"Charlie don't surf and we think he should Charlie don't surf and you know that it ain't no good" (The Clash) Dedicated to the history of surfboards and wave riding, the California Surf Museum has entertained tens of thousands of annual visitors from over 40 nations around the globe since 1986. It honors and chronicles the story of surfing over the decades through a vast permanent collection and has a rotating series of special exhibits focusing on narrower topics, As a music fan, I was thrilled to see one of these displays dedicated to "Stars, Cars, and Guitars" and the birth of the modern surf era 1958-1965. If you love that period's music, movies and pop culture (think Beach Boys, Jan and Dean, Dick Dale, Gidget, Beach Blanket Bingo) you will love that part of the museum. Other exhibits looked at a collection of surfboards chronicling the history of surfing, the inspirational story of Hawaii's Bethany Hamilton who lost a chunk of her surfboard and her left arm to a tiger shark, a look at the science of wave swells, a look at body surfing and much more. The museum is a blast and takes a deep dive into one of the more interesting aspects of California culture that evolved into American culture. read more

See all

So much charm in this little spot! The staff were very friendly and had tons of insider knowledge to share. I am more into art than surfing itself (I'm a scaredy cat) but I found a ton to keep my interest here. The highlight is easily the shark-chomped board from that famous surfer Bethany who had her arm taken by a tiger shark back in the day. Only $7 per adult, kids under a certain age free. read more

Absolutely loved this museum, and my friend and I aren't even a surfers. It was very informative, great displays that takes you through the history of boards and surfers. This museum if for all ages. Don't miss the outdoor Secret Spot too. The people that worked there were very nice. There is a small fee for this neighborhood hidden gem. If visiting Oceanside I would piggyback this museum with other places in Oceanside as we did. The museum is small and only takes an hour or maybe an hour and a half to go through. P.S. after you take in all the Surfing Museum there is a great ice cream parlor (Handel's) right down the street. read more

See all

The documentary "Waterman" screened at the LA Asian Pacific Film Fest a couple years ago where they had on display the 1979 Makai surfboard along with a paddle, two ukuleles, and a collection of old photographs. Since I was working the festival as a theater assistant, after the screening I helped with loading the display into the van back to Oceanside. Before he went on his way, the driver gave me a guest pass to visit their museum as thank you. Well, I finally made that trip down south. Friendly staff members awaited us, took my now tattered guest pass, and even went around occasionally to give insight to some of the more interesting exhibits. Initially, the space seemed kinda small to me, and you can almost see everything at a glance. But as I walked around and saw each piece up close, I was pleasantly surprised. Surfboards of all shapes, sizes, and materials hung from above as well as lined up near the walls. A neat miniature demonstration of the sudden jolts during low/high tide and even a tsunami. Surfing culture throughout the years highlighted the music, movies, and fashion of decades past. Photography contests from local high schoolers captured the essence of the sport. As a whole, everything felt very intimate. By far the one exhibit that stuck with me the most was how someone like John "Doc" Ball can both surf and photograph other surfers at the same time with his self-made "waterbox" camera. Almost makes the current GoPro generation lazy by comparison. read more

California Surf Museum - Road trip - Museums Near Me - Oceanside, California

Even if you're not a surfer, you will enjoy this museum. It's been around for 38 years! What a wonderful collection of surfboards and memorabilia from the early years. The docents are friendly and knowledgeable. They have a ton of great stories. It's a very inexpensive way to spend an hour in Oceanside. Don't miss it. read more

See all

Staff is super friendly and go out of their way to explain in detail. My children were expecting to be bored but came away extremely impressed. We will return! read more

California Surf Museum - Museums Near Me - Oceanside, California

See all

Very knowledgeable staff , great collection of surfboards and surf history !!! Great collection of clothing !!!

