Located just 20 minutes north from downtown San Diego, La Jolla's seven-mile stretch of coastal property is technically within the San Diego city limits. Yet La Jolla has undoubtedly earned a reputation as a city in its own right. Known as one of the most expensive places to live in the United States, La Jolla boasts premium beaches, fine dining and distinguished art galleries. In addition, this seaside town hosts world-renowned research facilities, such as the Salk Institute and the Scripps Institution of Oceanography. La Jolla's history is filled with legacy as well as controversy.
In 1850, the land in the present day La Jolla became part of San Diego. However, La Jolla did not see permanent settlers in the area until almost 20 years later. In 1869, brothers Daniel and Samuel Sizer each bought an 80 acre plot of land off of today's La Jolla Blvd. for $100.00 each. Today these plots would sell for millions of dollars.
Frank Terrill Botsford arrived by boat in 1886 and described La Jolla as simply "magnificent." Mr. Botsford was the first person credited with developing property in La Jolla and was later referred to as the "Father of La Jolla" because of this. Botsford acquired investors including George Heald, and subdivided the property. Botsford subsequently auctioned off the pieces of land.
The name La Jolla and its roots are a somewhat controversial subject among town historians. No one truly knows how the name was established or what it is truly supposed to mean. However, the theory that La Jolla spelled phonetically in Spanish "La Hoya" means "the Jewel" is widely accepted. The reference to the city as "the Jewel" comes from its rare components including its spectacular seaside cliffs and sea caves and La Jolla Cove, with its rare north facing position, keeping it very calm most of the time.
However, another theory claims that La Jolla has indigenous roots with the word "jolla" actually meaning the "hole" and the holes actually refer to the Caves.
While it remains a mystery as to the exact origin of La Jolla's name, there is no doubt that La Jolla is truly a magnificent place. La Jolla lies along the Pacific Ocean with its mysterious seven sea caves and unique plant life. La Jolla boasts its glorious beaches and remarkable location along sea cliffs, giving merit to its reputation as the "Jewel."
Saturday, June 7, 2008
Cave Store History
The seven caves of La Jolla sit at the base of the cliff side, along the waters below coast walkway. Sunny Jim's is the only cave accessible by means other that water. Most of the other caves are only visited by kayak, or swimming. Over the years, visitors have been attracted to the caves, and the history that this hand dug tunnel entails.
Approximately 10 to 15 feet north of the present Cave Store along the northwestern entrance of the Coast Walkway stood the once called cave curio store. Smugglers once used this cave to bring in illegal Chinese and other immigrants, and contraband whiskey. Nationwide prohibition was ratified in 1920, and Federal Prohibition agents were given the task of enforcing the law. Prohibition is also referred to as part of the Temperance movement, which wanted to make alcohol illegal. The humanitarian effort stated that the goal was to better the lives of the common people.
The steep shaft of the tunnel dig began in 1903, as two men used a wheelbarrow and a rope, to haul the sandstone up and down the 125-foot tunnel. There were no stairs in those days. Today you can easily walk down the steps inside the cave store, to visit the inside of the cave, the 133 steps and a wooden platform, and guide rail were added after Prof. Schultz purchased the property in 1920.
The property was purchases from Miss Anna Held, who started this Green Dragon colony. The colony was settled by fellow German-Americans who had gravitated to the oceanfront village of La Jolla, obviously now we can see why.
The early life in La Jolla was pleasant despite the living conditions then being what we today would consider primitive. Every one knew everyone, doors where never locked, and the La Jolla area grew into a cultural center for the nearby military, families, and visitors to gather for dance and celebration at the Pavilion at the Cove, or even a Sunday outing.
The La Jolla Caves and Cove became a magical spot that would become a place of inspiration for many authors, poets, artists, and musicians through the years. The unique area, and its offerings were a remarkable influence on the early history of La Jolla, and what the La Jolla Shores and Ecological Reserve area has grown to be.
Approximately 10 to 15 feet north of the present Cave Store along the northwestern entrance of the Coast Walkway stood the once called cave curio store. Smugglers once used this cave to bring in illegal Chinese and other immigrants, and contraband whiskey. Nationwide prohibition was ratified in 1920, and Federal Prohibition agents were given the task of enforcing the law. Prohibition is also referred to as part of the Temperance movement, which wanted to make alcohol illegal. The humanitarian effort stated that the goal was to better the lives of the common people.
The steep shaft of the tunnel dig began in 1903, as two men used a wheelbarrow and a rope, to haul the sandstone up and down the 125-foot tunnel. There were no stairs in those days. Today you can easily walk down the steps inside the cave store, to visit the inside of the cave, the 133 steps and a wooden platform, and guide rail were added after Prof. Schultz purchased the property in 1920.
The property was purchases from Miss Anna Held, who started this Green Dragon colony. The colony was settled by fellow German-Americans who had gravitated to the oceanfront village of La Jolla, obviously now we can see why.
