These hidden caves and caverns in Southern California are some of the most fascinating places to explore in our state. Buried deep within cliffs, rocks and mountains, these 7 caves offer a rare glimpse of the beauty of our region and deserve to be seen in person in order to experience the true impact of these natural wonders. Grab a headlamp as you’re going to need it for these cave explorations.
- The Arroyo Tapiado Carrizo Badlands Mud Caves
flickr/The Greater Southwestern Exploration
flickr/The Greater Southwestern Exploration Located in the Anza-Borrego Desert State Park, the Arroyo Tapiado Carrizo Badlands Mud Caves are the largest known cave system in the country with 22 caves and 9 slot canyons to explore.
- Lava Tube in the Mojave National Preserve
flickr/Andrew
flickr/Greater Southwestern Exploration This cave is quite accessible for everyone (no fancy equipment or hiking gear required). No matter what time of year you visit you will see this heavenly shaft of light beaming into the lava tube.
- The Cave of Munits within the Upper Las Virgenes Canyon Open Space Preserve
Yelp/Paolo H.
Yelp/Allyson J. This cave is sacred to the Chumash people who inhabited the area for thousands of years. Views from inside the cave will literally take your breath away, especially if you’re afraid of heights.
- Vanalden Cave near Tarzana
Yelp/Joy M.
Yelp/Will R. A sandstone cave near Tarzana. The carvings inside the cave are spooky-cool to see. Bring a flashlight to get a closer look.
- Leo Carillo State Beach in Malibu
Yelp/Sam S.
Yelp/Lala R. Unexpected sea caves for the adventurous beach explorer.
- Bronson Caves in Griffith Park in Los Angeles
flickr/Sam Howzit
flickr/Sam Howzit A popular filming location near Hollywood, the Bronson Caves offer a sci-fi setting just outside the hustle and bustle of the city.
- The La Jolla Sea Caves
flickr/nicole cho
flickr/nicole cho The 7 caves known as the La Jolla Sea Caves are part of a sandstone sea cliff. All 7 can be viewed by kayak. One cave, the Sunny Jim Cave, can be viewed on land through a man-made tunnel that has been carved into the rock for land-based viewing.
What a cool and unusual experience! I hope you’ve enjoyed seeing a new side of our beautiful state.
flickr/The Greater Southwestern Exploration
Located in the Anza-Borrego Desert State Park, the Arroyo Tapiado Carrizo Badlands Mud Caves are the largest known cave system in the country with 22 caves and 9 slot canyons to explore.
flickr/Andrew
flickr/Greater Southwestern Exploration
This cave is quite accessible for everyone (no fancy equipment or hiking gear required). No matter what time of year you visit you will see this heavenly shaft of light beaming into the lava tube.
Yelp/Paolo H.
Yelp/Allyson J.
This cave is sacred to the Chumash people who inhabited the area for thousands of years. Views from inside the cave will literally take your breath away, especially if you’re afraid of heights.
Yelp/Joy M.
Yelp/Will R.
A sandstone cave near Tarzana. The carvings inside the cave are spooky-cool to see. Bring a flashlight to get a closer look.
Yelp/Sam S.
Yelp/Lala R.
Unexpected sea caves for the adventurous beach explorer.
flickr/Sam Howzit
A popular filming location near Hollywood, the Bronson Caves offer a sci-fi setting just outside the hustle and bustle of the city.
flickr/nicole cho
The 7 caves known as the La Jolla Sea Caves are part of a sandstone sea cliff. All 7 can be viewed by kayak. One cave, the Sunny Jim Cave, can be viewed on land through a man-made tunnel that has been carved into the rock for land-based viewing.
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