Surfing Heritage and Culture Center
Surfing Heritage and Culture Center
Surfing Heritage and Culture Center
5
11:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Tuesday
11:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Wednesday
11:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Thursday
11:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Friday
11:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Saturday
11:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Sunday
11:00 AM - 5:00 PM
About
Home to the most comprehensive and significant collection of surfboards and surfing memorabilia in the world. We present a comprehensive overview on the history and culture of surfing. There's no charge for regular admission but donations are welcome and appreciated!
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Most Recent: Reviews ordered by most recent publish date in descending order.
Detailed Reviews: Reviews ordered by recency and descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as wait time, length of visit, general tips, and location information.
Popular mentions
5.0
52 reviews
Excellent
43
Very good
9
Average
0
Poor
0
Terrible
0
GrumpyFly
5 contributions
Sep 2023 • Family
What a hidden gem! I’ve know about SHACC, but have never visited. I recently donated a 1960’s era long board and got a chance to check out the collection. Wow! What an incredible display of boards and surfing memorabilia. Barry does a great job with all the displays. This is a must visit when in So Cal.
Written September 21, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
globalcharlie
Capistrano Beach, CA28 contributions
Aug 2014 • Friends
Literally the Smithsonian museum of surfing - many times larger than the others combined. Great events that draw the most renowned surfers from around the world. Went to the Endless Summer 50th anniversary event and it was terrific.
Written September 17, 2014
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Caleb_0039
Vancouver, Canada3 contributions
Feb 2015 • Solo
They were between exhibits but still let me in to have a look around. AMAZING collection of history here. Met a guy named Henry there and he started showing me around telling me some great stories. Turns out it's Henry Ford, living legend! awesome guy. People, you've gotta come check this place out, support the history, learn where surfing has come from, talk to the people there.
Just awesome, thank you all
Just awesome, thank you all
Written February 5, 2015
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Rick J. Delanty
San Clemente, CA48 contributions
Sep 2018
I was so excited to visit this treasure-trove of surfing lore, surfing art, and surfboard inventions. It is artistically and logically presented, and offers a deep collection not only of history of the sport, but of the personalities, individual stories, and anecdotes of the global experimentation with wave-riding that made the sport what it is today. Staffed with knowledgeable docents, any surfing question may be answered here.
Written August 11, 2019
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Thanks for visiting and the nice review! We do try and answer any and all surf related questions. We pride ourselves in having knowledgeable docents.
Written August 12, 2019
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Mar51
Camarillo, California73 contributions
May 2017 • Family
If you are, or have ever been a surfer, this museum is a must see. Even if you have never been on a board in your life, you will find this place interesting.
My husband, daughter and I stopped by this museum last weekend for a quick visit. My husband has surfed since the mid 60's but I have never even tried it. I thought there would be a couple of boards and some pictures on the wall with a little memorabilia that ONLY HE might find interesting...... Boy was I wrong.
The museum itself is located a bit off the beaten path, but the building is big enough to house an incredible collection of just about anything related to surfing. The walls are lined with a rare collection of surfboards representing the evolution of the surfboard and the sport itself, from the earliest days to the present.
Everything is in chronological order, very well labeled, with pictures and a full description of each board. There are 100 pound boards ridden by Duke Kahanamoku all the way up to the short boards popular today.
The center of the museum has all types of surf related items, from the actual shack Dale Velzy used to shape boards to the jacket Robert August wore in the film "Endless Summer". There are also temporary themed exhibits that change several times a year.
The staff is helpful and knowledgable, but we were luck enough to be there when legendary surfer Dick Metz, who was the founder of the Surfing Heritage Museum, was there. His knowledge and memories were absolutely fascinating. In fact, he is the person who has donated this extensive surfboard collection to the museum.
Growing up in the area, he is a pioneering figure in surfing, and is dedicated to preserving the heritage of the sport, and his museum does just that.
My husband, daughter and I stopped by this museum last weekend for a quick visit. My husband has surfed since the mid 60's but I have never even tried it. I thought there would be a couple of boards and some pictures on the wall with a little memorabilia that ONLY HE might find interesting...... Boy was I wrong.
The museum itself is located a bit off the beaten path, but the building is big enough to house an incredible collection of just about anything related to surfing. The walls are lined with a rare collection of surfboards representing the evolution of the surfboard and the sport itself, from the earliest days to the present.
Everything is in chronological order, very well labeled, with pictures and a full description of each board. There are 100 pound boards ridden by Duke Kahanamoku all the way up to the short boards popular today.
The center of the museum has all types of surf related items, from the actual shack Dale Velzy used to shape boards to the jacket Robert August wore in the film "Endless Summer". There are also temporary themed exhibits that change several times a year.
The staff is helpful and knowledgable, but we were luck enough to be there when legendary surfer Dick Metz, who was the founder of the Surfing Heritage Museum, was there. His knowledge and memories were absolutely fascinating. In fact, he is the person who has donated this extensive surfboard collection to the museum.
Growing up in the area, he is a pioneering figure in surfing, and is dedicated to preserving the heritage of the sport, and his museum does just that.
Written May 9, 2017
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
SoCal4
california31 contributions
Jul 2016 • Solo
If you surf or have an interest in surfing this museum is for you. An amazing collection of surfboards and other surfing related items await your visit. Friendly staff, nice location, you will not be disappointed.
Written July 7, 2016
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
We're glad you enjoyed your visit, thanks for the kind words!
Written July 15, 2016
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
randallzornartist
Corona del Mar, California1 contribution
Feb 2016 • Couples
Great variety of all types of boards. Best surfing museum in the nation. Wonderful events held at the facility. Kudos to the staff and volunteers that have made the museum such a success!
Written March 3, 2016
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Alan-CBF
6 contributions
Our visit was really quite amazing. There are real surfboards on display from the 1800's showing the development of surfing. All credit to those involved in the creation of this display. A bit hard to find if you are not a local but well worth the effort.
Written May 14, 2012
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
1funnygirljj
San Diego, CA186 contributions
Jul 2019
Came here to check out Surfing History...ALL the BOARDS and everything else Surfs-up! It's HERE! Awesome Original boards, photographs and so much MORE! Worth membership, but just come to visit too! Hal was the person in-the-know! totally enjoyable experience. Also t-shirts, posters and other gift items you can buy. Go, you'll totally enjoy it!
Written July 28, 2019
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Shotsea
Orange, CA19 contributions
Feb 2019
We had a wonderful tour with Hal Forsen - extremely knowledgeable about everything in the center. We could have just walked around, but if you can get a tour with Hal and have the time and interest, I would highly recommend taking the time.
Written February 4, 2019
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Since this is a museum with delicate, aged, and valuable pieces, some near the floor etc., the museum would appreciate it if dogs are left in a safe place outside while visitors peruse the artifacts.
Written September 25, 2019
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