In the mood for an adventure in Southern California? Then you'll want to take a look at these seven incredible caves in SoCal that are worthy of a visit. Whether you have a whole weekend to explore all of these caves or you only have time to head out to one or two, you'll find a visit to these caves will be a fun adventure the whole family will love.
1. The La Jolla Sea Caves
Known as the Jewel of San Diego, La Jolla is one of the most beautiful destinations to visit in all of SoCal. In addition to splendid shopping, divine restaurants, and stunning beaches, La Jolla is also home to the seven sea caves that can be explored by kayak. Perfect for a day trip in the great outdoors, this is one cave exploration that everyone should experience at least once in their lifetime.
You can check out the sea caves at La Jolla Sea Cave Kayaks at 2164 Avenida De La Playa, La Jolla, CA 92037.
2. Bronson Caves
To check out this iconic cave in Southern California that has been featured in tons of TV shows and movies, just head to Griffith Park and you can explore this man-made cave after a short one-mile hike. The Bronson Cave can be found at 3200 Canyon Dr., Los Angeles, CA 90068.
3. Salt Cave
Perhaps the most relaxing cave on this list, the Salt Cave at Salt Oasis is a blissful destination where you can relax inside a healing salt cave that will soothe your cares away. Sit back and relax and let the salt use its healing powers to completely rejuvenate you. You can experience this salt cave at Salt Oasis at 11940 Foothill Blvd., Suite 111, Rancho Cucamonga, CA. 91739.
4. Sunny Jim Sea Cave
While you're in La Jolla, make sure to stop at The Cave Store to take a tour of the Sunny Jim Sea Cave for a tour of the only sea cave that can be experienced by land. You'll navigate down 145 steps and end up with one of the coolest sea cave views you've ever experienced right next to the ocean. You can find the Cave Store at 1325 Coast Blvd., La Jolla, CA 92037.
5. Dripping Cave
Love exploring caves AND heading out on the hiking trail? Then Dripping Cave Trail in Aliso and Wood Canyons Wilderness Park, located at 28373 Alicia Pkwy., Laguna Niguel, CA, is the cave for you. Tucked inside this 4,500 acre wilderness park, Dripping Cave, aka Robbers Cave, is a unique cave that was once a popular hideout for robbers who were hiding inside the cave in order to rob stagecoaches. Now you can check out this unique destination along the trail while soaking up a bit of history.
6. The Arroyo Tapiado Carrizo Badlands Mud Caves
The Arroyo Tapiado Carrizo Badlands Mud Caves, the largest known cave system in the country with 22 caves and 9 slot canyons to explore, is perhaps one of the most magnificent sights you will ever see. To experience this natural wonder, you can head to Anza-Borrego Desert State Park at 200 Palm Canyon Dr., Borrego Springs, CA 92004.
7. Lava Tube in the Mojave National Preserve
Hiding in the Mojave National Preserve, you'll find a breathtaking lava tube along Lave Tube Trail that leads to a cave that produces a heavenly shaft of light that can be witnessed in the early afternoon as the sun hits at just the perfect spot. You can see this stunning natural wonder for yourself by heading to Aiken Mine Road in the Mojave National Preserve located in Baker, CA and hiking along the rugged trail that will take you directly to this hidden gem in SoCal.
So there you have it. Seven amazing caves in Southern California that are magnificent to see in person. Do you have a favorite cave on this list?
For more SoCal adventures that will get you outside, here is the ultimate SoCal outdoor bucket list that will take you to the best outdoorsy spaces and places throughout SoCal.
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