Perched atop a hill with sweeping views of the southland, the Ronald Reagan Presidential Library and Museum is one of California’s most beautiful and unique destinations. Open since 1991, but wholly renovated in 2011, the museum’s galleries were designed to bring history to life. Where else in California can visitors walk on board an actual Air Force One aircraft that flew seven U.S. presidents, touch an authentic piece of the Berlin Wall, or lay a hand on a real steel beam recovered from the World Trade Center after 9/11?
Visitors can immerse themselves in Ronald Reagan’s path to the White House. Starting back in his days as a sports radio announcer through his years as a Warner Brothers movie actor and then the host of GE Theater, visitors can step into his shoes through the use of green screen technology and call a Cubs game, introduce a GE Theater, and even act in a movie! They can follow President Reagan to the White House and deliver the presidential inauguration through the use of a teleprompter and travel the world on diplomatic missions on board Air Force One. They can explore the White House Oval Office and the White House East Wing.
Visitors may also enjoy the library’s outdoor grounds, where they can stroll through a replica of the White House Rose Garden or the White House West Lawn, or pay respects at President and Mrs. Reagan’s Memorial Site. In the past few years, this outdoor area has been expanded to highlight President Reagan’s Peace Through Strength initiatives. They can view an F-14 Fighter Jet, a F-117 Stealth Fighter Jet, and an Abrams M1 Main Battle Tank.
The Reagan Library is also home to two restaurants, Reagan’s Bistro & Bar and The Ronald Reagan Pub.