Went here and witnessed a hoard of aggressive locals surrounding a vehicle and threatening to kill a visitor over a parking spot that they clearly felt entitled to. The dispute ended with the locals screaming at tourists to "go back to where they came from" and the one visitor frantically escaping. I couldn't stick around the museum itself because a vagabond who appeared to be on drugs played the drums--poorly--from inside his van, and I found that annoying
The coast itself is beautiful but the atmosphere feels unsafe and there's clearly some tensions going on where visitors aren't welcome. the seaside walk is nice but this museum itself is small. It's mostly just a point where a bunch of tourists who seemed lost and bored stared over a fence at a bunch of surfers in the...
Read moreThis is a wonderful place to learn the history of the Founding fathers of the Santa Cruz surf club-1936 til present. It has a beautiful view of the ocean, and very cool memorabilia from every decade since it was founded. Also, pays tribute to the club members that have passed away. If you look at the benches surrounding the light house, you will notice they have memorials carved into them. Don't forget to pick up your t-shirt souvenir or post cards. This is a great place for children, teens and adults. I try to go as often as possible, my uncle "Alexander PINKY Pedemonte" is one of the founding fathers, you can spot him in many pictures and on the t-shirts with all the surfers! ;) Check on the hours of operation before you go. Hope...
Read moreThe museum is inside Santa Cruz Lighthouse; a sturdy little Lighthouse and local icon, not far from the surfer's statue in tribute to all who ride the waves and in memorial to those who rode their last one. It's a small but very worthy museum, including the samples of the boards they carved out of redwood (can you imagine) ridden by the three Hawaiian Princes who surfed in Santa Cruz, bringing their royal sport to the mainland for the first time. Lots of local hero's portrayed here from big wave rider Jay Moriarty to wet-suit legend Jack O'Neil. Stand outside and watch for pelicans...
Read more