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A sea cave is formed primarily by erosion as the waves pound against the rock formation.
They spark wonder and awe due to their unique natural state. Many people long to explore these beautiful geological formations. One such treasure lies near San Diego, California, called Sunset Cliffs Cave.
Although visiting this sea cave will take some preparation, viewing this mighty giant in person is well worth it. Let’s learn more!
What Is Sunset Cliffs Cave?
Sunset Cliffs Cave is one of the most picturesque places along the coast of San Diego. Outdoor adventurers flock to this hidden gem to take photos and explore the mystery of the landform.
It’s definitely a unique experience and one you must enjoy only when there is a negative tide, which means you only have a short window to visit. A negative tide is when the low tide falls below the normal tide line.
The front of the cave opens to the Pacific Ocean, while the top is a giant hole, giving beautiful sky views. When the sunset times up with a negative tide, it’s a photographer’s dream to capture the reds, oranges, and pinks bursting through the top of the cave.
Where Is Sunset Cliffs Cave?
Just south of Luscomb’s Point and Swordfish Point, you’ll find Sunset Cliffs Cave. It’s between Hill Street to the north and Monaco Street to the south. Sunset Cliffs Boulevard connects these two roads in San Diego.
You’ll also find Sunset Cliffs Beach, Smugglers’ Cove, Sunset Cliffs Coastal Trail, and Sunset Cliffs Natural Park along this stretch of the southwestern California coastline. Sunset Cliffs Cave is about a 20-minute drive from the San Diego Zoo.
How Do You Get to the Sunset Cliffs Cave?
The cave doesn’t have a specific address to put in your GPS. Visitors suggest putting in Luscomb’s Point and finding street parking nearby. You can walk to the end of Luscomb’s Point, where you’ll see the cave from atop the cliffs. It has fencing around the giant hole in the middle.
Some people climb down straight from the fencing, which is the shorter route. But it’s also more dangerous. The route that most people take is to follow a lightly-treaded path along the beach below the cliffs.
You can climb down some rocks to reach the shoreline and then turn left to reach the cave. There is no specific trail, but you can’t miss the cave.
Is It Safe to Visit the Sunset Cliffs Cave?
You can only visit Sunset Cliffs Cave during a negative tide. The low tide won’t work. This is extremely important because even with a negative tide, you may encounter water up to your ankles or knees.
Additionally, the rocks are slippery since they’re almost always wet, so be careful and wear sturdy shoes. Always keep track of your timing so you get out of the cave before the tide starts coming in again.
But there’s no reason to avoid visiting Sunset Cliffs Cave. As long as you follow these tips and remain cautious, it’s an experience like no other. There are inherent dangers when exploring a sea cave, but proper preparation and attention will leave you with unforgettable memories.
When Is the Best Time to Visit Sunset Cliffs Cave?
As mentioned above, to safely go inside Sunset Cliffs Cave, you must visit when there is a negative tide. Don’t go when there’s a low tide.
Tide charts are your friend when you want to explore sea caves. Use them to plan accordingly. You must see a (-) symbol. Some visitors report that even with a -1.7 tide, their feet and ankles still got wet.
If you’ll stay in the area for a while and can time up your visit with a sunset, it’ll be magical. You’ll probably encounter a dozen photographers when this happens, but the cave is so huge it won’t feel crowded.
5 Other Sea Caves to Explore in Southern California
Southern California is home to lots of sea caves. Once you’ve visited Sunset Cliffs Cave, you’ll be ready for more. Here are five other beautiful options to explore along the coastline.
1. Leo Carrillo State Park
Leo Carrillo State Park is just east of Los Angeles on the Pacific Coast Highway. Backcountry hiking, camping, swimming, surfing, windsurfing, surf fishing, and beachcombing are popular here.
You’ll find tidepools, coastal caves, and reefs to keep you busy for hours. Junior Ranger programs and campfire programs are available during the summer months.
Keep in Mind: Are the National Parks in California Worth Visiting? Before you hit the road, click the link to see if they’re worth seeing!
2. Thousand Steps Beach
Less than two hours north of Sunset Cliffs Cave is Thousand Steps Beach. This popular beach has lifeguards, restrooms, tidepools, caves, and plenty of sandy shoreline for sunbathing and building sand castles.
At the south end of Thousand Steps Beach is a large cave. You can only enter when the tide is out, and the entrance is exposed. For a day of family fun, consider visiting Thousand Steps Beach.
3. Crystal Cove State Park
Located near Thousand Steps Beach is Crystal Cove State Park. Visitors enjoy guided hikes and geology talks from staff members and the beautiful landscape of hills, canyons, and beaches.
It has 3.2 miles of beach and 2,400 acres of backcountry wilderness. Mountain bikers, scuba divers, swimmers, and surfers love this area near Laguna Beach. The tidepools and coves appeal to all types of visitors who want to explore this unique coastline.
4. Painted Cave
Another beautiful location in Southern California is Painted Cave, the largest sea cave in The Golden State. At 1,227 feet, it’s the world’s 4th largest sea cave by length.
Stunning, naturally occurring colors decorate the inside, thus giving it its name. Painted Cave is located in Channels Island National Park, which sits off the coast south of Santa Barbara, California. It’s only accessible by park concessionaire boats or private boats.
Keep in Mind: If you haven’t visited Carlsbad Caverns and seen the bats yet, here’s Why You Should Add It To Your Bucket List!
5. Sunny Jim Cave
Sunny Jim Cave is about 30 minutes north of Sunset Cliffs Cave. This historic cave isn’t natural. Chinese laborers in the early 1900s built it to smuggle alcohol during prohibition.
You have to pay a small fee at the cave store to climb down to visit it, but it’s worth it. La Jolla’s Cave Store is located on Coast Boulevard. While in the area, check out the other sea caves by kayak or boat in La Jolla.
Enjoy the Sunset Cliffs Cave, But Do So Safely
Exploring sea caves is a unique experience. But to do so safely, you must pay attention to the tide charts and wear appropriate footwear.
The majesty of Sunset Cliffs Cave is one you can’t describe in words or pictures. You have to see it for yourself.
So the next time you’re in Southern California near San Diego, check the tides and venture out if there’s a negative tide forecasted. Take lots of pictures because you’ll have a story to tell!
Have you explored other sea caves?
