About
The California Surf Museum houses a wealth of artifacts, archives, displays, and information on history and culture. Its stewards are not only lovers of the ocean and surfers but are thrilled to share their knowledge with you.
The exhibits fill the room from ceiling to floor, making it an incredible surf utopia.
On display is a 1923 Waikiki-Style Board “Makai,” which is a 67-lb., 9’8” varnished redwood board made by Duke Kahanamoku. This was his personal board, which he used to save eight lives in Corona del Mar in 1925.
Also on display is a 1912 Early California Alaia board. This vintage board is varnished sugar pine with an oak tail block and weighs in at 37.7 lbs., measuring 7’1”. It was built by Ralph Noisat and donated to CSM by the Grace Arnold Family.
The craftsmanship of these boards is absolutely gorgeous and if you stroll by the Science of Surf display area (currently being expanded) and read some of the storyboards, you will come to realize that there is a real art in the manufacturing and shaping of these board—here you can actually see them all displayed from the earliest wood to the most modern high-tech boards.
In addition to their displays, it hosts a variety of yearly events. These include film screenings, book signings, and lectures by surf industry insiders and cultural icons.
The California Surf Museum is a wonderful and educational experience for the entire family and who knows—it might inspire you to catch a wave while you’re in O’side.
California Surf Museum: Fun Facts & Cool Facts
This attraction came to fruition in 1986 when several people met at George’s Restaurant to discuss plans. They wanted to collect, preserve, display, capture, and chronicle the surfing lifestyle and its history. The mission is to preserve the heritage and memorabilia for future generations and provide education.
Today, the California Surf Museum has over 3,000 items, which include magazines, books, photographs, wetsuits, and record albums, to name a few. Also of note are the 200 surfboards and trophies!
Another bone-chilling display is Bethany Hamilton’s board, bathing suit, and story. Bethany was a surf champion who was attacked by a 15-foot Tiger Shark in 2003. On display is her board with a huge bite taken out of it. The attack almost killed her, but she did lose her shoulder. Amazingly, she still surfs and competes to this day.
In fact, the Scripps Institute tracks 2 buoys in real-time and feeds them the data, which is displayed on a screen in the first exhibit.
Not only are there floor exhibits, but the walls are covered with memorabilia and artifacts. Additionally, information spills over into nooks, crannies, and even the restrooms.
And don’t forget to take a look overhead—you’ll see 14 surfboards suspended from the ceiling as well as some in the gift shop and others hanging around.
Getting There
Located off of Pier View Wy and N Tremont St, you’ll find the California Surf Museum nestled among some of North County San Diego’s incredible dining.
If you’re heading down Pier View Wy toward the ocean, look to the right after you pass N Tremont St and you won’t miss it!
Cost
Visiting is free!
Local Tips
- Proceeds from the gift shop go to a charity.
- Parking near the museum on Thursdays is closed off.
- There is street parking with a 2-hour limit.
- Observe time limits, street sweeping, and trash collection days.