San Diego Vacations:
La Jolla Caves (La Jolla Sea Caves)

La Jolla Sea Caves, or the La Jolla Caves as they are more commonly known, are very easy to find, and a bit of a challenge to see.

La Jolla is a wonderfully romantic place to visit, for a day, a weekend, or a honeymoon. Find the best deal, compare prices, and read what other travelers have to say about hotels in La Jolla

The easiest way to get to La Jolla Sea Caves is to go to the north end of Prospect Street.  Look for a big oak tree on the ocean side, and there are the stairs leading down to the cave area.

If you prefer, ask one of the hostesses at a local restaurant and they will point you to an elevator that will take you down as well.

If you are driving, there is parking all along Coast Boulevard.  On weekends it can get crowded, so come early.

At the bottom of the stairs, across the street, is the Cave Store.  Inside the Cave Store are steps leading down to the caves.  There is a fee to use the stairway here.  You cannot see all of the La Jolla Caves from this vantage point, only one them: Sunny Jim Cave.  The story is told that a man made tunnel was built during prohibition era, and remains to this day. In fact the Cave Store is now an historical landmark.

There is another La Jolla Sea Cave that you can see from land: Clam's Cave.

With spring flowers in bloom, it is a beautiful sight.  It is a popular spot for photos too.  I took this one just looking over the railing.

There are actually five more La Jolla Sea Caves: Arch Cave, Sea Surprize, Shopping Cart, Little Sister and White Lady.  The only way to see these others is by guided tour in a kayak.

Brightly color kayaks in blues, yellow, reds and greens dot the ocean on any sunny day.  Note:  the La Jolla coastline is very rocky, and can be treacherous.  It is not always safe to be in a kayak in these waters.  But if it is a nice day, do try the kayak tour.  It is great fun.

While you are near La Jolla Sea Caves, take a break at Goldfish Point Cafe, a quaint little coffee shop just a few feet away.

If you are lucky enough to get one of the outside tables, you can watch the birds and the kayaks and all the interesting people wander by.

And before leaving the area, do take a peek at the majestic pelicans that live on the cliffs.  And just watch as they take flight!

Take a Stroll Above La Jolla Caves

Wave goodby to the pelicans for a bit, and take a bit of a stroll.  Look back at the Cave Store.  On the left hand side of that store is a little path.  It is a refreshing little walk, with a quiet bench to rest on, just right for a romantic conversation, and crashing waves beneath.  Actually, La Jolla Sea Caves are just below this jutting piece.

When I lived in La Jolla, this was one of my favorite spots to come on Sunday morning.  It feels miles away from everything.

Should you feel ambitious, take a walk along the whole path.  It hugs the coast for about a quarter of a mile.  The dirt path starts right here and continues off to the right. 

If you look very close on a Mapquest map, you will see this trail marked in, and see where it connects back to the road.

OK.  Now you have probably come full circle.  Go find one of those magnificent patios or bars along Prospect Street and enjoy your favorite libation.

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Here are some other places you might enjoy while you are in La Jolla: