How much do you know about President Nixon? One of the most valuable things we can teach our kids is the stories of the people who have influenced and led our country. Visiting presidential libraries, home-places and museums is a great way for us to learn American history and about the leaders of our great nation. Visiting the Richard Nixon Presidential Library & Museum in Yorba Linda, California gave us the opportunity to learn about our 37th President.

This post includes affiliate links. Tickets were received to help facilitate this post.

Visiting Nixon Presidential Library

We have now visited five of the 14 Presidential Libraries that are located across the United States. The presidential libraries are typically located where the president was born and lived and often are also home to his final resting place.

The Presidential Libraries and Museums are operated under the National Archives and promote understanding of the presidency and the American experience. We preserve and provide access to historical materials, support research, and create interactive programs and exhibits that educate and inspire.

When you first enter the Nixon Presidential Library, you come face to face with Richard Nixon. You have the opportunity to watch a brief film that will give you background about the life and career of President Nixon. We always take the time to watch the introductory films. Since most of us know just a few random facts about our presidents, we want to get context for the things that we are going to be seeing on our tour through the museum.

As you walk through the exhibits, you will find many buttons to push, telephone calls to listen in on and interactive displays where you can learn about the life of Richard Nixon.

Do you know the story of where the first giant pandas in the United States came from? At dinner in Beijing in Feb. 1972, First Lady Patricia Nixon mentioned her fondness for giant pandas to Chinese Premier Zhou Enlai. Eager for better relations with the U.S., Zhou knew just what to say: “I’ll give you some.” On April 16, 1972, President and Mrs. Nixon formally welcomed giant pandas to the Smithsonian’s National Zoo.

One of the things I found fascinating was President’s Nixon love for taking and recording notes. Nixon would regularly take notes on yellow legal pads during his time in the White House. The Museum stores every one of those yellow legal pads and has some on display throughout the museuem.

Once you finish touring the museum, you can explore the grounds and President Nixon’s birthplace home.

Nixon’s Birthplace Home

Richard Nixon was born in a Yorba Linda farmhouse in 1913. You can tour the home and see the bedroom where President was born and lived for his early life. A museum docent takes you through the house and gives you information about the house and the early life of Richard Nixon.

Marine One

Take the time to walk through the gardens and Marine One.

President Nixon’s Memorial Grave

Located right beside the birthplace home, you can pay your respects to President Nixon and his wife in their memorial garden.

Things to Know

• The admission ticket includes the Library as well as the home, Marine One and access to his memorial.
• Restrooms are accessible when you enter the museum before you watch the film.
• You should allow 2-3 hours to tour the museum and grounds.  (More time is needed if you want to read all the exhibits.)
• There is no fee for parking.

President Nixon Library

Visitors can now enjoy the all-new Richard Nixon Library and Museum featuring nearly 70 new major exhibits, 30 unique multi-media experiences, 11 original films, 12 custom digital interactives and more than 300 artifacts.

Find the Nixon Library

18001 Yorba Linda Blvd
Yorba Linda, CA 92886
Website

Have you ever visited a presidential library? If so, which one? I’d love to hear your experiences!

---

Looking for more things to do near the Nixon Library? Check out Conejo Valley and find your fun adventures there!