I’ve been trying to visit the Ronald Reagan Presidential Library and Museum for years. Every time I’m in Los Angeles, I tell myself, “This is the trip I finally make it happen.” But LA is a lot bigger than you think. Simi Valley sits about 1.5 hours from Disneyland — in good traffic — so it’s not exactly a quick detour. On my most recent visit, I finally carved out the time, and I’m glad I did. This presidential library offers sweeping views, iconic artifacts, and immersive exhibits that walk you through Reagan’s life, presidency, and legacy.

If you’re planning a visit, here’s what you can expect — and how to make the most of your time at the library.

Early Life & Hollywood Years

Your visit begins with Reagan’s childhood in Illinois, his college days, and his early career as a radio announcer. The museum does a great job showing how his communication skills developed long before he entered politics and how he earned the nickname, The Great Communicator.

Read about the life of Ronald Reagan in a biography by H.W. Brand… Reagan: The Life

From there, you step into his Hollywood years — movie posters, behind‑the‑scenes photos, and stories about how acting shaped his public persona. It’s a helpful foundation for understanding the confidence and clarity he later brought to the Oval Office. It may also interest you in finding some of his movies on a popular streaming channel to see him in his early years.

Eventually, he was elected as the governor of California, and as we all know, he later became president of the United States of America from 1981 to 1989.

RELATED TRAVEL ARTICLE: Visit the George W. Bush Presidential Library in Dallas

The Assassination Attempt

One of the most powerful sections of the museum covers the 1981 assassination attempt. The exhibit includes news footage, medical details, and personal accounts from the people who were with him that day. It’s sobering, but it also highlights Reagan’s resilience and humor — qualities that defined much of his presidency.

I was familiar with the fact that someone had attempted to assassinate President Reagan. This exhibit offered insights about the experience and brought a higher level of understanding.

The Oval Office

Like other presidential libraries, the Reagan Library includes a full‑size Oval Office replica. It’s bright, warm, and filled with personal touches that reflect Reagan’s style. You can’t sit at the desk, but you can get close enough for great photos. It’s one of the most popular stops in the museum.

A docent was there and filled us in on a few facts about the items in the Oval Office. In fact, my teenage son asked why there was a painting of President Andrew Jackson in Reagan’s Oval Office. The docent explained that Jackson was one of Reagan’s favorite presidents.

Learn more about President Reagan’s work in The Peacemaker: Ronald Reagan, the Cold War, and the World on the Brink by William Inboden.

The First Lady Galleries

Nancy Reagan’s influence is woven throughout the museum, but her dedicated galleries are a standout. You’ll see her gowns (including a rather unique ensemble worn to the Gridiron Dinner in March 1982), White House China, personal letters, and stories about her “Just Say No” campaign. The exhibit paints a full picture of her role as First Lady and her partnership with President Reagan.

I also learned more about how Ronald Reagan and Nancy Davis met. I had no clue she was an actress as well.

RELATED TRAVEL ARTICLE: Visit the Richard Nixon Presidential Library in Southern California

The Air Force One Pavilion

This is the showstopper.

The Air Force One Pavilion is a massive glass structure built around the Boeing 707 that served seven presidents, including Reagan. You can walk through Air Force One, explore the press area, see the onboard communications equipment, and get a feel for what presidential travel looked like in the 1980s.

You’ll also walk through Marine One, the presidential helicopter, which offers another behind‑the‑scenes look at executive travel.

The Jelly Belly Story

Inside Air Force One (and in other parts of the museum), you’ll notice jars of Jelly Belly jelly beans. I asked one of the docents why they were there, and he shared a great story:

Reagan used to smoke a pipe, but he didn’t want it to affect his acting career. He switched to corn nuts, but his dentist told him he needed something softer. Jelly beans became his go‑to. For Reagan’s 1981 presidential inauguration, three and a half tons of Jelly Belly beans were shipped to Washington, D.C.

It’s a fun detail that adds personality to the Air Force One experience. You can even snag your own commemorative jar of Jelly Belly jelly beans.

“Mr. Gorbachev, Tear Down This Wall”

The Cold War galleries walk you through Reagan’s relationship with Mikhail Gorbachev, the Reykjavik Summit, and the famous 1987 speech at the Brandenburg Gate. The storytelling here is excellent — clear timelines, multimedia displays, and artifacts that help you understand the stakes of the era. It’s one of the most educational sections of the museum.

While the Cold War officially ended during the following administration’s presidency, President Reagan was credited with winning and ending the Cold War due to his administration’s strategic arms buildup and diplomatic summits with Soviet leader Mikhail Gorbachev.

RELATED TRAVEL ARTICLE: Visit the Berlin Wall Museum at Checkpoint Charlie

Special Exhibits

The Ronald Reagan Presidential Library houses rotating special exhibits. Currently, we were able to enjoy the America 250 exhibit. The large room featured artifacts from America’s history, including:

• William J. Stone’s engraving of the Declaration of Independence
• A pair of blood-stained leather gloves, a handkerchief, and the original Ford’s Theater orchestra ticket stub carried by President Lincoln on the night of his assassination
• John Hancock’s letter to Elbridge Gerry from the night of Paul Revere’s ride
• A flag that rode to the moon on Apollo 11
• A Gettysburg Civil War cannon, used in one of the most pivotal moments of the battle
• And many other items

The America 250 exhibit is open through September 13, 2026.

Outdoor Grounds & Scenic Views

Not everything at the Reagan Library is indoors. The grounds are beautiful and absolutely worth exploring.

White House Rose Garden

There’s a peaceful outdoor area modeled after the White House Rose Garden. It’s a great spot for photos and a quiet break between exhibits.

A Piece of the Berlin Wall

One of the most meaningful outdoor features is a large section of the Berlin Wall. Standing next to it after learning about Reagan’s Cold War leadership adds emotional weight to the experience.

Panoramic Views

The library sits on a hill overlooking Simi Valley, offering sweeping views in every direction. If you’re visiting near sunset, the lighting is incredible.

Summary

One of the things I enjoy about museums are finding inspirational quotes that showcase the goodness of humanity. Maybe it was because President Reagan was nicknamed The Great Communicator, but the Ronald Reagan Presidential Library is riddled with quotes.

Whether you’re interested in Cold War history, presidential travel, or simply want to walk through Air Force One, this museum delivers a memorable experience.

If you’re already in the LA area — even if you’re down near Disneyland — it’s worth the drive. Just plan ahead for traffic.

The Details

Address: 40 Presidential Drive, Simi Valley, CA 93065

Cost: Ticket prices range from $18-$30, depending on age. There’s also an audio tour device for an additional fee.

Hours: Open daily from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Closed on Thanksgiving, Christmas, and New Year’s Day.

How Long: Plan on about two hours.

Website: https://www.reaganlibrary.gov/

Phone: (805) 577-4000

DISCLOSURE: I received six complimentary tickets for my family to tour the Ronald Reagan Presidential Library and Museum for the purpose of review. All opinions are my own.

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