Something for the History Buffs: Museums
~ Natalia Radcliffe ~ Do you like history? Do you like learning? Then we have some ideas for you!
Located in Southern California, we at Prospector Ranch are close to many museums.
If you are visiting us and staying in one of our 3 Airbnbs (a unique Conestoga Covered wagon, a vintage 1972 Airstream, or a glamorous rustic Safari tent), and are a history buff like some of us on the Prospector Ranch team, we have 3 museums we recommend you check out while you are here. And, best of all, these three museums are all less than an hour from Prospector Ranch, making it an easy day adventure before coming back to your Airbnb to wind down with a glass of your favorite drink and enjoying the beautiful sunsets we get here, with the symphony of nature as your background music.
The museum of Ventura county is located off of Main Street in the quaint downtown Ventura area, and is about 40 minutes from Prospector Ranch.
This museum (as you may have guessed) is all about Ventura County’s history, as well as art and culture. Currently, they have a couple of exhibits going on, including one about Ventura County during the US revolution, one about Patriotic threads, including textiles, tapestries, and t-shirts, and Mexican indigenous voices of Ventura County. As of September 17, there will also be an exhibit featuring work by artist George Stuart who creates historical figures, specifically focusing on the history, fiction and art of the mythical creatures known as vampires.
Tickets are typically around $10 for adults, $5 for seniors and students, and free for those 17 years old and under. However, if you go in the month of September of this year, admission is free, thanks to the support of the Amgen Foundation!
Their hours are Wednesday - Sunday from 11:00 am to 5:00pm, Wednesday-Sunday.
The Regan Museum is located in Simi Valley, off of Presidential Drive. It’s about a 25-30 minute drive from Prospector Ranch.
This museum focuses on the life and work of the 40th president of the United States, Ronald Regan. There are also rotating exhibits that are featured in addition to the main museum. These exhibits are typically included in the museum admission.
From November 7 - May 31, there will be an exhibit on the life and legacy of Diana Princess of Wales, the well-known royal previously married to King Charles, and who died tragically in a car crash in 1997.
Tickets to the Museum are $16 for General Admission. Between November 7 and May 31, tickets will be $29.95 for General Admission, as that includes the Princess Diana special exhibit. If you buy your tickets online, there is an additional nonrefundable $2.50 surcharge per ticket.
Adamson House and Malibu Lagoon Museum
Located at 23200 Pacific Coast Highway, this museum is about a 35-45 minute drive from Prospector Ranch. Parking is free along the PCH when available, and parking is available for a fee at: the adjacent County Lot at Surfrider Beach, or Malibu Lagoon State Beach & Lagoon at the Cross Creek light, and then taking a short walk across the bridge.
This museum features the famous Adamson house, a designated National Historic Site and a California Historic Landmark. It’s a 50-room house with a Mediterranean style to its architecture. It’s known for its famous Malibu Tile, as well as other works of architectural art, including hand painted murals, hand-carved teakwood doors, murals, iron work, and much more.
Tickets to the house are $7 for adults, $2 for children aged 6-17 years old, and free for children 5 years and under. Once you get a ticket, you will be led through a guided tour of the house. Tours take place Wednesdays - Saturdays from 11:00am-2:00pm on the hour (the last tour will start at 2:00pm). Tours are first come first served.
While you are there, you can also visit the Malibu Lagoon Museum, a smaller museum consisting of about 2 rooms. It’s attached to the Adamson house in the garage. Admission to this museum is free, and hours are Wednesday-Saturday from 11:00am - 3:00pm. You can spend as little as 10 minutes and as long as 1 hour exploring the exhibits in this museum.
