Richard Nixon was an uncommonly tragic person and president.
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The Richard Nixon Presidential Library and Museum in Yorba Linda, California, traces the 37th President’s unique life, from his humble birth through his ruinous presidency to his quasi-redemptive post-political years.
I’ve visited several times, and I think it’s one of the best presidential libraries. It’s a fine place for anyone interested in American history to spend a day.
In addition to the Museum’s extensive exhibits, you may also explore:
- the Birthplace, the charming small house where Richard Nixon was born on January 9, 1913. His father had built it the year before.
- the Presidential Helicopter used by Presidents John F. Kennedy, Lyndon B. Johnson, Nixon, and Gerald Ford. It carried President Nixon from the South Lawn of the White House to Andrews Air Force Base, in Maryland, shortly before his resignation took effect on August 9, 1974. At Andrews, the President boarded Air Force One for the flight home to San Clemente, California. A few moments after noon, Gerald Ford took the Oath of Office, and the plane’s call sign changed to SAM 27000 as it flew over Missouri.
- the Pat Nixon Gardens, where the former President and First Lady are buried
Yorba Linda is a small city in Orange County, where I lived for about a year and a half. The Nixon Library is in a fairly quiet location, removed from other attractions. The area is car-dependent, which is unfortunate because driving in southern California is a congested nightmare. There are lots of hotels near the Library, but most of them are mid- or downscale.
Fortunately, just south of Yorba Linda is Anaheim, home to Disneyland Resort, the Los Angeles Angels, and two Michelin restaurants: Poppy & Seed and The Ranch.
Anaheim also hosts several hotels within nine miles of the Nixon Library. The better ones include:
Disney’s Grand Californian Hotel & Spa
This luxury hotel is about eight miles from the Nixon Library. It is the most convenient hotel to Disneyland Resort, guests enjoy early entry to the parks.
The Hotel’s Craftsman-style architecture calls back to the early 20th century’s Arts and Crafts movement. Amenities include a gym, a spa, and valet parking. Check-out time is an annoying 11 am.
The hotel’s Napa Rose restaurant serves upscale California cuisine for dinner. On several mornings weekly, it features “Disney Princess Breakfast Adventures” — a three-course brunch during which young travellers may interact with Disney princesses.
The Storytellers Cafe offers an American buffet. Mickey Mouse and other Disney characters appear at breakfast.
The Hearthstone Lounge serves bar bites. The GCH Craftsman Grill offers fast-casual American food. The GCH Craftsman Bar serves light bites by the pool.
The Viv
This boutique Marriott hotel is about 7.5 miles from the Nixon Library. It is a little more than one mile from Disneyland Resort.
Amenities include a gym and valet parking. There is a ground-level pool with cabanas and an adults-only roof-top pool. Check-out time is 11 a.m.
Top of the V is a roof-top restaurant featuring Spanish cuisine and spectacular views. Valencia‘s offers Baja California cuisine and service indoors or by the pool. Melody’s Market provides light bites to-go.
J.W. Marriott Anaheim Resort
This upscale hotel is about 8 miles from the Nixon Library. It is within walking distance of Disneyland.
Amenities include a gym and valet parking. Check-out time is 11 am.
The hotel’s upscale restaurant is Tocca Ferro Italian Chophouse. Its lobby/pool bar Citriculture serves light bites. Its Market Place offers café cuisine to go.
Its Parkestry Rooftop Bar serves light bites. It’s the highest rooftop bar in Anaheim, with views of Disneyland and its fireworks.
Disneyland Hotel
This upscale hotel is about 8 miles from the Nixon Library. It is located within the Disneyland Resort, and guests enjoy early entry to the parks.
Amenities include a gym, valet parking, and two pools with waterslides. Check-out time is 11 a.m.
The Villas at Disneyland Hotel offer small studios with kitchenettes and one-, two-, and three-bedroom accommodations with full kitchens and washers and dryers.
Tangaroa Terrace Tropical Bar & Grill serves Polynesian cuisine in a casual atmosphere. Trader Sam’s Enchanted Tiki Bar serves American cuisine in surroundings inspired by the Jungle Cruise. Goofy’s Kitchen offers breakfast and dinner buffets, as well as occasional visits from Disney characters. Palm Breeze Bar serves light bites amid Disney art. The Coffee House serves breakfast snacks to-go.
Hotel Fera
This upscale Hilton property is about 8 miles from the Nixon Library. It is also half a mile from Angel Stadium.
Amenities include a gym, valet parking, and a welcome cookie. Check-out time is 11 a.m.
The Peel Craftbar & Kitchen serves California cuisine. KoffeeKITCHEN offers Starbucks coffee, breakfast pastries, and house-made gelato.
Hilton Anaheim
This upscale hotel is about 8.5 miles from the Nixon Library. It is across the street from the Anaheim Convention Center.
Amenities include a gym, a spa, and an outdoor pool. Check-out time is a reasonable 12 noon.
Mix Restaurant serves American food. Lobby bar Mix Lounge offers light bites.
Anaheim Marriott
This upscale hotel is 8.5 miles from the Nixon Library. I once enjoyed nearly a week here during a southern-California speaking tour.
Amenities include a gym and valet parking. There is a private lounge for higher-status members of Marriott’s frequent-travel Bonvoy program. Check-out time is 12 noon.
The hotel’s nFuse restaurant serves California cuisine. Its Market Cafe offers light bites. Slice features pizza.
Bon voyage!
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