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

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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

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This is one of the coolest examples of keeping local culture alive and sharing it with up and coming generations. The California Surf Museum isn't super big, but they will leave a HUGE impression on you when you visit there. Long story, but I originally learned of it back when I was volunteering on the board of Directors for one of the largest autistic organizations in the county... This much older and established program within our own organization was aware that there was a need to expand services...and they knew the current one-location could not possibly accommodate any more campers than it was already servicing (or perhaps there was just not motivation or interest in growth), yet anyone who ran a North County Surf Camp couldn't use the same name because of the partnership between personal individuals within the organization that had personal friendships and had apparently married themselves to the idea that every year must always be at La Jolla Shores, to the dismay of many people who would rather not have to brave that traffic, the narrow streets, and then have to spend all day every day down there in a Jolla while their child attended a camp from 9am- 2pm. In a meeting of the minds outside of the core group that continued to rail against any kind of other Surf Camp possibly serving the list of people we were turning away every year on our wait list (they must really not have known that the majority of Surf Camps up here are integrating their programs to accommodate autistic campers!), we started thinking of how to benefit some local Surf commemorative endeavors while also garnering money for our new camp idea. We were thinking of trying to locate a closer venue that would be willing to work with autistic children, teens, and adults, in a much closer-to-home setting for the majority of that had spent years driving down to accommodate one singular location. We knew we could find an existing Surf Camp with all of the proper insurance and paperwork and requirements already in place (if it was an established Surf Camp, it would have that, and likely Laos have an "in" with the local permit people to be able to obtain a permit each year...La Jolla was just becoming too much for many of the parents that were tired of driving to a far away location early in the morning , fighting traffic, and dealing with the mess that were the sometimes rude and plastic locals (we tend to be a lot more real, nice, and welcoming when it comes to visitors to our Oceanside town!) But I digress. We were really excited about the multiple options they had out here as far as Surf Camp opportunities that were available, many who were already taking in autistic individuals of all support need levels, they weren't broadcasting it though (one of them said "people are people...I teach people how to surf, I don't need to label them when I do it"...I loved that guy)! When our group went to the Surf Museum to look into the possibility of a fundraising and museum night, we were really pumped, and we had hoped to partner with a fellow nonprofit organization (in this case, the local Surf Museum!) on an endeavor that would have potentially brought a surf camp geared toward autistic individuals up here to North County San Diego...since everything tends to be so far Central or South that we are often an afterthought. Unfortunately I learned that this little museum that could has been struggling to keep itself alive on the local front, and a space available where people can come in and genuinely explore surf culture as it was and continues to be here in Oceanside...unfortunately since the Great Recession, everyone has been hurting when it comes to try get to keep their program running. Their buildings kept paid up on rent, and their materials remaining free and available to all who should seek the knowledge. This is part of our local culture and if you don't want to embrace it, at least drop on by sometime to connect and learn a little about what makes our little town such a righteously gnarly place to live. When we have more resources, and the Surf Museum has enough resources, maybe we can Pool our resources and make this dream of many years a reality finally! read more

I insisted my husband take me here and it did not disappoint either of us. The staff were charming, intelligent, and enthusiastic about this small museum packed with some rare antiquities of surfing and surf culture. Very reasonable admission prices. Exhibits are arranged in an easy to follow manner and no one minds if you touch the surf boards with reverence. Was so very pleased to see a detailed history of surfing and how it began and who the originators and mentors of the sport were. Thrilled to see part of the exhibit devoted to the place women hold in surfing. An extensive skateboarding exhibit is available as well. This didn't interest me very much, but if you're a skater, then you certainly won't be disappointed. An attraction not to be missed and it won't take more than 90 minutes of your time. And that's if you read every word. read more

Great staff/volunteers. Awesome exhibit on San Onfre's surfing past that my son loved. Feel like it was an awesome deal to learn a great part of our surfing history. Also, we loved all of the memorabilia and artifacts. Great eye candy for us water based people! read more

Came here during The Great Exchange where we could use our passes from other museums to get into museums around the city. It is a small, informative museum with great examples of surfing history. read more

