San Diego Caves, Caverns & Mines Overview
Below you'll find information on caves and mines that can be found in the San Diego region. Whether you're a spelunker, treasure seeker or just interested in going underground, California has something to suit your interest. Most caves and mines hover around 60 degrees year round, making these underground attractions a great place to cool off on a warm summer day.
|
San Diego Caves, Caverns & Mines
BACK TO TOP
La Jolla Caves are located off Interstate 5 in the beautiful town of La Jolla. Most of these sea caves are only accessible by kayak and best at low tide, but one is accessible from inside the La Jolla Cave Store. Descend down a hugh staircase within a tunnel that was excavated in 1902 to the largest sea cave in La Jolla. The best way to explore the caves is by kayak. The web site we've provided below is for kayak rentals in La Jolla Cove.
La Jolla Cave Store
1325 Prospect Street
La Jolla, California 92037
(858) 459-0746
Map |
Accommodations |
Website |
Other Ideas
Himalaya Tourmaline Mine is located off Highway 76 near Lake Henshaw. The Himalaya Mine is an operating mine and produces gem-quality tourmaline. The Smithsonian currently has a pink tourmaline from the from the Tourmaline Queen Mine of Pala on display. Ore is brought by truck loads and dumped where, for a fee, visitors are welcome to dig for pink, green, rainbow and watermelon tourmalines. All the necessary tools are provided. Just bring a hat, plenty of water and some good digging clothes.
Himalaya Tourmaline Mine
c/o: Lake Henshaw Resort
26439 Highway 76
Santa Ysabel, CA 92070
(775) 830-5797
Map |
Accommodations |
Website |
Other Ideas
Eagle & High Peak Mine is located off Highway 78 east of San Diego in the wonderful town of Julian. Venture deep into the earth in search of gold. This is only a tour so no actual mining is allowed. Eagle & High Peak were once operational mines and are now one of the many sites to see around Julian. Gold panning is available for the youngins' outside the mine entrance. Learn to gold pan from sluice boxes and rockers. Enjoy hay rides, raspberry picking and fun pastime activities like tomahawk throwing and archery.
NOTE: Check out our Cool Towns page for more to see and do around Julian.
Eagle & High Peak Mine
End of C Street
Julian, California 92036
(760) 765-0036
Map |
Accommodations |
No Website |
Other Ideas
Ocean View Mine is located off Highway 76 east of Interstate 15 in Pala. Venture deep into the earth in search of tourmaline and beryl. This is one of several mines in the Pala region that produce gem quality pink tourmaline. The Smithsonian currently has a pink tourmaline from the from the Tourmaline Queen Mine of Pala on display. Bring a bucket, food, water, some diggin' duds and get ready for a real mining experience. You are allowed to keep what you find.
TIP: The nearby Stewart Mine doesn't allow visitors in the mine itself but does sell buckets of tourmaline-rich ore. Tables and screens are provided. From our experience, everybody finds something, it's just how big that something is that differs.
Ocean View Mine
Highway 76
Pala, California 92059
760-489-1566
Map |
Accommodations |
Website |
Other Ideas
|