The early life in La Jolla was pleasant despite the living conditions then being what we today would consider primitive. Every one knew everyone, doors where never locked, and the La Jolla area grew into a cultural center for the nearby military, families, and visitors to gather for dance and celebration at the Pavilion at the Cove, or even a Sunday outing.
The La Jolla Caves and Cove became a magical spot that would become a place of inspiration for many authors, poets, artists, and musicians through the years. The unique area, and its offerings were a remarkable influence on the early history of La Jolla, and what the La Jolla Shores and Ecological Reserve area has grown to be.
Leopard Sharks of La Jolla
Leopard Sharks come to the shallow waters of La Jolla to give birth to their pups. Birthing anywhere from 4 to 29 live pups at a time.The leopard shark is a hound shark found in the coastal waters of the eastern Pacific Ocean, along the coast of North America from Oregon to Baja California. The species can grow up to 7 ft (2 m) in length, with a long, slender body and head. The distinctive markings that give the species its common name provide camouflage against dappled ground. Leopard sharks are bottom feeders, eating worms, mollusks, crustaceans, octopi, and small fish.
Leopard sharks migrate seasonally.
Leopard sharks migrate seasonally.
The sharks hunt in groups, sometimes with smooth-hound sharks. The species is actively sought by sport fishermen in the San Francisco Bay Area and in Monterey Bay for its tender, flavorful flesh. Conservationists are concerned with sport fishing of the species, which, like most sharks, reproduces slowly.
Leopard Sharks are generally 20 to 23 cm. at birth (or 8 to 9 inch). The largest recorded size is approximately 180 cm. long. The average size of an adult leopard shark is between 50 and 60 inches (120cm to 150 cm).
Leopard sharks are found in rocky areas, rocky reefs, kelp beds, sandy areas and under piers. Leopard sharks swim at depths of 10 to 250 ft. They are usually seen swimming at 20 feet or less. They prefer cold to warm water. They are often seen at large shoals but when breeding can be solitary.
Leopard sharks range from Mazatlan, Mexico, to Oregon. Tagging has revealed that stock is mostly resident in San Francisco Bay. However, about 10 percent of the population moves into the ocean seasonally, and one male tagged in San Francisco Bay was recaptured in Santa Monica Bay 10 years later. Mixing between regional stocks is thought to be limited.
The best way to approach a leopard shark is by using a snorkel and due to their small size, a threat is not likely to be posed to humans.
Check out the amazing sea life on a Snorkel or Dive Tour of La Jolla Cove! Great Pricing! Call (858) 539-0054 to Snorkel the Cove Today. Snorkel San Diego Scuba
Sea Lions of La Jolla
The Sea Lions of La Jolla are often seen swimming and playing in the La Jolla Ecological Reserve or on the rocks of La Jolla Caves near the Cove. Sea Lions are protected under the Marine Mammal Protection Act, so do not attempt to approach them but enjoy them from shore or from a Snorkel or Dive Tour of La Jolla Cove.
Sea lions are characterized by the presence of external ear pinnae or flaps, long front flippers, and the ability to walk on four flippers on land. Their range extends from the subarctic to tropical waters of the global ocean in both the northern and southern hemispheres with the notable exception of the Atlantic Ocean. They are generally found in shallow waters of coastal areas of both with abundant food resources.
Together with the fur seal, they comprise the Otariidae family, collectively known as eared seals. All sea lions have certain features in common, in particular the coarse, short fur, greater bulk and larger prey than fur seals.
Sea lions are characterized by the presence of external ear pinnae or flaps, long front flippers, and the ability to walk on four flippers on land. Their range extends from the subarctic to tropical waters of the global ocean in both the northern and southern hemispheres with the notable exception of the Atlantic Ocean. They are generally found in shallow waters of coastal areas of both with abundant food resources.
Together with the fur seal, they comprise the Otariidae family, collectively known as eared seals. All sea lions have certain features in common, in particular the coarse, short fur, greater bulk and larger prey than fur seals.
Check out the amazing sea life on a Snorkel or Dive Tour of La Jolla Cove! Great Pricing! Call (858) 539-0054 to Snorkel the Cove Today. Snorkel San Diego Scuba
La Jolla Cove Map for Snorkel and Dive
Access and Entry: Park near the entry along Coast Blvd. Parking is free but some areas away from the cove have a two or three hour time limit. Access is via a pair of well-maintained stairway and a sandy beach. There is a lifeguard station at the cove and is a good place to seek diving advice.
Skill Level: Beginner or better.
Depth: 10 to 60 feet.
Visibility: Good, 15 to 25 feet.
Hunting: None, this is part of the La Jolla Underwater Park. Nothing may be taken or disturbed.
Photography: Great spot to photograph fish, lobsters and abalone.
Skill Level: Beginner or better.
Depth: 10 to 60 feet.
Visibility: Good, 15 to 25 feet.
Hunting: None, this is part of the La Jolla Underwater Park. Nothing may be taken or disturbed.
Photography: Great spot to photograph fish, lobsters and abalone.