Place is pretty cool. Shows some pretty cool surf boards that i would call historical surf boards. some of the greats very first wooden boards are here. Have the Bethany Hamilton board also on display from her shark attack. They also have the first down hill racing skateboards there also. All in all for 8dollars for me and my son it was pretty awesome. I would say if u are in town for a vacay for a few days why not. This is what visiting places and experience their culture is all about. read more

I recently took my fanatical surfer of a father on a road trip to Oceanside for his 60th B-day. My mission for the day was to keep him occupied for 6 hours while my family set up his surprise party back home. We walked into the Museum and were warmly greeted by uhh, the dude. Anyway My Dad and the Dude talked for no-joke an hour and a half straight! About all kinds of surf history, board shapes, how Hawaii is trying to steal our surf artifacts and keep them for their own. This dude was seriously passionate about California surf history. I was really impressed. And it is always a pleasure to meet passionate people. Needless to say that with my ADD I listened for about 5.2 seconds and then moved onto the gift shop area. I found some pretty sweet vintage carved wood earrings from Indonesia, and some pretty interesting books, as well as your usual wave shaped ash trays and surf widow stickers. All and all it was a pretty cool little joint. The dude informed us that they are waiting for the city to renovate a larger building down the street that will be donated to the museum, which is awesome because only about ten percent of the boards and photos are actually on display at their current location, the rest are stored in the rafters; they definitely need more space. I just wanted to say thanks to the dude for keeping my pops occupied for a couple hours, took the wait of my shoulders! My dad was seriously like a little kid in a candy shop. So props to you California Surf Museum!!! Everyone should go visit, there's a lot to learn, and the dude that works there is an awesome guy as well, aaaaaaand, it's free! But if you don't leave at least a dollar donation you will get eaten by a shark the next time you are in the ocean (that's what happened to the guy in Solana Beach last Friday, true story.) read more

I went their with my family today and the owner and author and curator showed us around this fantastic history of surfing from the long past to modern days. This is a real educational experience for all ages! read more

California Surf Museum - Museums Near Me - Oceanside, California

I am not a surfer at all but it was neat to see the evolution of the surfboard. Highlights were seeing "Wilson" from the Castaway movie and the Bethany Hamilton exhibit. read more

California Surf Museum - Bethany's Board - Museums Near Me - Oceanside, California

What a gem! I recently went with my family to the California Surf Museum to check out the current exhibit on body surfing. Comprehensive and interesting, the exhibit did not disappoint! There were also several other sections about surfing: a history of the surfboard, a blurb about the "American Pickers" visit, and the actual surfboard that Bethany Hamilton (Soul Surfer, Amazing Race) was riding when the shark attacked. Like most museum gift shops, this one is full of fun souvenirs/gifts for tourists and locals alike. Friendly staff and well-priced entrance fee. The location is great if you want to walk to the beach or a restaurant after. Highly recommend. read more

What a great little museum. We walked by and notice Cheri Hamilton was signing her book Raising a Soul Surfer, mother of Bethany Hamilton. What a great surprise to meet such an inspirational mother. Back to the museum, they had some great pictures of Oceanside, great history on surf boards and the surf board collection is amazing. The staff was very friendly and great little gift shop. Cool stuff. read more

California Surf Museum - Cheri Hamilton book signing. - Museums Near Me - Oceanside, California

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One of a kind museum, covering surf and skate culture like no other. The surf board genesis exhibit walks you through surf history, wrapping with current boards and the Bethany board with the massive shark bite. The "Need for Speed" skate exhibit is truly unique - featuring a touchable history of killer skate hardware. Remember those Tracker trucks and your first set of eurathane Cadillac wheels? You'll find it all at the CSM. read more

Not only a great museum, but also a killer gift shop. The friendliest staff around. It won't take you long to walk through and it is worth the price. Take the time to visit! read more

