Top 8 Things to do in Yorba Linda, California (CA)

Reviewed By Nostalgiyeah - Bellevue, United States

Turned out to be a memorable and informative visit for me. The Nixon Presidential Library and Museum not only holds the displays and artifacts during the time related to the time in office of President Nixon, but also includes his childhood home (which has been restored) and also the Army One helicopter used by four presidents, including Richard Nixon. The emphasis of the museum is, as expected, surrounding the life and circumstances of Richard Nixon when he was in office. There are exhibits about his childhood years, time in the military and his terms as a Senator and as the Vice President under President Eisenhower as well. The exhibits in the museum are divided into sections and are quite lucid and detailed. At the beginning, there is an exhibit about Vietnam war and how Nixon won the 1968 Presidential election promising to reduce the number of American troops in Vietnam and how he went about achieving that. Substantial emphasis is given to foreign policy under Nixon and probably one of the most important exhibits is the famous China trip of President Nixon. The exhibit details the back channel negotiations prior to the trip, the flight to China, the days of the visit and its impact on Sino-American relations. His visit to Moscow and impact on the Soviet-US relations are also documented as well. There are also exhibits dedicated to domestic affairs during the Nixon administration like establishment of the EPA, ending of military draft and lowering of voting age to 18. He was the President during a significant portion of NASA's Apollo space program (including moon landings). Other exhibits included the Middle East, Nixon Presidential campaigns and his vice presidency. But arguably one of the largest exhibit, is the coverage of Watergate scandal and how that consumed his presidency. Another thing I found insightful is the coverage of First Lady Pat Nixon, which did justice to her role in the Nixon presidency. There is a replica of the Oval Office in the White House inside the museum. This museum is also the final resting place of Richard Nixon and Pat Nixon, in the midst of a beautiful and picturesque rose garden.