San Diego Caves, Caverns & Mines
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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. Sunny Jim Cave is one of the 7 Mammoth Caves and is accessible from inside the La Jolla Cave Store. Descend a hugh staircase to the largest sea cave in La Jolla via a tunnel that was excavated in 1902. The best way to explore all the caves is by kayak.
La Jolla Cave Store
1325 Prospect Street
La Jolla, California 92037
(858) 459-0746
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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
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Eagle & High Peak Mine - Julian Mining Company 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.
Julian Mining Company
End of C Street
Julian, California 92036
(760) 765-0036
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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.
Ocean View Mine
Magee Road
Pala, CA 92059
(760) 415-9143
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Stewart Mine - Gems of Pala is located off Highway 76 east of Interstate 15 in Pala. Visitors are not allowed in the mine itself but they do 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.
Gems of Pala
Highway 76
Pala, California 92059
oce
760-489-1566
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