Top Things to do in California
Top 10 Caverns & Caves in California, United States
California is a fertile, peaceful place where you’ll find a near-equal balance of vineyards and deserts, beaches and mountains, hippies and traditionalists. Catch an epic wave in Big Sur or swirl a glass in Napa Valley. Be dazzled by the Joshua Tree night sky or just star-gaze in Hollywood. Swish down the slopes of a Tahoe ski resort, or cruise across the Golden Gate Bridge with the top down and the music blasting. Above all, don’t forget to soak up some Golden State sunshine.
Restaurants in California
1. Jarvis Estate
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 319 reviews
Jarvis Estate is a family owned winery dedicated to crafting a limited quantity of preeminent wines from our sustainably farmed, estate vineyards in the rugged hillside, four miles east of downtown Napa Valley. The Jarvis Estate winemaking facility is entirely contained within 45,000 square feet of cave tunneled into the scenic Vaca Mountains,and is not only a visual masterpiece, but a technical masterpiece as well. Wines are produced only from estate grown grapes and are cave-aged to perfection prior to release. Varietals include: Chardonnay, Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon, Petite Verdot, Tempranillo and a two proprietary Bordeaux blends.
Reviewed By randybH2055JS - Kalamazoo, United States
This is such a cool place to visit. The entire winery is located within the massive network of man-made caves. Once the grapes go in, they never see the light of day until they emerge as bottled wine. You will tour the caves, see where the grapes are crushed, wine fermented, huge oak bariques, barrels, bottling area, tasting rooms, banquet rooms (huge), etc. Even an underground river which provides the proper natural humidity in the caves. Great winery story. You will hear about the "Science Project"...fantastic. Don't miss this one.
2. Carey's Castle
3. Tecopa Caverns
4. The Sea Caves
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 51 reviews
Kayak into a series of sea caves in the Channel Islands; each cave has its own special features.
Reviewed By rebusinessforms
On the way back from our trip via the ferry, they took us to the back side of one of the Islands where the ferry boat was able to glide into Painted Cave. The sea was very rough that day and I had heard that they do that, but was afraid with the sea being so rough, that we might not be able to do it. My hat is off to the Captain and I was very impressed with the opportunity to see and witness this great adventure. Have a picture of that now on my desktop.
5. El Pakiva Cavern
6. Titus Canyon
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 455 reviews
Perhaps the most memorable thing about this Death Valley canyon is the trip you'll take to it.
Reviewed By V6350LQrichardl - Cook, United States
Was one of, if not the best, dual-sport / adventure motorcycle rides I have ever done. Simply spectacular. Perfect for moderately skilled adventure motorcyclists, though may be a bit too much for a novice on a heavy bike. Would probably be fine for a novice on a light enduro, though note National Park rules restrict motorcycles to street legal bikes I think, which is good because it limits traffic. Would be no problem in any stock high clearance 4X4, though longbed pickups may not be able to get around some of the tight turns. On a Sunday at noon, I rode the whole trail and saw only one other party, a couple in a jeep, all of which contributed awesomely to the sense of isolation and wonder. The ascent from the east is unremarkable, and one may think, "What's the big deal?", but then you crest a couple passes and you are blessed with amazing views down into the narrow valley falls that away from you. Descending into it on narrow steep switchbacks through incredible, steep rock formations was so fun and visually stimulating. Every 30 seconds, you are saying, "Holy S***!" Ghost Town! Petroglyphs! After a couple miles of steep descent, one has the sense that you are about to emerge out of the valley, but you would be wrong! The valley floor, essentially a large dry riverbed extends another several miles, narrowing dramatically. Each new turn provides another seemingly even better view than the one just before. Finally, you get dumped out at the end of the canyon. I want to do it again!
7. La Jolla Caves
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 726 reviews
Seven elongated fissures in the cliff walls that can be entered during low tide.
Reviewed By J8972UPcarriec
Such a cool spot with so much to do. Sea caves, beautiful shore line and ocean views and of course the seals and sea lions. Parking is a bit tricky but we found parking up the hill near the shops easier and it was just a short walk (a a few..well alot..of steps) Must see in the area!
8. Black Chasm Cavern
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 114 reviews
Black Chasm was named a National Natural Landmark in 1976 by the National Park Service for its outstanding displays of rare helictite formations. The 50-minute guided walking tour descends a series of stairs and walkways that loop around the formation covered caverns walls. Here, flowstones interspersed with stalactites, draperies and helictites compete for space above the stairways. Above ground activities: gemstone mining, nature hike, picnic tables. School program available. Open every day, year round.
