Richard Nixon Presidential Library & Museum — Attraction in Yorba Linda

I will admit up front that I did not have high expectations for visiting this presidential library/museum. Nixon was not a favorite of mine, and I well remember his presidency as one marred by scandal, even though I was just a young teenager. However, I have now visited it, and within the context of time passed, as well as having visited each of the presidential libraries that the National Archives operates, I can say a few things about the Richard Nixon one, which I visited in mid-September 2023: This presidential library deals in more or less honest and straightforward fashion with the man's complex nature, and has a very detailed account of the Watergate scandal, in which Richard Nixon does not come out looking too good. It does demonstrate how he was clearly a victim of his own insecurities, perhaps built up over a lifetime of perceived slights. Yet, this is well balanced by his great achievements, such as the opening to China, and some major environmental legislation (which will come as a surprise to many). And those are only to name two. The library and museum are set within a neighborhood, right where Nixon was born, in fact. And there is a certain modesty about that, in contrast to several of the other presidential libraries, which have more dramatic settings. Being nestled within his hometown is perhaps in keeping with some elements of the man's personality. I will say, to my own surprise, that, of all the presidential libraries/museums that I have visited (and, as I say, I have been to all of them now), this one is actually my personal favorite. It comes across as well curated, honest (not hagiographic), and giving a great historical overview of the life and times of the man as well as the context of the American and world scene. I highly recommend this presidential library and museum to everyone who is interested in American history and...

This was on our "bucket list" of things to do in the Los Angeles area.

The museum is actually situated within a residential neighborhood, which is actually his birthplace and where he was laid to rest.

Upon our arrival, the former presidents helicopter, "Marine One" is on display at one end of the parking lot.  We we're told it was on loan from another museum.

This is the actual helicopter that was used to fly four of our presidents; Nixon, Ford, Johnson, and Kennedy. The cabin itself was cramped but was equipped with a presidential toilet!

Upon entering the library is a huge picture of the former president with the "Presidential Seal" in front of Nixon's portrait.

Of course there is nominal fee for access into this historical museum.

The place doesn't really have an "actual library of books" but is told in murals and other static display, which is well presented.

From actual calls between Nixon and our astronauts to letters written to the former first lady is on display.

There is also a short movie of Nixon's early life and his rise to the highest office in the land.

The rose garden is beautifully decorated with the hundreds of roses and the final resting place of the former president and first lady. We paid our respects and continued our tour.

We took a guided tour of Nixon's original 990 square foot home where he was raised with his "four brother's" and about some of his hardship to his rise to the presidency.

We we're told that Ohio Govenor, John Richard Kasich was arriving in town to pay a visit. Overall the price of admission was well...

The Richard Nixon Library & Museum is a presidential library and museum located in Yorba Linda, California, dedicated to the life and legacy of the 37th President of the United States, Richard Nixon. The museum is spread across 52,000 square feet and houses artifacts, documents, photographs, and interactive exhibits that highlight Nixon's life, career, and presidency.

One of the unique features of the museum is the recreation of the White House East Room, where visitors can experience the presidential seals, podium, and chandeliers as they would have appeared during Nixon's presidency. The museum also features a replica of Nixon's Oval Office, complete with his original desk, chairs, and other furnishings.

The Richard Nixon Library & Museum provides visitors with a comprehensive look into Nixon's life, including his humble beginnings in Whittier, California, and his rise to become a U.S. Senator, Vice President, and ultimately, President of the United States. The museum also covers Nixon's foreign policy initiatives, including his historic visit to China, and his involvement in the Vietnam War.

Overall, The Richard Nixon Library & Museum is an impressive facility that provides visitors with a thorough understanding of the life and presidency of Richard Nixon. The museum's exhibits are well-designed and informative, and the recreations of the White House East Room and Oval Office provide a unique and immersive experience...