Everything You Need to Know When Visiting the Ronald Reagan Library
By SoCal Poolfection, Simi Valley’s Trusted Pool Service Company
Welcome to SoCal Poolfection! While our main mission is to keep your pool crystal-clear and running smoothly, we also love sharing helpful tips and local highlights with our fellow Simi Valley neighbors and visitors. One of the most iconic attractions in our beautiful city is the Ronald Reagan Presidential Library. Whether you’re a local planning a day trip or a tourist stopping by Simi Valley, this blog will tell you everything you need to know about visiting this world-famous site.
Where Is the Ronald Reagan Library?
The Ronald Reagan Presidential Library is located in the western part of Simi Valley, nestled in the hills with sweeping views of the surrounding mountains and valleys. The address is:
40 Presidential Drive, Simi Valley, CA 93065
The location itself is worth the visit—it sits on a peaceful hilltop with 360-degree views that are especially beautiful at sunset.
What Is the Ronald Reagan Library?
The Ronald Reagan Library is a museum and research center dedicated to the 40th President of the United States, Ronald Reagan. It’s one of the most visited presidential libraries in the country and offers a deep dive into American history, Reagan’s life, his presidency, and more. You don’t have to be a history buff to enjoy it—there’s something here for all ages.
The library is run by the National Archives and Records Administration and opened its doors in 1991. Since then, millions of visitors from around the world have come to explore the exhibits, walk through history, and enjoy the peaceful, scenic grounds.
What Can You See at the Ronald Reagan Library?
There’s a lot to see and do at the Reagan Library, and you’ll want to give yourself at least a few hours to explore. Here are some of the most popular attractions:
Air Force One Pavilion
Yes, there’s an actual Air Force One airplane inside the building! And not just any plane—this is the same aircraft that flew Ronald Reagan and six other U.S. presidents. Visitors can walk through the plane and see how presidents traveled in style and safety. It’s a rare experience that you won’t find anywhere else.
Reagan’s Oval Office Replica
Want to see what the White House looked like during Reagan’s presidency? The library has a full-scale replica of the Oval Office, furnished and decorated exactly how it was in the 1980s. You can stand behind the presidential desk and imagine what it was like to make decisions that shaped the world.
Berlin Wall Exhibit
Another favorite exhibit is a large section of the Berlin Wall—a powerful symbol of the Cold War and Reagan’s role in bringing it to an end. You can read about the famous “Mr. Gorbachev, tear down this wall!” speech and see part of the wall in person.
Hologram Theater
The Reagan Library features a lifelike hologram of Ronald Reagan that welcomes guests and shares stories about his life. It’s a fun, high-tech addition to the historical experience that brings his words to life for younger visitors.
The Final Resting Place
President Ronald Reagan and his wife, First Lady Nancy Reagan, are both laid to rest on the library grounds. Their resting place is located in a peaceful outdoor setting overlooking the hills of Simi Valley.
Special Exhibits
Throughout the year, the Reagan Library hosts rotating special exhibits. These can range from historical artifacts, traveling museum exhibits, pop culture displays, and holiday events. It’s always worth checking the website before you go to see what’s currently on display.
When to Visit
The Reagan Library is open every day of the week except for major holidays like Thanksgiving, Christmas, and New Year’s Day. Most people find that visiting in the morning or early afternoon gives them enough time to explore without rushing. Spring and fall are especially popular times to visit due to the mild weather in Simi Valley.
Typical hours are 10:00 AM to 5:00 PM, but check the official website for up-to-date information.
How Much Does It Cost?
As of this writing, general admission prices are:
Adults: $29.95
Seniors (62+): $26.95
Youth (11-17): $22.95
Children (3-10): $19.95
Kids under 2: Free
There are also discounts for military members and groups. The admission price includes access to all permanent exhibits and any special exhibitions currently running.
Where to Eat Nearby
There’s a café right at the library called Reagan’s Country Café, offering sandwiches, salads, drinks, and snacks with a great view. For more dining options, you can head into central Simi Valley where you’ll find popular spots like:
Junkyard Café – A quirky American eatery with a huge menu
Red’s BBQ & Grill – A local favorite for ribs and tri-tip
Eggs ‘N’ Things – Great for breakfast or brunch before your visit
Don Cuco Mexican Restaurant – Family-friendly with strong margaritas
Fun Facts About the Ronald Reagan Library
The library is over 100,000 square feet in size.
It houses more than 60 million pages of documents, 1.6 million photographs, and thousands of audio and video recordings.
The Air Force One on display is a Boeing 707 that served from 1973 to 2001.
The site was chosen by Ronald and Nancy Reagan personally for its beauty and connection to California.
The library hosted the 2012 and 2016 Republican presidential primary debates.
Fun Facts About Simi Valley
As a proud Simi Valley-based business, we can’t help but brag about our city a little. Here are some fun facts about the place SoCal Poolfection calls home:
Simi Valley has been ranked as one of the safest cities in America.
It’s surrounded by beautiful hills and open spaces, perfect for hiking, biking, and family adventures.
The city is just a short drive from Los Angeles, Santa Barbara, and the Pacific Coast, making it a great base for exploring Southern California.
Simi Valley has been featured in several movies and TV shows, thanks to its scenic views and peaceful setting.
Locals love family events like the Simi Valley Street Fair, Fourth of July Fireworks, and Concerts in the Park.
Tips for a Great Visit
Wear comfortable shoes. The grounds are big, and you’ll be doing plenty of walking.
Take your time. There’s a lot to read, watch, and take in. Don’t rush through the exhibits.
Bring a camera. The views, the Air Force One Pavilion, and the Oval Office replica all make for great photo opportunities.
Plan ahead. Visit the library’s website to check for ticket deals, hours, and upcoming events.
Stop by the gift shop. It’s full of fun Reagan memorabilia, history books, and souvenirs.
Why SoCal Poolfection Loves the Reagan Library
At SoCal Poolfection, we’re not just pool experts—we’re also proud members of the Simi Valley community. We love sharing what makes our hometown special, and the Reagan Library is a big part of that. It attracts people from around the world, yet still feels local and welcoming. Just like we treat every pool we clean like it’s our own, the library treats every visitor like a guest of honor.
If you’re visiting the Reagan Library and fall in love with Simi Valley (and we’re sure you will), just know there’s a friendly local pool company here to help if you ever decide to move in and need weekly pool service, equipment repairs, or just some expert advice.
Final Thoughts
The Ronald Reagan Presidential Library is more than just a museum. It’s a walk through American history, a celebration of leadership, and a peaceful place to reflect. Whether you’re curious about Reagan’s legacy or just looking for a unique Southern California experience, the library is a must-see.
At SoCal Poolfection, we encourage locals and visitors alike to explore what makes Simi Valley so special—and the Reagan Library is at the top of that list.
For more tips about life in Simi Valley, or for expert help with your pool or spa, reach out to SoCal Poolfection today. We’re always here to serve our community with friendly, reliable service.
