California Surf Museum

Mission Statement: The California Surf Museum serves as an international repository and resource center on the lifestyle sport of surfing through capturing, preserving, and chronicling its art, culture and heritage for the education and enjoyment of future generations. The California Surf Museum was founded in February 1986 when architect/surfer Stuart Resor appeared in a local newspaper article inviting interested people to found a museum to honor the history of surfing. Thirteen various folks showed up, formed a board of directors, and went to work! Looking for a place to call home, CSM was first based in an Encinitas restaurant (George's, owned by co-founder Jane Schmauss). CSM then had a one-year stint in its own showcase in Moonlight Plaza in Encinitas, then two years in the Promenade Plaza in Pacific Beach. From 1991-1996, CSM was located across the street from Oceanside’s Pier, with a block-sized lot to hold plenty of outdoor events and enjoy amazing sunsets. In 1996, CSM moved inland four blocks to Coast Highway, across from the Oceanside Civic Center. In early 2009, CSM settled into its spacious new premises at 312 Pier View Way. Whew! What a ride Featuring the CSM’s most recent location, once a drug store, on Coast Highway, and its stunning new home.