Reviewed By Nicole55lee - San Diego, United States
This attraction is easy to get to. I would visit the website and get directions in case you do not have service, but you should be fine. There is a small parking lot in the front of the visitor center/store. They give tours on the hour. My fiance and I went on a week day around 3:00 and did not have any trouble getting tickets. The tour can last 30-45 mintues. Being that a group with small children joined at the last minute (for a total of 10 in the tour group) our tour took around 45 minutes. I would definitely recommend this hike. It can be a little chilly down there. I would recommend a light jacket or long sleeve.
9. Crystal Cave
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 362 reviews
Crystal Cave is a marble cave with a wide variety of stalactites, stalagmites, and other geologic features and cave-adapted wildlife that add to its popularity with visitors and scientists from around the world. There is a wide variety of tour options and experiences that appeal to adults, families, and the wild caver. Crystal Cave is open early May-late November, weather and conditions permitting. Advance reservations are online. Please review the physical fitness precautions before purchasing tickets. No pets.
Reviewed By SequoiaGuides
Crystal Cave in Sequoia National Park is a fun, family-friendly adventure! The cave is accessible only by guided tour but luckily tours generally run May-November and it's easy to purchase affordable tickets. About the cave Crystal Cave is a marble solution cave which means that it was naturally sculpted by water thousands of years ago and is predominantly comprised of marble, which is rare, only about 10% of caves in the world are made of marble. Expect gorgeous white sparkling calcite formations inside as well as multiple water features. The cave was discovered by accident in 1918 by two park employees and remains a popular destination, inspiring curiosity and awe. The walkable underground tour route has paved paths and is lighted by solar-power. The whole experience is both exciting and calming and is sure to be a truly memorable adventure. Tours The Family Tour is 50 minutes long and is the perfect, all-ages introduction to Crystal Cave. Other types of tours are also available for those seeking a more in depth experience. All tours are led by Sequoia Parks Conservancy Naturalists and are educational, entertaining and full of wonderful natural and human history. The tour is 2 miles round trip; 1/2 mile from the trail head parking lot where you check in using your ticket confirmation number, 1/2 mile route inside the cave on the guided tour, and 1/2 mile back up the cave trail to the parking lot. Expect to spend about 2 hours round trip. The trail to get to the cave is beautiful and you pass several waterfalls along the way. There are a few flights of stairs and narrow corridors within the cave so accessibility by wheelchair is not an option.The only items allowed inside the cave are your jacket, water bottle, flashlight and camera. No bags of any kind are allowed (including baby carriers) but they may be left unattended at the entrance of the cave during your tour. How to prepare Aim to arrive about 15 minutes prior to the time of your tour so you will be ready. There are no refunds for missed tours. Be sure to bring your own water and use the restrooms that are available in the parking lot before your tour as there are no restrooms at the cave. No food is sold here except bottles of water and small snacks but they do have souvenirs and parking is free. Temperatures inside the cave are 50 degrees F (10 degrees C) year round, so remember to bring a light jacket. Flashlights are not required but they sure do add to the fun so I recommend bringing one. You will be in active Black Bear habitat so you will need to put any food or heavily scented items from your vehicle into the free 'bear boxes' located around the parking lot. The road to get from Generals Highway to the cave parking lot takes about 20 minutes to drive and doesn't allow vehicles over 22 feet in length. The Sequoia Shuttle bus does not go to Crystal Cave. Drive slowly along the cave road as the road becomes a single lane at some points. Cave protection When visiting Crystal Cave, preservation of this irreplaceable resource is very important. Do not touch the formations or the walls of the cave as the oils in your skin can cause damage. It is also important to know about White-nose syndrome, which is a fungal disease killing millions bats in North America. Luckily the disease has not been detected in Crystal Cave but people can spread the fungus from one cave to another because it can be carried by shoes, clothing, or gear. Therefore if you have visited caves in other parts of the country, you must not wear the same clothing or equipment when visiting Crystal Cave. Thank you in advance for doing your part to protect the cave! All in all, when visiting Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Parks, Crystal Cave is definitely a must-see! Purchase tickets 2020 Crystal Cave Tour Season: FRIDAY, MAY 22 - SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 29 Purchase your tickets in advance at Recreation.gov by searching 'Crystal Cave Sequoia'
10. Mercer Caverns
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 210 reviews
Reviewed By Chowhound1242 - South Lake Tahoe, United States
Ducking down steep stairs (there are rails on each side), with a group of about 15 other people and a knowledgeable guide (Thanks Diane!) made this cave a fun adventure. We went on the 10:30 first tour and it was perfect! It fills up fast because they can only take a limited group of people due to the stairs and platfroms, so I recomend the early tour. By the time we left, it was booked until 2:30 PM. Lots of things to see!
