California

Go, Do, See: Museums of History

Museum of Western Film History, Lone Pine

Lone Pine’s collection of moviemaking artifacts is set in the Alabama Hills, where hundreds of movies and TV shows have been filmed. Browse the memorabilia, including a 1928 Lincoln camera car, then pick up brochures to explore Movie Road, where Gladiator, Iron Man, and Star Trek V: The Final Frontier were filmed. It’s a key stop on this movie locations road trip.

Route 66 Mother Road Museum, Barstow

You can drive only part of this iconic route these days, but you can still see plenty of artifacts and photos from that historic era of development. Even the San Bernardino County museum’s 1911 building is part of the story: It was originally a hotel, built by the railroads to cater to a new generation of travelers. This list of 14 MustSee California Museums includes more unique museums, like the Cable Car Museum and the Yo-Yo Museum.

Computer History Museum, Mountain View

This Santa Clara County museum devoted to the history of high tech relocated in the 1990s from Boston to—where else?—the heart of Silicon Valley. With galleries and multimedia experiences detailing everything from slide rules to the smartphone, this is arguably the most significant collection of computing artifacts in the world. Interactive experiences let you see how different apps work, or you can try your hand at coding.

Ronald Reagan Presidential Library and Museum, Simi Valley

This Ventura County complex celebrates the life and times of the 40th U.S. president, and sits on 100 hilltop acres, with sweeping views that stretch to the ocean. Artifacts, photos, and video clips tell the story of his Hollywood career and impact on history, while other exhibits explore the Berlin Wall and the Secret Service. Step inside a retired Air Force One airplane, then enjoy lunch in the pub named for Reagan.

USS Midway Museum, San Diego

As home to a large naval fleet, San Diego is a natural spot for this museum housed on a historic aircraft carrier. Climb inside the 30 aircraft on deck, then peek inside the former sleeping quarters, engine room, and jail. Head to the Battle of Midway Theater for an authentic account of the World War II battle, then take one of the virtual-reality flight simulator rides, including one that recreates aerial combat.

Robert & Francis Fullerton Museum of Art, San Bernardino

Fascinated by ancient Egypt? You’ll love this museum of global art, artifacts, and ceramics set on the Inland Empire campus of Cal State San Bernardino, which has one of the largest displays of Egyptian antiquities in the western U.S. As a bonus, admission is free.