Kowabunga Dude! This place is AWESOME! You've go to visit this museum to see the history of surfing/SUP/skateboarding. It is a true gem! There is a LOT to read so I'm not sure how long a young child could hang in for this but seeing the surfboards and watching the video interviews of surfing and famous surfers will keep them busy for a little bit. We don't have young children but a training service dog so we had all the time in the world to read! Love this place! P.S. The bathroom is unisex and EXTREMELY CLEAN. Just FYI. read more

We had our rehearsal dinner here for our wedding this past weekend and it was absolutely perfect. Thank you to all of the staff who allowed us to tour the site several times, stored all food and drink day of, and stayed on site throughout the evening. It is an incredible place to throw a party! read more

Came in for the surf culture and history, which this place covers really well, and to see the new building. Much roomier than the previous, dark, tiny digs. And at $3 for an adult admission, if you're a tourist go, go, go. You cannot get a better deal around here (Legoland, I'm talking to you!) Hell, during Oceanside's Sunset Market, you can even get in free (but call first). Went in during a temporary exhibit about sidewalk surfers and did some reminiscing when I spied the early skateboards, just boards with roller skates nailed on. Suddenly I was whisked to my California childhood where I watched the big boys in the neighborhood zoom down the steepest driveways on these deathtraps. But best of all, I got to appreciate the long legacies of the surfing greats, including Duke Kahanamoku and Rell Sunn. And learned that SoCal surfing's been going on since the turn of the last century! Whew! So don't snigger at the idea of this place; the sport does deserve a museum. Best of all, people do hang out here and talk about their favorite subject. So feel free to listen in. You might be standing next to a legend. read more

Absolutely loved this museum. Some amazing surf history and artifacts, and a helpful and friendly staff. The current exhibit brings to life the reality of life overseas for military stationed in vietnam, and how surfing was a chance for them to feel normal in this least normal of situations. Humanizing and wonderful. read more

Really awesome how they represented some of surfing history. Great boards and history

I was very excited to visit this place as surfing is a new passion in my life. The staff was very cool and engaging. Overall it was a rich experience that satisfied my hunger for information with A+. read more

Only a $1 for military (and students I believe). What a cool little museum for a buck. Very polished place, more so than you'd expect in the area. Not at all a tacky, dusty place only nostalgia would make bearable, but a clean, well-layed out museum with some great looking surfboards, videos, and presentations. Definitely stop in if you are in Oceanside. read more

I'm not into Surf Culture per se but even for someone like me this little museum was worth a quick gander. $5 regular admission it was interesting to see the evolution and history of the surfboard among some of the other exhibits. If you're into the culture I'd imagine this museum would be pretty cool, for me it was a 30 minute ordeal at most. Still, I had a good time. read more

Well worth the $3.00. Not large but really high quality displays. A museum the community can be proud of having. We drove all the way from downtown San Diego and we enjoyed our entire day trip in Oceanside including this little jewel. We spent about an hour. read more

Great museum! I don't surf, I know nothing about surfing, and it was awesome. It's small, but they really use the space efficiently. There's lots of different resources they use to present information. The man that was at the front counter was very helpful and courteous... best of all, he actually knew a lot about the history of surfing and surfing itself. Great experience! read more

Little but my husband the surfer loved it. It was cool seeing the stuff about Bethany Hamilton and her board the shark took a bite out of.

Cool stuff and some interesting history. Great location. The price is right for the itty bitty room they call a museum. The guy that worked there was super friendly. A good 15-20 minutes of looking around, but I have no need to ever go again. The gift shops have some neat stuff. read more

My sister and I had a great experience at the California Surf Museum on Saturday afternoon! The gentlemen working was really great (unfortunately we didn't have a chance to ask him his name). I definitely recommend stopping by, for surfers and non-surfers alike! read more

The area about the adaptive surfers was amazing, loved to see the young female surfers for once. The Bethany Hamilton exhibit was the best part, would love to see an expansion. read more

The new exhibit Surfing in Vietnam is amazing! its a must see, well done. The staff is welcoming and very helpful, and they have lots of cool gifts. We got a couple of long sleeve hoodies that are so soft. We would recommend a visit to this wonderful museum. read more

