We noticed that you're using an unsupported browser. The TripAdvisor website may not display properly.
We support the following browsers:
Windows: Internet Explorer, Mozilla Firefox. Mac: Safari.
All 52 Santa Cruz Attractions »

Santa Cruz Surfing Museum

West Cliff Drive at Lighthouse Point, Santa Cruz, CA
831-420-6289
Ranked #4 of 35 attractions in Santa Cruz
4.5 of 5 stars 17 Reviews
Type: Specialty Museums
Owner description: For more than a hundred years, Santa Cruz has been a hot spot for hard-core surfers. This museum tells their stories through photographs, surfboards...... more » Owner description: For more than a hundred years, Santa Cruz has been a hot spot for hard-core surfers. This museum tells their stories through photographs, surfboards and other related items. « less
Update attraction details
Write a Review

17 reviews from our community

Visitor rating
    9
    8
    0
    0
    0
Date Rating
Salinas, California
Senior Contributor
24 reviews 24 reviews
Reviews in 8 cities Reviews in 8 cities
9 helpful votes 9 helpful votes
4 of 5 stars Reviewed May 21, 2012 NEW

This building use to be the light house but is now a museum dedicated to the local surfers. There is a lot of history but there is little room for you to look around! It is well done though. More

Was this review helpful? Yes
See 8 more reviews by AngelaMott for Santa Cruz
York
Senior Reviewer
9 reviews 9 reviews
Reviews in 3 cities Reviews in 3 cities
1 helpful vote 1 helpful vote
5 of 5 stars Reviewed April 23, 2012

Here you have a small little museum, location with the seaside and free parking. More

Was this review helpful? Yes
York UK
Reviewer
5 reviews 5 reviews
Reviews in 4 cities Reviews in 4 cities
4 of 5 stars Reviewed April 23, 2012

Here you can read the history about surfing and it is a beautiful place to visit. More

Was this review helpful? Yes
Santa Cruz
Senior Reviewer
7 reviews 7 reviews
Reviews in 2 cities Reviews in 2 cities
1 helpful vote 1 helpful vote
5 of 5 stars Reviewed March 27, 2012

Dont miss this museum! Located inside the iconic brick lighthouse at the point at Steamer Lane, the Santa Cruz Surfing Museum is a beloved Santa Cruz treasure. This tiny musuem (probably 20'x20') is *packed* full of photos and boards that do a great job of showing you the history of surfing in "Surf City". Run by volunteers. Admission is free... More

Was this review helpful? Yes
See 5 more reviews by Rob M for Santa Cruz
San Jose, California
Senior Reviewer
10 reviews 10 reviews
Reviews in 2 cities Reviews in 2 cities
2 helpful votes 2 helpful votes
5 of 5 stars Reviewed March 14, 2012

It's tiny but it's full of great info and photographs of the history of surf in the area. More

Was this review helpful? Yes
See 3 more reviews by April H for Santa Cruz
Santa Cruz, California
Senior Contributor
37 reviews 37 reviews
Reviews in 3 cities Reviews in 3 cities
7 helpful votes 7 helpful votes
4 of 5 stars Reviewed March 10, 2012

Located on picturesque West Cliff Drive, visitors can contemplate this fairly new industry of Surfing. Peruse inside the charming lighthouse museum and then step outside to witness the best surfers in action at Steamers, a world class surf spot. More

Was this review helpful? Yes
See 22 more reviews by Beachmomma831 for Santa Cruz
La Crescenta, CA
Senior Contributor
28 reviews 28 reviews
Reviews in 12 cities Reviews in 12 cities
12 helpful votes 12 helpful votes
4 of 5 stars Reviewed February 21, 2012

The museum is located in a beautiful area of Santa Cruz, overlooking a famous surfing beach. Great place for a walk, with great views of the city. The museum is very informative, easy to walk through(small). We really enjoyed going back in time to Santa Cruz's early surfing days! More

Was this review helpful? Yes
See 7 more reviews by tcardona for Santa Cruz
Sacramento
Contributor
15 reviews 15 reviews
Reviews in 5 cities Reviews in 5 cities
8 helpful votes 8 helpful votes
5 of 5 stars Reviewed February 21, 2012

Gives a great prospective of surfing history and I thought it all happened in So Cal. How wrong. Also visit local surf shops for authentic surf wear More

Was this review helpful? Yes
See 10 more reviews by luv2gooften for Santa Cruz
Carmel, California
Contributor
11 reviews 11 reviews
Reviews in 5 cities Reviews in 5 cities
1 helpful vote 1 helpful vote
5 of 5 stars Reviewed February 20, 2012

Shark attacks, real heroes and icons. Incredible photographs. This, folks it where the whole wetsuit thing began. If it weren't for the invention of the wetsuit, no one would be surfing the cold, cold waters of nocal. Surfing legends and amazing shots of surfers. A must see. More

Was this review helpful? Yes
See 3 more reviews by Exerciseexpert for Santa Cruz
Gilroy, Ca
Senior Reviewer
7 reviews 7 reviews
Reviews in 2 cities Reviews in 2 cities
2 helpful votes 2 helpful votes
5 of 5 stars Reviewed February 8, 2012

Take a moment to watch the surfers off the point, and then meander through this historical museum. So fun to look at all the photos and memorabilia recounting the history of surfing in santa Cruz. Don't forget to leave donation to keep the museum open. More

Was this review helpful? Yes
See 5 more reviews by Dillydallyalley for Santa Cruz

Travelers who viewed Santa Cruz Surfing Museum also viewed

West Cliff Drive
4.5 of 5 stars 52 Reviews
Santa Cruz, CA
Seymour Marine Discovery Center
4.5 of 5 stars 24 Reviews
Santa Cruz, CA
 
Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk
4 of 5 stars 226 Reviews
Santa Cruz, CA
Santa Cruz Wharf
4 of 5 stars 56 Reviews
Santa Cruz, CA
 

Been to Santa Cruz Surfing Museum? Share your experiences!

Write a Review Add Photos Add Videos

Owners: What's your side of the story?

If you own or manage Santa Cruz Surfing Museum, register now for free tools to enhance your listing, attract new reviews, and respond to reviewers.

Manage your listing
See all sites
Cruise Critic

The ultimate cruise resource: cruise reviews, deals, news and advice.

SeatGuru

The world's most comprehensive source for airline seats, airline info, & in-flight amenities.

Family Vacation Critic

The best family vacations start here.

Best beach houses of 2012 »