Check out the amazing sea life on a Snorkel or Dive Tour of La Jolla Cove! Great Pricing! Call (858) 539-0054 to Snorkel the Cove Today. Snorkel San Diego Scuba
Dolphins of La Jolla
La Jolla Ecological Reserve are very common in early morning or later in the afternoon.
Traveling together in pods dolphines are pretty easy to spot from land or when Snorkeling or Diving La Jolla Cove.
When dolphins surface they are usually traveling pretty quickly; dolphins can actually swim up to 40 km per hour. They have especially sleek skin for swimming that reduces turbulence while traveling at rapid speeds.Dolphins are marine mammals that are closely related to whales and porpoises. There are almost forty species of dolphin in seventeen genera. They vary in size from 1.2 metres (4 ft) and 40 kilograms (88 lb) (Maui's Dolphin), up to 9.5 m (30 ft) and ten tonnes (the Orca or Killer Whale). They are found worldwide, mostly in the shallower seas of the continental shelves, and are carnivores, mostly eating fish and squid.
The family Delphinidae is the largest in the Cetacea, and relatively recent: dolphins evolved about ten million years ago, during the Miocene. Dolphins are considered to be amongst the most intelligent of animals and their often friendly appearance and seemingly playful attitude have made them popular in human culture.
Traveling together in pods dolphines are pretty easy to spot from land or when Snorkeling or Diving La Jolla Cove.
When dolphins surface they are usually traveling pretty quickly; dolphins can actually swim up to 40 km per hour. They have especially sleek skin for swimming that reduces turbulence while traveling at rapid speeds.Dolphins are marine mammals that are closely related to whales and porpoises. There are almost forty species of dolphin in seventeen genera. They vary in size from 1.2 metres (4 ft) and 40 kilograms (88 lb) (Maui's Dolphin), up to 9.5 m (30 ft) and ten tonnes (the Orca or Killer Whale). They are found worldwide, mostly in the shallower seas of the continental shelves, and are carnivores, mostly eating fish and squid.
The family Delphinidae is the largest in the Cetacea, and relatively recent: dolphins evolved about ten million years ago, during the Miocene. Dolphins are considered to be amongst the most intelligent of animals and their often friendly appearance and seemingly playful attitude have made them popular in human culture.
Check out the amazing Dolphins on a Snorkel or Dive Tour of La Jolla Cove! Great Pricing! Call (858) 539-0054 to Snorkel the Cove Today. Snorkel San Diego Scuba
La Jolla Sunny Jim Cave
We visited the "The Cave Store" in La Jolla. We weren't sure what we would find in a "cave store", maybe some fossils or seashells, so we made our way to it. How excited we were to find a hole in the floor of the store leading to the only cave you can enter by land. So we paid our four dollars apiece and hurried on our journey. As we descended the 144 stairs into the earth, we marveled at the walls of the tunnel trickling with water in places.
Down...down...down..till at last we walked out onto a small wooden dockand looked out of the cave from the inside, the ocean crashing on the rocks below us and seagulls nesting in tucked away places above. Many movie studios have used this cave and it's founder, Sunny Jim, left quite an interesting story. Seems years before finding his cave it is suspected he lost his fortune. He thought he could make a living from his cave, so he hiredtwo Chinese laborers in 1902 to excavate an underground tunnel that would lead to the interior of the cave.
The workers finished the cave in one year, using only picks and shovels and carrying out the dirt with a wheel barrow.At first the public could only get to the cave by lowering themselves down by rope. Later they added the stairs. Sunny Jim liked socializing and was said to be quite the ladies man. It was only after his death that it was learned that he had left a wife and six children in Germany! Inside The Cave Store there is a little coffee counter and an outdoor garden to relax or thumb through some more information from the past.
Check out the amazing sea life on a Snorkel or Dive Tour of La Jolla Cove! Great Pricing! Call (858) 539-0054 to Snorkel the Cove Today. Snorkel San Diego Scuba
Down...down...down..till at last we walked out onto a small wooden dockand looked out of the cave from the inside, the ocean crashing on the rocks below us and seagulls nesting in tucked away places above. Many movie studios have used this cave and it's founder, Sunny Jim, left quite an interesting story. Seems years before finding his cave it is suspected he lost his fortune. He thought he could make a living from his cave, so he hiredtwo Chinese laborers in 1902 to excavate an underground tunnel that would lead to the interior of the cave.
The workers finished the cave in one year, using only picks and shovels and carrying out the dirt with a wheel barrow.At first the public could only get to the cave by lowering themselves down by rope. Later they added the stairs. Sunny Jim liked socializing and was said to be quite the ladies man. It was only after his death that it was learned that he had left a wife and six children in Germany! Inside The Cave Store there is a little coffee counter and an outdoor garden to relax or thumb through some more information from the past.
Check out the amazing sea life on a Snorkel or Dive Tour of La Jolla Cove! Great Pricing! Call (858) 539-0054 to Snorkel the Cove Today. Snorkel San Diego Scuba
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