Even as one who has never surfed (unfortunately), I have a lot of interest and admiration for the sport. The California Surf Museum is a great part of California beach culture, located on Oceanside. The exhibits are intersting, informative, and easy to understand and the people at the museum are extremely friendly and knowledgable. Highly Recommend! read more

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You'll spend more time here than you think you will...even if you're not a surfer or have little interest in surfing. I talked my GF into going and by the time we left she wanted to learn to surf! They had 3 exhibits when we visited, all pretty good. WindanSea Surf Club exhibit: Cool history of one of the greatest surf clubs with lots of memorabilia. Great surfing video! Lot's of press clippings and collectibles, but not a very dynamic presentation. Bethany Hamilton exhibit: actual surf board that she was attacked on and interesting video of her career and post-attack life. A little short on exhibit material - but that's probably because she's still so young. She is an amazing young lady - in or out of the water! History of surf boards exhibit: a large, interesting display on the development of surf boards. This is a permanent exhibit and could use a little jazzing up. Some of the little changes that are documented are so slight as to be dulling to the senses after halfway through. Also, if they're going to talk about skeg evolution they should at least display the boards with the bottom side showing so we don't have to crawl around to see the differences. There wasn't much about surfing in the rest of California, especially one would think there would be sections on Huntington Beach (Surf City USA??). Trestles, Rincon and Mavericks, amongst others. Also missing was a section on great Californian surfers. (Since it is a relatively small museum perhaps they had to store some stuff for the large WindanSea exhibit?) The gift shop has a surprisingly wide variety of items and the staff was very friendly, welcoming and helpful. All in all, a nice way to kill 1-2 hours - needs more but a solid 3.5 stars. read more

Chill and relaxing. Good little walk after Ty's Burgers. Lol. Checking out some old school history.

Great place to visit. The volunteers were so knowledgeable and took the time to explain everything to my 6 year old. There's so much to look at and this truly is a museum. A lot of great authentic home story here. Even if you're not an avid surfer there's still a lot of interesting exhibits. My favorite part was the evolution of the surfboard. Highly recommend visiting. Very cheap admission fee. Can spend half a day in there or 30 minutes- just depends on how much time you spend reading the exhibits. read more

If you are interested in learning about Southern California Beach culture this museum is a MUST!!! The volunteers and staff are friendly and incredibly knowledgeable. It has the entire history of surfing. read more

This is a terrific display of surfing history, personalities and equipment. I was greeted by Tara the director as I entered and had a cordial chat with her. Museum is organized very effectively and there is a really good surf store there also. As a beginner I found numerous info brochures and could talk to the museum staff there also. Don't miss this museum if you are in Oceanside! Highly recommended! read more

Super friendly staff. Love the beach culture. Bigger than the Surf Museum in Santa Cruz.

You can enjoy from the Getty Museum from beautiful views over Oceanside. I have not seen anywhere in Europe or America the exhibition.

This has been on my to-do list for a long time. As someone who admires the sport but doesn't have the temerity to throw myself against the waves, a surf museum is a brilliant idea. And they do their work skillfully. Given such a small space there might be temptation for them to stretch a few paltry exhibits or artifacts across the wall and call it a day. But the space is crammed with all kinds of landmark pieces of surf history. There's boards, old and new, some commemorating huge personalities in the surf world, and others honoring technological advances. Most prominent was a massive redwood board that looks better suited to a construction site than the side of a wave. Another highlight was the Bethany Hamilton corner, showing the life and tenacity of a young girl who lost an appendage to a shark attack, but resumed competitive surfing shortly after leaving the hospital. The board - shark bite and all - is there for gawking. At $5 a pop ($3 if you're a student of almost any kind, though they do not discount admission if you are a "student of the universe") this is an easy day trip. Cruise up or down the 101, soak up some history, see how the sport has changed in tangible, touchable ways, and conclude with a meal at the nearby Colima's, and beer at any number of breweries occupying plots in and near Oceanside. read more

This was a hidden gem! The museum chronicles the development of surfing which is interesting. The connection between surfing and the Vietnam war was particularly interesting. The kids loved the soul surfer exhibit. Well worth the $5 entrance fee! read more