What a gem! Fantastic collection of boards dating back to surfing's beginnings, plus some background on wave science and, on our visit, a collection of surf art. (Featured exhibits revolve from time to time.) Tom, the guide who was answering questions and highlighting some of the exhibits, was a fount of knowledge. Museum is small, but well worth a visit. read more

A hidden gem and must do in Oceanside. It's a non-profit with a great display of CA surfing history. The staff was extremely friendly and super knowledgeable. I can't say enough about this place other than go and see for yourself! read more

California Surf Museum - Museums Near Me - Oceanside, California

See all

This a great little museum, a real California hidden gem! I'm no surfer, but you really can get a sense of surfing culture by spending an hour here. From the early longboards through present day, with a good dollop of local surf history thrown in, they cram a lot into a small space. Of special interest is the shark-chewed board and story of 'Soul Surfer' Bethany Hamilton. I also got lots of local surfing information from the staff, and there's a cool gift shop to boot at the end. I went on an off hour so parking wasn't an issue; it's street parking only from what I can tell, so YMMV when it's busy. Definitely a thumbs-up if you like quirky local museums! read more

See all

Nice place to learn some surf history. Lots of information and great exhibits. Very interesting! They rotate the exhibits so there's always something to see. They have an awesome gift shop with all kinds of good stuff! Stop by or bring your visitors. read more

See all

Glad we stopped by and learned so much about surfing, history of surfing and more! Great place to check it out if you are visiting Oceanside. The "guy" that checked us in was so nice and very informative . I could stay there all day. So nice to see all the photographs from local kids, classic older boards and got to see the shark bitten board from Bethany Hamilton. read more

See all

I have to admit that I don't know a lot about the Surf culture. I discovered it after my move to Cali and I'm fascinated by it. Visiting the Surf Museum in downtown Oceanside was no brainer for me. The museum is easy to spot, located on Pier View Way in a cute building. It's not a big museum, but it's rich in information and interesting items on display. It even has a cute back garden where they have a cool art installation on display, so check it out! You can spend at least an hour checking all the exhibits out and their fun museum store! The restrooms are nicely decorated with more items on display to check out and clean! Opened daily from 10 am - 4 pm. Admission is $5, the staff is very nice, a gentleman working here offered to hold our bags (we just checked out from our hotel) so we can comfortably browse the museum! I learnt a lot about the history of surfing visiting the Surf museum and it's surely inspiring to see how people cope after horrid accidents and injuries- by surfing! Maybe I can add learning to surf as a New Year's resolution? read more

See all

Pleasantly surprised. Randomly decided to visit the museum. I'm not a surfer but really enjoyed it. They did a great job of explaining explaining the science of waves, water movement and how the shape, size and fins of a board are important to a surfers performance. They had a wide variety of surf boards on display from various time frames. They even had a section dedicated to how AI is being used to enhance the performance of competitive surfers. Unfortunately, the only picture I got was of Bethany Hamilton's surf board, which is morbid I get it but still so fascinating. read more

California Surf Museum - Bethany Hamilton's surf board. - Museums Near Me - Oceanside, California

Great place to pop in on a rainy day. We learned about wave science and Bethany Hamilton. Tom and front desk lady so kind and informative. You could tell they were fascinated. read more

See all

We brought 135 4th graders here for a field trip today. The museum and docents were AMAZING! What a great place!

Parking: diagonal street parking. We got lucky and found a spot right in front. Service: They let us in 30 minutes before closing time with no hassle and gave us a discount. The docent was top notch. He guide us through the whole museum with patience. Content: Museum is small but the exhibits are fascinating. Never knew how beautiful surfboards could be. They come in all shapes and sizes and are made of beautiful materials. Souvenirs: Small but cute gift shop area in the lobby. Bonus: Food options and ocean near by. read more

California Surf Museum - Wave energy exhibit - Museums Near Me - Oceanside, California

See all

Super cool museum to learn about the history of surfing . They have student discounts, and they have some cool pieces of history and great place to learn. Bring kids of family if you need something to do. read more

California Surf Museum - Museums Near Me - Oceanside, California

See all

Sweet lil' surf museum in North County. Come and soak in Californian (and Hawaiian) surf culture. Read the bit about Bethany Hamilton's bikini! Pretty crazy. Definitely walk through the cute gift shop on your way out. $5 admission for a pretty quick tour. Rotating exhibits allow for multiple visits.... read more

See all

Half the museum was under construction and closed but they still charged us full price for admission. Definitely not for kids under 10.

