Showing posts with label Roadside Attractions. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Roadside Attractions. Show all posts

Jul 2, 2025

California Surf Museum in Oceanside

The California Surf Museum, located at 312 Pier View Way in downtown Oceanside near the pier, celebrates the rich history and culture of surfing through compelling exhibits and memorabilia. Founded in 1986 in Encinitas by passionate surfers, the museum eventually settled into its current 5,100 sq ft purpose-built facility in 2009.

California Surf Museum Oceanside

At the heart of its collection is a striking timeline of surfboards—from hefty redwood planks and early sugar‑pine designs to ultra-light fiberglass boards of today. Highlights include Duke Kahanamoku’s 1923 redwood “Makai” board and a 1912 alaia, offering a vivid look at the sport’s evolutionPhotography enthusiasts will appreciate original gear used by pioneering shooter John “Doc” Ball, whose waterproof housing helped capture surfing’s early days.

A deeply inspiring exhibit features the board and bathing suit of Bethany Hamilton—the champion surfer who famously lost her arm in a shark attack—preserved as symbols of resilience and courageBeyond permanent artifacts, the museum hosts rotating exhibitions that explore diverse facets of surf culture—women surfers, adaptive surfing, Vietnam-era surfing, and the intersection of art and science. Recent additions include “The Science of Surfing” and “China Beach: Surfing During the Vietnam War,” blending oceanography with historical narrative.

On-site events enhance the experience with surf film festivals, fundraisers, and concerts, all coordinated by a dedicated volunteer boardThe museum's mission is to preserve, chronicle, and share surfing’s artistic, cultural, and historical legacy for future generations. The California Surf Museum offers something for everyone. Whether you’re a history buff, art lover, surfer, or simply curious, the museum is a standout destination on California's coast.

California Surf Museum Oceanside

California Surf Museum Oceanside

California Surf Museum Oceanside

California Surf Museum Oceanside

California Surf Museum Oceanside

California Surf Museum Oceanside

California Surf Museum Oceanside

Soul Surfer Surfboard
Bethany Hamilton's shark bitten surfboard.

California Surf Museum Oceanside
California Surf Museum Oceanside
California Surf Museum Oceanside





California Surf Museum Oceanside

California Surf Museum Oceanside

California Surf Museum Oceanside

California Surf Museum Oceanside
California Surf Museum Oceanside

California Surf Museum Oceanside

California Surf Museum Oceanside

Jun 28, 2025

Calgary Tower in Calgary, Alberta

The Calgary Tower is one of the most iconic landmarks in Calgary, Alberta, and a symbol of the city's modern skyline. Standing at 190.8 meters (626 feet) tall, the tower was originally completed in 1968 as part of Calgary’s centennial celebrations and was known as the Husky Tower. It was renamed the Calgary Tower in 1971, shortly after its ownership was transferred to the City of Calgary and Canadian Pacific.

Calgary Tower Observation Deck Alberta

Calgary Tower Observation Deck Alberta
Calgary Tower Observation Deck Alberta

Designed by architect W.G. Milne, the tower was the tallest structure in Calgary at the time of its construction. It was built to promote urban renewal and to demonstrate Calgary’s economic growth and potential. The tower's construction involved a unique slip-form method, where concrete was continuously poured to build the structure in a single, uninterrupted process—a technique that was innovative for the time.

Today, the Calgary Tower offers visitors panoramic views of the city and the surrounding Rocky Mountains from its observation deck. One of the most popular features is the glass floor, allowing guests to look straight down onto the streets below. The tower also features a revolving restaurant, Sky 360, which completes a full rotation every 45 minutes, offering a unique dining experience with ever-changing views.

In addition to being a major tourist attraction, the Calgary Tower also plays a role in city events and celebrations - including as the location of the cauldron for the 1988 Winter Olympics. It is frequently lit up in different colors to commemorate holidays, raise awareness for causes, or mark special occasions. Whether viewed from below or experienced from the top, the Calgary Tower remains a proud emblem of Calgary’s heritage and progress.

Calgary Tower Observation Deck Alberta

Calgary Tower Observation Deck Alberta

Calgary Tower Observation Deck Alberta

Calgary Tower Lights
LED lights on the Calgary Tower.
Calgary Tower Observation Deck Alberta
Calgary Tower Observation Deck Alberta



Calgary Tower Observation Deck Alberta
Looking down from the glass floor of the Calgary Tower.

Calgary Tower Observation Deck Alberta

Calgary Tower Observation Deck Alberta

Calgary Tower Observation Deck Alberta

Calgary Tower Observation Deck Alberta

Calgary Tower Observation Deck Alberta

Calgary Tower Observation Deck Alberta
Calgary Tower Observation Deck Alberta

Calgary Tower Observation Deck Alberta

Calgary Tower Observation Deck Alberta

Calgary Tower Observation Deck Alberta

Calgary Tower Observation Deck Alberta

Calgary Tower Observation Deck Alberta
You can see the Olympic cauldron on the very top of the Calgary Tower.

Calgary Tower Observation Deck Alberta
Calgary Tower Observation Deck Alberta
Looking down at the Palliser Hotel in downtown Calgary.


Calgary Tower Observation Deck Alberta
Calgary Tower Observation Deck Alberta

Calgary Tower Observation Deck Alberta

Calgary Tower Observation Deck Alberta
Calgary Tower Observation Deck Alberta


Calgary Tower Observation Deck Alberta

Calgary Tower Observation Deck Alberta

Calgary Tower Observation Deck Alberta

Calgary Tower Observation Deck Alberta
Stephen Avenue in downtown Calgary.
Calgary Tower Observation Deck Alberta


Calgary Tower Observation Deck Alberta