La Jolla Caves
La Jolla Caves
4.5
About
Seven elongated fissures in the cliff walls that can be entered during low tide.
Suggest edits to improve what we show.
Improve this listingTours & experiences
Explore different ways to experience this place.
Full view
Top ways to experience La Jolla Caves and nearby attractions
The area
Best nearby
Restaurants
237 within 3 miles
Attractions
100 within 6 miles
Contribute
Detailed Reviews: Reviews order informed by descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as cleanliness, atmosphere, general tips and location information.
Popular mentions
4.5
737 reviews
Excellent
392
Very good
241
Average
71
Poor
21
Terrible
12
David
5 contributions
Oct 2022
Impressive from the cliff top but so much more from the water.
Kayaks can be rented or tours booked at La Jolla Shores which will get you closer to and into the caves with close up contact with seal lions and fish. Highly recommended.
Kayaks can be rented or tours booked at La Jolla Shores which will get you closer to and into the caves with close up contact with seal lions and fish. Highly recommended.
Written November 1, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Anthony W
Phoenix, AZ48 contributions
Dec 2019
The caves were on the top of my list to visit. Not disappointed. A bargain entry fee of $5.00. You are going to get some good exercise especially walking back up. Great place to take a few photos. Leave your car at the hotel and take a Lyft as it is crowded with no parking near the caves and beachfront.
Written January 3, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
dolittledigger
michigan952 contributions
May 2023 • Couples
A stop you just have to do when visiting San Diego. Not a lot of time is needed here. Parking may be hard.
We just strolled along the walkway, walked down to the area where sea lions are. We saw a baby being rescued.
A pretty area to roam
We just strolled along the walkway, walked down to the area where sea lions are. We saw a baby being rescued.
A pretty area to roam
Written July 1, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Dream35405
Temecula, CA2 contributions
We went on a Sunday afternoon and I expected parking to be difficult.
However, we found parking only a few blocks from "The Cave" store/attraction. The fee for "The Cave" was not worth it - I expected to walk down the cave and be able to explore the area at the bottom but the trip ends on a fenced deck. Leaving that behind we headed down to the beach area where my daughter was able to hunt for crab, see colorful amoebe, a huge jelly fish, and other small fish in the tide pools. The tidepools and gorgeous scenery made it an unforgettable day!
However, we found parking only a few blocks from "The Cave" store/attraction. The fee for "The Cave" was not worth it - I expected to walk down the cave and be able to explore the area at the bottom but the trip ends on a fenced deck. Leaving that behind we headed down to the beach area where my daughter was able to hunt for crab, see colorful amoebe, a huge jelly fish, and other small fish in the tide pools. The tidepools and gorgeous scenery made it an unforgettable day!
Written October 4, 2003
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Venture1084
La Jolla, CA1 contribution
Formed of 75-million-year-old sandstone, a sea cliff with its hidden Parthenon of seven sculpted caverns faces north into La Jolla Bay. The westernmost cavern, known as Sunny Jim, is easily accessible via a hand-dug tunnel leading down from a historic building near La Jolla Cove. (After a brief closure, the tunnel reopened to the public in 1998.)
The other six caves, east of Sunny Jim, are usually awash in waves and therefore seldom seen by anyone except kayakers. But some months at least 14 extremely low afternoon tides make it possible to walk to two of the caves along a surprisingly remote and unspoiled coastal strip of cliffs and tidepools.
kayak from the beach to the cliff side.....look for her long, bustled-dress silhouette when you stand inside and look out to sea. The four middle caves between here and Sunny Jim are best left to kayakers. Not only a historic spot for La Jolla, but a beutiful one too!
Check it out if you can..
The other six caves, east of Sunny Jim, are usually awash in waves and therefore seldom seen by anyone except kayakers. But some months at least 14 extremely low afternoon tides make it possible to walk to two of the caves along a surprisingly remote and unspoiled coastal strip of cliffs and tidepools.
kayak from the beach to the cliff side.....look for her long, bustled-dress silhouette when you stand inside and look out to sea. The four middle caves between here and Sunny Jim are best left to kayakers. Not only a historic spot for La Jolla, but a beutiful one too!