Whether you like surfing or not this is very informative and for somebody that does love surfing this is really cool. Seven dollar entry fee is totally worth it as a small donation to keep the surfing history alive and keep people well-informed of how much history there really is for surfing. Loved it would go back read more

What a great experience! I was lucky enough to have Kevin tell me all about the museum and some good stories from the past. I learned a lot and was fascinated by it all. I don't surf but it's definitely worth going to and to learn something new! read more

Such a cute, small museum in a great location. Went in on a Sunday afternoon and it was empty. Admission for college students is only $5. Very informative museum and has a great collection of surfboards and even the board & bikini of Bethany Hamilton. Parking was hard to find, but we parked on the Main Street and walked over to the museum. Highly recommend if in the area! read more

If in Oceanside, this is a must. Great museum for anyone. We spent awhile in here reading and looking at pictures and videos. We also had some great information provided to us by a museum worker, gentleman. I learned a great deal about surfing. The boards, the new up and coming surfers. The old surfers and surfboard builders and the different types of surfboards. Highly recommend. Reasonably priced and something for everyone. Also, great gift shop. read more

Surf Culture! Had a great time learning a lot about surf culture from our local docent, Jarrod, who also is a surf instructor. The museum isn't very big but the art displays and surfboard exhibits were excellent. Great stories behind the huge photograph displays capturing some narly wall of waves, the cool rad memorabilia collection, got stoked over the evolvement of surfboards, and just learned about the history of big wave surfing! Gallery Highlights: - A display dedicated to Bethany Hamilton ("Soul Surfer") who lost her arm in a shark attack off the coast of Hawaii. The exhibit showed the board that Hamilton was riding at the time with a large piece missing where the shark bit off Hamilton's arm. - exhibits included wooden surfboards from the early 1900's to today's modem boards including jet boards (motorized surfboards) and vintage longboards. - A little history of the Hawaiian Big Wave Legend, Eddie Aikau. Eddie was the first lifeguard at Waimea Bay and saved over 500 lives. He became famous for riding big Hawaiian surf and winning several awards including the Duke Kahanamoku Invitational Surfing Championship in 1977. - A special exhibit about legendary Greg Noll, including surfboards, photos, a video, and even a pair of his famous striped board shorts, is also on view. This is for anyone who is fascinated by the ocean and its power. I am not a surfer, heck, I don't even know how to swim but I found this museum fun and interesting! From the leisure surfing fan to the extreme everyday surfer it is worth visiting. This museum is a non-profit organization and entrance fee is only $5. Review #0523 read more

See all

I wouldn't have known about this GNARLY place if it wasn't for Yelp. My friends and I went because I had won 2 tickets from a Yelp Coffee Hour. We found the museum easily and scored free street parking around the block! Regular admission is a mere $5 to view a series of Wood boards to modern day Foam and Fiberglass versions. The resident surfer took us on a tour and pointed out the "Secret Spot" where he humored us and took our photo with about 10 cameras! We learned about hydrodynamics and how technology is used to guage wave height and direction. Very cool! Besides the boards hanging from the ceiling, there were boards along the walls. I took a photo of Duke Kahanamoku's board and the rescue board for Eddie Aikau of "Eddie Would Go" fame. Another famous board belonged to Bethany Hamilton (Soul Surfer) who survived the shark attack. The chunk of board that the shark got is alarming! Go check out this humble museum and look for the buoy which saved the world! Kawabunga, Dude! read more

See all

Great docents with tons of information for us to absorb. It's $5 for adults to get in or if you have a student or military ID $3 will do. Just to have this available to see where surfing had started from and where it has gone through is a fantastic journey. This is something to see if you are interested in history so not just surfing because the stories along with the very first surfboards is very unique. Seeing some of the videos available such as for Bethany Hamilton is amazing. There is the surfboard that has a piece missing and the same bathing suit she was wearing. Just to see a short clip of the story and her surfing again after the accident is very inspiring. There are many surfboards donated by legends. One surfboard was missing because it was being shown somewhere else. One of the living legends came and replaced a surfboard so he can take the same one he rode on the same waves once again. There is also a buoy on display that first helped the US Military in the World War which now monitors currents and waves to this day. There are lots of things to take pictures of and there are a few murals to take pictures in front of so it looks like you're surfing too. Make a postcard and send to friends and family. There are also cameras on display from the very first ones used to film surfers on the water all the way up to what we used today with a GoPro. This is worth a stop and donation if you are in the area or just passing by. Just to stretch the legs and see some exciting stuff. read more

