We've now lived in San Diego for 4 years and we FINALLY made it to the Sunny Jim Sea Cave in La Jolla Cove! (Thanks to 2 very persistent 10 and 11 year old boys!)
On the far side of this rock is the opening of the cave. The only way in is through the Cave Store.
The history of the cave is fascinating. From www.thecavestore.com:
"Even though from the sea you can enter any one of the other seven ocean-carved and fascinating caves, this is the only one you are able to access by land on the California coastline. So unusual is Sunny Jim Sea Cave and so well known that in the Encyclopedia Americana it is noted as one of the "must" sights in Southern California to visit!This unique cave was named "Sunny Jim" by Frank Baum who wrote 'The Wizard Oz'. The opening bears a resemblance to a cartoon character Sunny Jim who was a mascot for the British Force Wheat cereal products in the 1920's."
"Fossilized shell and water level marks indicate that the ocean's might was busy for 200,000 years boring this cave into rock and sandstone. The beautiful colorings are mineral deposits varying from the red of iron oxide, the black, grays and yellows of vegetable matter to the pinkish purple of iodine in the kelp."
"The tunnel took two years to dig by two Chinese laborers hired by Gustav Shultz in 1902 and 1903, using pick and shovel. Several years after its completion 145 steps were built into the lighted tunnel where visitors can still descend and enjoy the wonders of Sunny Jim."
We paid our $11 and began our exciting journey into the depths. We were told to hold onto the railing and I discovered why:
You're welcome.
I put away my phone until we reached the bottom of the slick 145 stairs. Here is the rest of the cave:)
The ceiling
This was such a cool experience! Totally worth the money. The way we could feel the water slamming into the walls around us and the spray of the ocean on our faces...it was magical. I can't wait to take Dave there on a date at sunset.
Ok, so, we've lived here for almost 14 years, and STILL never done this!!! Thanks for sharing, mama!!
ReplyDeleteDOOO it!! <3
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