Check it out if you can..
Written July 12, 2004
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Traveller46307
Crown Point, IN2 contributions
Dec 2013 • Family
We took the San Diego bike and kayak tour for the 7 la jolla caves. It took a lot of courage to decide this tour being non-swimmers and no kayak experience. We had the triple seat kayak for me, my husband and our 9 year old. They fitted us with a life jacket and helmet. After a short instruction on rowing and safety on the ocean we were off on this adventure. Their are 6 kayaks for one tour guide. They will lead you through the waters. The surprise sighting of leopard shark, girabaldy fish and other sea life made it fun to kayak. The waves were calm and there was a lot of sunshine. There was no need for a wet suit. It is recommended to wear spandex type clothing that can dry quickly. the sea lions were abundant and a joy to watch them in their natural habitat.
Written December 28, 2013
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
smitty1005
Ottawa, Canada12 contributions
Though I loved La Jolla and the sights, I didn't think the Cave store tour was worth it at all. Waste of $4.00. I don't recommend it at all. Maybe the Kayak tour would be great but don't waste your money.
All it had was 145 steps down into one cave and you really couldn't see anything. Well that is my first post and I don't like to complain about much but wanted to let people know that it wasn't worth it.
All it had was 145 steps down into one cave and you really couldn't see anything. Well that is my first post and I don't like to complain about much but wanted to let people know that it wasn't worth it.
Written October 14, 2008
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
wayfarerca
Alberta10 contributions
We just got back from a kayaking trip to the La Jolla Caves. Our guides Nacho and Damon were absolutely awesome - our safety was their priority, but they still got us in to see some fantastic sights. They provided great information and took care of all of our needs. This was our first sea kayak trip and while we do have a kayak that we take out on lakes almost anyone should be able to do this trip. I would not hesitate recommending Aqua-Adventures - thanks guys for a great trip.
Written September 26, 2005
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
littlegirlbigworld
Richmond, VA144 contributions
There are so many beautiful things in this area. Parking...not so awesome. During Christmas we went exploring. There's a tiny little shell shop. They have signs advertising for the caves. (Which in my ignorant brain, I was thinking arches). So we went in. The shop is built on top of the cave. You pay a small fee (5 dollars I think) and you literally walk down what look like basement steps. Only...it's not the basement. It's an actually tunnel made out of the rock. The steps are a little tricky of you're going with the elderly, or small children. They get more wet as you go. The tunnel is actually pretty interesting. Especially because for us, we just stumbled onto this attraction. Once at the bottom, you realize you are literally in the cave. Its beautiful. You see the wave crashing from the outside. They have a dock-like structure built out of wood and it is surrounded by metal, so no one can fall over. Only down side to that, is no off-road adventures haha. The cave itself is really cool to look at, but honestly, once you see it....that's about it. Its very much a "sight" not an exploration. The anticipation of the tunnel takes longer than the cave. So, if you're in the area shopping or eating lunch, I would say go check it out. But if you are driving in to see things in La Jolla, perhaps put this lower on the priority list.
Written March 4, 2015
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
George K
7 contributions
Nov 2017 • Solo
There are several caves in La Jolla, I saw three of them, two were easily accessible from the small sandy beach, the third one was the most interesting.
There is a store called “The Cave Store” from where you can visit the most interesting cave.
It’s not free ($5) but it’s worth every penny of it.
I recommend visiting that cave only to people, who are not claustrophobic and can handle going up about 144 steps.
Accessing the cave is easy, you go down the 144 steps in an underground tunnel, but coming back is the difficult task.
The steps are well constructed and illuminated, made of wood, but even then most of them are wet, very wet, and thus slippery. Holding the handrail is a must to “escape” from there without being hurt.
There is a store called “The Cave Store” from where you can visit the most interesting cave.
It’s not free ($5) but it’s worth every penny of it.
I recommend visiting that cave only to people, who are not claustrophobic and can handle going up about 144 steps.
Accessing the cave is easy, you go down the 144 steps in an underground tunnel, but coming back is the difficult task.
The steps are well constructed and illuminated, made of wood, but even then most of them are wet, very wet, and thus slippery. Holding the handrail is a must to “escape” from there without being hurt.
Written December 9, 2017
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Bluebird627
Emporia, KS10 contributions
Do you have tandem kayaks?
Mario T
Brooklyn, NY3 contributions
Here's one: adventure.everydaycalifornia
There's probably others as well- I just Googled "La Jolla Kayaks"
Are the kayak tours available in February?
canalcruiser
California99 contributions
There are several companies operating Kayak tours. You can check under "Activities" on Trip Advisor or Google Kayak Tours La Jolla. Several operate year round, though sometimes only on weekends in the winter. It can be cold, though and this winter is much more rainy than usual -- so check the weather and dress accordingly! (By the way, the tour companies say they take tours of the caves. The kayak's don't go into the caves. They go past a number of shallow caves and usually stop outside and peer into the big cave. If you are kayaking on your own -- you can go through the cave (only about 30 feet wide) on one side and come out the other BUT, on weekends there will usually be a lifeguard or kayak company employee telling you you can't (because the don't want the tours going through so they just exclude everyone) and, if you're doing it on your own -- do not enter if water levels are low or if there is any sort of surge. It can be very dangerous! You should only attempt it in flat water where the cave rocks are well covered by water and when there is no surge. And even then it is not for amateurs! Have fun.
Vonnie S
Ridgefield66 contributions
Can I take a short walk or drive to see caves? Travelling with disabled person
floshel
Montreal, Canada246 contributions
I don't know how far you want to go or the disability factor. I think you can be on top at street level and look down on the beach\caves. However if you want to go on the beach and closer to the caves there are stairs and uneven terrain which may make it tougher for your travelling partner. Perhaps best to call the La Jolla tourist center. Best of luck.
Is this your Tripadvisor listing?
Own or manage this property? Claim your listing for free to respond to reviews, update your profile and much more.
Claim your listingLa Jolla Caves - All You Need to Know BEFORE You Go (with Photos)
Frequently Asked Questions about La Jolla Caves
- According to Tripadvisor travelers, these are the best ways to experience La Jolla Caves:
- La Jolla Sea Caves Kayak Tour (From $39.50)
- Original La Jolla Sea Cave Kayak Tour for Two (From $109.00)
- Coastal Beauty - Private Sunset & Night Photography Tour (From $485.00)
- The Plunge E-Bike Tour in La Jolla (From $199.00)
- La Jolla Coast Walking Tour (From $60.00)
- Hotels near La Jolla Caves:
- (0.03 mi) Beachfront Bliss at La Jolla Cove
- (0.09 mi) Seashore III by AvantStay | In the Heart of La Jolla! 5mins from the Beach!
- (0.09 mi) Seashore VI by AvantStay | Cozy La Jolla Flat 5mins from the Beach!
- (0.09 mi) Seashore IV by AvantStay | Comfortable La Jolla Flat 5mins from the Beach!
- (0.09 mi) Seashore VII by AvantStay | Modern La Jolla Flat 5mins from the Beach!
- Restaurants near La Jolla Caves:
- (0.02 mi) Goldfish Point Cafe
- (0.04 mi) Eddie V's Prime Seafood
- (0.07 mi) Brockton Villa Restaurant
- (0.09 mi) George's at the Cove
- (0.09 mi) La Dolce Vita Ristorante
La Jolla Caves Information
Excellent Reviews | 392 |
|---|---|
Very Good Reviews | 241 |
La Jolla Caves Photos | 321 |