See all

There really is an overwhelming sense of Ohana at The California Surf Museum! One of legendary Shaun Tomson's Surfer's Codes is that, "I will realize that all surfers are joined by one ocean." For only $3/day or $25/year you can get a chance to visit a place that shows how waves and water can become family. The location is well worth the 1/2 hour drive up from downtown SD or down from the OC. The minute you walk in the door you are warmly greeted by one of the staff members who will explain history and layout of the museum, answer any questions you might have, and encourage you to explore and ask further questions. As you proceed to the left you are presented with the history of surfing, from Hawaii and SoCal's earliest pioneers to the 20th & 21st century hallmarks of Duke, Bruce, Gerry, Mark, Tom, and, of course, Kelly! Here one can gain a comprehensive insight into the venerated lineage and continuous pursuit of excellence in surfing. There's also an impressive collection of early wooden surfboards that weigh 60+ pounds! I dare you to try paddling out to the lineup at Swamis on one of these! To the back of the Museum, if you look close enough, you might find the "Secret Spot" which will give you a greater admiration of the juxtaposition between community, art and surfing. As you proceed to the right you will find the constantly changing exhibits, which, during our visit, housed the history of skateboarding. OK, so now I am beginning to feel a bit mature- the wooden Hobie skateboards that my brother and I use to ride were freaking on display here (placing head between legs...)!!!!!! As you exit, you will find the Museum's large and awesome gift shop with amazing prices. Is there a Holiday coming up? Whatcha Gonna Get Me???!!! Most of all, The California Surf Museum also honors another one of Shaun's Surfer's Codes, "I will pass on my stoke to a non-surfer" and this place really DOES just that!!! read more

See all

This is a little Oceanside treat and it is near Bubble tea. It is easy to get to and parking all around. It is only $5 for adults and free on the first Tuesday of the month and there are military discounts. The museum has videos and pictures and actual surf boards, skate boards, body surfing fins, swim suits, and all kinds of other stuff to look at. There is a little spot out back called the hidden spot. This museum gives you a nice history of surfing and some of the stars of the sport. it only takes about 30 minutes or so to look at everything and take pictures, without watching all the videos. There is also a little gift shop with funny t-shirts, mugs, framed pictures, etc. read more

See all

Great information in this boutique museum that covers many aspects of surfing the even had Bethany's shark bite surfboard

What a great place to learn the history of California surfing. This museum is kept open by donations so make sure you make a good donation. The place is clean and well put together. The employees who may be volunteers are very helpful and friendly. Especially the older guy who paid extra attention to the young ladies that were there. The size of the museum is a little small because they have a lot of stuff and it looks like they are adding more stuff like skateboards. They have tons of old pics from all over like Hawaii, Portugal and some other exotic places. This is definitely a cool little spot for a date if both people like surfing. Oh and they have a small gift store in the front. Please donate so this museum can stay open. read more

See all

FASCINATING! I could have spent ALL day here, and it was the rare museum that also held the attention of my three little girls for a very long time. One of my kids had done a school report on Bethany Hamilton and so she was mesmerized by the Hamilton displays, including her actual board (on loan here for 13 years). We were all fascinated by the detailed "science of surfing" exhibit and the replica board shop. And as a 53yr old SoCal native, it was so cool to immerse myself in the stories and pictures of the histories on display - surfing/boards of course (hundreds of years worth), but also boogie boarding, shaping, more. The quantity & quality of information, artifacts, and pictures on display was really surprising for a museum of this size. Combined with the knowledge and friendliness of the staff (clearly a labor of love), this is a small nonprofit museum worthy of support and accolades, and one can see why so many make this a pilgrimage to visit here. read more

Very informative museum and surf enthusiasts will LOVE this place. Admission is $5 per adult and $3 per student / military with ID / seniors (62+). The California Surfer Museum (CSM) was established in 1986 and it showcases both feature exhibits (e.g. Going Big: Riding Giants Around the World) and permanent exhibits (e.g. A Brief History of Surfboards, Courageous Inspiration: Bethany Hamilton and her Shark-Bitten Surfboard, the Secret Spot, and Where's the Surf? Find Your Swell Direction with CDIP). My favorite parts about this museum are various pictures of huge waves, typical hot spots to catch some of monster waves (e.g. Nazaré [Portugal], Dungeons [Hout Bay, South Africa], Maverick's [Bay Area, California], Jaws [Pe'ahi, Hawaii], etc), the Secret Spot (a mural painting of ocean wave), and evolution of surf boards. A good stop to check out if you have about one hour of spare time. read more

