Presidential Fun in OC

February is usually associated with flowers and chocolates, but it also shares the spotlight with President’s Day.   Ordinarily, this holiday might make you think of department store white sales or that coveted three-day weekend.  But here in OC, President's Day hits a little closer to home. Did you know that a former President has his roots rights here in Orange County?

Richard Millhouse Nixon, the 37^th President of the United States, was born in Yorba Linda and his footprints are literally all over Southern California.  He attended high school in Fullerton, studied law in Whittier, and spent his early political career days in Los Angeles.  His favorite Mexican restaurant was El Adobe in San Juan Capistrano, and he spent his final days at his home in San Clemente. 

The Richard Nixon Library and Birthplace in Yorba Linda is dedicated to sharing the story of this President. The library is one of 12 Presidential libraries in the country that are operated by the National Archives & Records Administration.   The Library features an amazing replica of the White House East Room, life-size statues of ten world leaders who influenced the world during Nixon’s presidency, as well as unique artifacts from America’s space exploration and Nixon’s historic trips to China.  There are numerous buttons and posters from Nixon’s presidential campaign, as well as his daughter’s wedding gowns.

The library sits on nine acres of beautifully landscaped grounds, including a large reflecting pool in the middle of the museum, and a rose garden that overlooks the library.  The final resting place of both President and Mrs. Nixon are part of the rose garden.  There is a small path that leads to the President Nixon’s original historic home, which his father built from a catalogue kit!  Most of the furnishings, including the bed where the President was born and the piano he learned to play, are all original.  Just a few steps away is Army One, the helicopter he boarded on August 9, 1974 after he resigned from the Presidency.

The library features special events throughout the year, such as Christmas concerts, model train displays, and noted authors and speakers.  It’s a wonderful resource for us here in Orange County, and we are fortunate to have it.

The library is open daily 10 AM to 5 PM, and Sundays 11 AM to 5 PM.  They are closed on Thanksgiving, Christmas, and New Year’s Day.  Admission is  $11.95 for Adults, $8.50 for Seniors, and $6.95 for Students.  Docent Guided Tours are available for an additional charge.  The Richard Nixon Library and Birthplace is a wonderful resource for us here in Orange County, and we are fortunate to have it.