Surf Museums in the USA
Surf Museum Hawaii (SMH) is where the world comes to appreciate surf history and culture while in the archipelagic embrace of the Hawaiian Islands – the birthplace of surfing. But where are you, an admirer of the Hollow Days of yore, to go to when on the mainland of America? As it turns out, coastal communities of the United States have done an admirable job of honoring the heritage of surfing. Below is a comprehensive list of surf museums in the USA to check out when cruising the Pacific Coast or the eastern seaboard of the country.
Complete List of Surfing Museums to Visit on the Mainland USA
Surfing Heritage and Culture Center
Address: 110 Calle Iglesia, San Clemente, CA (get directions)
Admission: By donation
Hours of Operation: Tuesday to Saturday 11 AM to 5 PM / Closed Sunday and Monday
The Surfing Heritage and Culture Center (SHACC) is located in the coolest surf town around – San Clemente, California. It has the largest and most diverse collection of vintage wave craft, from antique Hawaiian olo and Malibu chips to 70s guns and thrusters ridden by pro surfing champs from the past and present. One of our favorite features is the replica Dale Velzy shaping room, which transports visitors to the heyday of California surf culture. The surf museum’s walls and display cases are loaded with other memorabilia, including vintage photographs, surf wear, fins, and more. In addition to the impressive permanent installations, SHACC rotates exhibits approximately every quarter to keep things fresh for regular visitors.
SHACC is also a SoCal hub of surf industry events, such as movie premieres, book signings, surf swaps, and roundtable-type discussions for things that matter to the local surf community.
California Surf Museum
Address: 312 Pier View Wy, Oceanside, CA (get directions)
Admission: $7 (Adults and Seniors) / $5 (Military and Students) / FREE (Kids under 11 and CSM members)
Hours of Operation: Daily 10 AM to 4 PM / Closed on Major Holidays
Standing in aesthetically stunning contrast to the remainder of Pier View Way in Oceanside CA, California Surf Museum is a testament to the steadfast nature of SoCal surf culture. Founded in 1986, the CSM serves tens of thousands of resident and international visitors each year. Their permanent collection chronicles the history of surfboards, surf equipment, and surfers in the Golden State (and globally). They also offer revolving exhibits such as the recent Science of Surfing (launched in 2023) which had done an amazing deep dive into the study of wave-riding mechanics. The CSM gift shop is also a favorite, featuring local surf art, books, t-shirts, and souvenirs from a morning or afternoon well spent in Oceanside.
Huntington Beach International Surfing Museum
Address: 411 Olive Ave, Huntington Beach, CA (get directions)
Admission: By donation
Hours of Operation: Thursday to Sunday 11 AM to 5 PM / Closed Monday to Wednesday
The small museum in an officially designated ‘Surf City USA’ catches the eye of visitors due to the giant surfboard that is mounted in the adjacent parking lot. The board was part of an initiative to break the Guinness Book of World Records to create the largest and ridable surfboard. The feat was accomplished in 2015.
The non-profit Huntington Beach International Surfing Museum (HBISM) has been open since 1987, and offers a introspection into the place that Hawaiians George Freeth and Duke Kahanamoku made famous in the early 1900s. In recognizing Hawaii’s influence on the community, HBISM not only features permanent exhibits about local shapers and surf clubs from decades ago, it has (and continues to) honor the likes of Kahanamoku and Eddie Aikau among other Waikiki Beachboys, Makaha standouts, and North Shore watermen.
Santa Cruz Surfing Museum
Address: 701 W Cliff Dr, Santa Cruz, CA (get directions)
Admission: By donation
Hours of Operation: Thursday to Monday 10 AM to 4 PM / Closed Tuesday and Wednesday
The Santa Cruz Surf Museum is a shining beacon in a somewhat rough and tumble seaside town. It’s appropriately located within an historic lighthouse building that overlooks the area’s most famous surf break, Steamer Lane. This is pound for pound the most engaging surf museum, because within the tiny building is a collection that chronicles everything that formed surf culture on Northern California’s cliff-laden shores. SCSM makes it clear that Hawaiian royalty introduced surfing to the mainland through Santa Cruz. There is a red brick structure and plaque outside of the building to account for the arrival of Queen Kapiolani’s nephews in the late 1800s. Beyond this high regard for Hawaii’s influence, the permanent exhibit features boards shaped by local legends like Bob Pearson in addition to items and oddities that speak to the eccentric and BS-free nature of the community. The Santa Cruz Surf Museum is a real gem.
Florida Surf Museum
Address: 4275 N Atlantic Ave, Cocoa Beach, FL (get directions)
Admission: By donation
Hours of Operation: Open Daily 9 AM to 5 PM / Closed for Holidays
The Florida Surf Museum transports enthusiasts to the other side of the mainland, which is the birthplace of the greatest competitive surfer of all time; Kelly Slater. Beyond the GOAT, there is much more to the history and culture of surfing in the region, which is what FSM intends to convey. Its exhibit features locally-shaped boards, transplanted wave-craft, contest trophies, art, and photographs of an era that has delightfully stood still in the quintessential surf town. They also put on fresh exhibits to recognize women’s involvement and influence in the lifestyle along with local Hall of Famers like Jeff Crawford and so forth.
New Jersey Surf Museum at Tuckerton Seaport
Address: 120 W. Main St. (Rt. 9) Tuckerton, NJ (get directions)
Admission: $8 (Adults) / $6 (Seniors over 62) / $3 (Kids from 6-12) / FREE (Kids under 5)
Hours of Operation: Tuesday to Saturday 11 AM to 5 PM / Closed Sunday and Monday
Florida was not the only focal point of surf history on the East Coast. In fact, most will argue that the epicenter is further north in the state of New Jersey. Tuckerton Seaport wants everyone to know this, and has installed a permanent surf exhibit in a longstanding museum in the maritime village. The exhibit features a relatively large collection of boards, ranging from hollow wooden planks to modern craft of today. The space also features memorabilia, printed accountings of past surfers and shapers, and various collections that mirror the history of the sport and lifestyle of the region.
Bird’s Surf Shed
Address: 1091 W Morena Blvd, San Diego, CA (get directions)
Admission: None
Hours of Operation: Monday to Saturday 10 AM to 6 PM / Sunday 10 AM to 5 PM
While Bird’s Surf Shed is technically a retailer, the warehouse is home to the largest and most eclectic collection of vintage surfboards in the world. The manner of which the boards are displayed is a sight to behold. The surf-craft are mounted in a curved manner along the massive aluminum warehouse dome that barrels overhead. The display is so impressive that it’s a worthwhile attraction for anyone. Forget SeaWorld, Bird’s Surf Shed is where San Diego visitors should come if they have an affinity for ocean activities.
Between SMH and the surf museums in the USA above, its seems that the history and culture of our lifestyle are alive and well. Be sure to show your support to keep the ALOHA going for generations to come!
Author: Marcus Maraih
