Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
Richard Nixon Library & Museum
About 10 miles northeast of Anaheim, the
Richard Nixon Presidential Library & Mu-
seum
( 714-993-5075;
www.nixonfoundation.org
;
18001 Yorba Linda Blvd, Yorba Linda; adult/child
7-11yr/student/senior $12/5/7/8.50; 10am-5pm Mon-Sat, 11am-5pm Sun)
offers a fascinating
walk though America's modern history and that of this controversial native son of Orange
County. Noteworthy exhibits include excerpts from the Nixon and Kennedy debates, a full-
size replica of the White House's East Room, audiotapes of conversations with Apollo 11
astronauts while on the moon and access to the ex-presidential helicopter, complete with
wet bar and ashtrays.
That said, it's the exhibits about Watergate, the infamous scandal that ultimately brought
down Nixon's administration, that rightfully garner the most attention. The museum's ori-
ginal Watergate exhibit called it a 'coup' instigated by Nixon's rivals and provided favor-
ably edited White House tapes. That changed when the library was transferred to federal
control in 2007, with oversight by the National Archives. The old exhibit was completely
torn out, and now the story unfolds from many perspectives, like a spy thriller. It was a bold
move, considering that 'Tricky Dick' and First Lady Pat Nixon lie buried just outside.
To get here, take Hwy 57 north and exit east on Yorba Linda Blvd, then continue straight
and follow the signs.
ORANGE COUNTY BEACHES
Orange County's 42 miles of beaches are a land of gorgeous sunsets, prime surfing, just-off-
the-boat seafood and serendipitous discoveries. Whether you're learning to surf the waves
in Seal Beach, playing Frisbee oceanside with your pooch, piloting a boat around Newport
Harbor, wandering around eclectic art displays in Laguna Beach, or spotting whales on a
cruise out of yacht-filled Dana Point harbor, you'll discover that each beach town has its
own brand of quirky charm.