See all

Despite living in North County most of my life, and Oceanside for the last few years, I had never been to the CA Surf Museum until recently. A friend from out of town wanted to see it and I was game. Neither of us are surfers but we had fun walking through the museum and learned a lot about surfing! Adult admission is $5. The current exhibit is called "China Beach: Surfers, the Vietnam War, and the Healing Power of Wave-riding". It shares stories from veterans who served and surfed during the war. It's a cool exhibit because you not only learn about surfing, you learn about it through learning about the war, and from those who actually served. We had a very nice gentleman walk us around who shared his experiences growing up in Coronado, serving in the Vietnam War, and surfing/skateboarding. Usually the exhibits last a couple months or so, but this exhibit has been so popular they're keeping it until next January. There's also some permanent displays, such as evolution of the surfboard and skateboards. There's also an exhibit on Bethanie Hamilton (Soul Surfer), who survived the shark attack. There's a lot of thought, love, and care put into these exhibits, and the volunteers and staff are really great. If you're interested in surfing, definitely check this place out. But even if you're not, you'll probably still enjoy yourself and learn something. Win win :) read more

California Surf Museum - Surfboards through the years - Museums Near Me - Oceanside, California

See all

If you're into surfing or live near the beach be sure to visit this small museum with some good history on surfing with displays of famous surfer surfboards like Bethany Hamilton who lost her arm from a shark attack and Duke Kahanamoku who was the first Surfer of history. There are some surfboards autograph by famous surfers, surfboard wax, swim wear, awards and displays of old wood and new modern fiberglass surfboards. Admission is only $5 so why not just check it out while in Downtown Oceanside. read more

See all

This is a little special piece of Oceanside that I adore! To be honest I am not into surfing at all but I do have respect for the sport. After seeing an episode on The American Pickers I wanted to come here even more! They donated a surf board and I want to see it in person! Admission is $3 military/student $5 Regular Free on Tuesdays! I went on a Tuesday and the customer service was off the charts! She greeted with kindness and shared some insight about the museum. As I walked around you could feel the history and story that was behind every board. There are some really special boards in here (I wont spoil it for you) You just have to come see for yourself! They even had skateboards, Roller Skates, and other unique pieces. The bathroom is even decked out with memorabilia and photos! The best part was I did get to see that board from the show and got the story behind it :) Don't forget to stop in the gift shop! I purchased two items myself and there is a small donation box if you want to donate any change or bills! So if you don't know now you know you have to stop in here! It is one of the best things about Oceanside that makes it a great place to visit or live in! read more

Located on Hwy. 101 in Oceanside this museum documents all things surfing from the first sighting of a surfer to what's going on today in the current scene. You'll find original bolsa wood boards that were ridden by the great legends and Hawaiian masters including Duke Kahanamoku, the father of surfing. Of course there are tributes to other greats such as Rell Sunn, the mother of surfing a.k.a. The Queen of Makaha who sadly passed away from cancer a few years back. She was the first and only female surfer to have made the cover of Surfing Magazine. Hard to believe but true. There are many tributes the industry professionals including one very famous man, Doc Ball considered the first surfing photographer and one of today's living legends, Tom Keck also a master at shooting surfers since the late 1950's. There is also an entire exhibition devoted to surfing-shapers who definitely have shaped this sport in many ways. Take a drive up or down the coast and visit this great museum. Admission is free but donations are gladly accepted. http://surfmuseum.org read more

See all

Came here on Father's Day with my family and we enjoyed learning all about the surf culture and history. The museum itself is small but very well maintained. They have some really cool displays and lots of interesting facts about surfing. I thought the connection between surfing and the Vietnam War was especially interesting. This museum is a definite must see if your in the area even if your not into surfing. read more

See all

This was a nice little museum close to the beach. Rates were very reasonable, and I believe kids were free. I learned a lot about surfing, and they had a lot of surf board to look at as well as informational signage. They also had a cute "secret spot" out back that was perfect for photo ops. There was also a small gift shop with surfing themed items for sale. This place is definitely worth a stop if you are in the area. read more

California Surf Museum - Museums Near Me - Oceanside, California

Very cool museum in downtown O. History of surfing at it's finest. So many cool old photos and many different specimens of boards, boggie boards, etc. Very cheap entrance fees and a cute little gift shop. Well worth the entry fee and buy a little something in the gift shop all proceeds go to a non profit read more

California Surf Museum - Museums Near Me - Oceanside, California

See all