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California Surf Museum: Explore Surfing History and Iconic Artifacts in Oceanside

California Surf Museum: Explore Surfing History and Iconic Artifacts in Oceanside

Plan to spend at least an hour at the California Surf Museum, a heartfelt tribute to surfing artifacts. Highlights include a detailed timeline of surfing history, captivating surf-themed art, and an extensive collection of vintage boards. The museum showcases the camera used by Doc Ball, surfing's first dedicated photographer, to capture groundbreaking images in the 1930s.

Exhibits rotate frequently, featuring themes like Women of Surfing, Adaptive Surfing, and Surfers of the Vietnam War. Surfboards from the TV show American Pickers remain on display in the Plastic Fantastic section.

Bethany Hamilton's Shark-Bitten Surfboard

The museum's standout exhibit is professional surfer Bethany Hamilton's board, marked by a massive shark bite. In 2003, Hamilton survived a shark attack at Kauai's Tunnels Beach in Hawaii, losing her left arm but making an inspiring return to pro surfing. Her bikini from the attack day is also part of the display.

Tickets and Practical Information

Located at 312 Pier View Way, Oceanside (San Diego County). Admission: $5 adults, $3 students, free for children under 12. First Tuesday of the month: $1 tickets.


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