It archives and displays surfboards as well as surf-related art, memorabilia, equipment, photographs, magazines, and videos.

Founded in 1986 in Encinitas, California, the museum subsequently moved to Pacific Beach, before settling in Oceanside in 1991.

The museum hosts a number of annual events, including a fundraising gala, three-day Surf Film Festival, "Legends Day", book signings, and concerts.

The Museum features a display of many unique pieces of surfing memorabilia, including a display dedicated to Bethany Hamilton, who lost her arm in a shark attack off the coast of Hawaii.

The display includes the board that Hamilton was riding at the time with a large piece missing where the shark bit off Hamilton's arm, as well as the bathing suit she was wearing at the time, a gift from ocean photographer Aaron Chang.