Santa Cruz Surfing Museum, Santa Cruz (must see)

The Santa Cruz Surfing Museum, situated in the Mark Abbott Memorial Lighthouse at Lighthouse Point on West Cliff Drive, serves as a vital cultural landmark documenting the extensive history of surfing in the United States. This museum, opened in June 1986, holds the distinction of being the first surfing museum established globally. It resides within a lighthouse constructed in 1967 as a tribute to Mark Abbott, a surfer who tragically lost his life while surfing at Pleasure Point nearby.

Overlooking Steamer Lane, a renowned surfing hotspot, the museum showcases a rich collection that includes photographs, surfboards, and videos that chronicle over a century of surfing history in Santa Cruz. These exhibits provide insight into the sport's evolution and its significant impact on the local community. Noteworthy are the diverse surfboards displayed, ranging from massive hollow paddle boards and redwood planks from the 1930s and 1940s to innovative foam and fiberglass boards, as well as the revolutionary short boards that emerged in the 1970s, facilitating new surfing techniques.

The introduction of surfing to Santa Cruz dates back to 1885 when it was popularized by three Hawaiian princes who surfed the San Lorenzo River on plank boards. A plaque honoring these princes, David Kawānanakoa, and Jonah Kūhiō Kalanianaʻole, was dedicated in April 2010, celebrating their pivotal role in the local surfing legacy.

Today, the Santa Cruz Surfing Museum stands as a testament to the enduring spirit and rich history of surfing in Santa Cruz, attracting visitors and enthusiasts eager to explore the narrative of this iconic sport.