Mark Abbot Memorial Lighthouse

The Mark Abbott Memorial Lighthouse is the home of the Santa Cruz Surfing Museum. The museum celebrates and educates, sharing the surf history of the area. For more than 100 years, the sport of surfing has been a vital part of the Santa Cruz economy and culture. Visitors to the museum learn about the history of the sport, the role it has played in the development of the city, and get to enjoy great views of the Monterey Bay and the city. The exhibits at the museum include surf boards throughout history, wetsuits, videos, photographs, and a gift shop that sells clothing, books, posters, and other memorabilia. The museum explores the history of the sport in the area, starting with its introduction by Hawaiian princes in 1886. Exhibits explore the romantic side of surfing and the role it has played in popular culture through music, movies, and television programs. It is a great opportunity for surfers and those who would love to learn to surf to purchase items related to the sport. The museum is open Thursday through Monday from noon until 4 PM. Summer hours are extended to include Wednesdays. The lighthouse and museum are located on West Cliff Drive. The museum has been open since 1986 and is the first surfing museum in the world.