you to a lookout point inside the Sea Cave, also referred to as Sunny Jim's Sea Cave because of the face resemblance in the cave openings silhouette. Keep in mind that you will need to return to the store on those exact stairs you descended on, which can be tiresome. It is advised to go slow on the stairs, they are often slippery from the moisture seeping through the porous sandstone cliffs and into the tunnel. The store recommends wearing close-toed, comfortable shoes with good grip and layered clothing can often be a good idea (light jacket or hoodie). No bathing suit is required, swimming from the Sunny Jim Sea Cave deck is strictly prohibited and is highly dangerous. You are allowed to swim in from the outside if you'd like to make the adventure from nearby La Jolla Cove Beach.

This adventure is not stroller friendly, if you're bringing a small child it is best to put them in a carrier and be very careful on the slippery, steep stairs.

This spot does not offer parking, only street parking is available. Parking in La Jolla can get tricky, especially at peak times. There are time-marked parking spaces along the nearby streets and a few paid lots as well. This adventure will cost $5 for 18+ years old, $3 for 3-17 years old with discounts local students, and is open weekdays 10 am-5 pm and weekends 9 am-5 pm.