California Surf Museum

Museum · Oceanside

California Surf Museum

Museum · Oceanside

312 Pier View Wy, Oceanside, CA 92054

Highlights

The California Surf Museum, a hidden gem in Oceanside, offers an engaging dive into surf history with friendly staff and cool exhibits for all ages.

312 Pier View Wy, Oceanside, CA 92054 Get directions

surfmuseum.org

@casurfmuseum

@afar

"In 2017 California designated Oceanside one of 14 recognized Arts and Cultural Districts in the state.The community in north San Diego County is home to an active mix of artists, art galleries, and museums.The California Surf Museum, located a few blocks from the Oceanside Pier, is in a building designed to resemble a wave. Its mission is to preserve and showcase surf heritage including art and notable surfboards like the one Bethany Hamilton was riding when she was bitten by a tiger shark, and the board Eddie Aikau was last seen paddling when he disappeared off Lana'i in 1978. Museum shows have included a "Salute to Pipeline" and the thought-provoking “Surfers and the Vietnam War” that recreates the China Beach Surf Club where soldiers would go to escape the war. A small courtyard behind the museum, dubbed the Secret Spot, has murals painted by local surf cartoonist John Lamb."

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MCK

Google

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.

James Williams

Google

Best museum ever. Had a great time checking out the cool exhibits. Surf music, art, fashion, history, they've got it all. Best part was the friendly and knowledgeable host. He's a surfing encyclopedia! Put this on your Oceanside to-do list.

Alison Hranek

Google

I love this museum. Not only are the staff super knowledgeable and friendly but they have a memorial wall for surfers who have passed. I added a plaque for my stepdad who passed while surfing and it’s the best way to honor him. He was passionate about surfing and supporting local businesses.

Andre Silva

Google

Very nice museum with lots of surf history. Staff was super nice 🙂

Nina Santarpia

Google

Absolutely amazing museum! As a beginner surfer, I found the “science of surfing” exhibit super educational and helpful. The whole museum is very informative and interesting and I was definitely impressed. In addition, the staff were awesome and super helpful. I really enjoyed my entire experience here!

John Harrer

Google

A great place to visit when you’re in Oceanside. Wonderful stories and surfing history. Inexpensive and fun.

James Timony

Google

It's such a great museum. Great educational opportunity for groms learning about the science of oceanography, as well as history of surfing, surfers, and shapers. Some of the original surfboards in history made their way here, and it is so cool to see them close up and in person.

Karen H

Google

We were in town visiting from the desert and had heard about the museum. So glad we stopped in. This place is a treasure. Kind and knowledgeable staff. Great exhibits for all age and skill levels. Highly recommend a visit. Grateful this museum exists. Can’t wait to return.