Once America’s most beautiful army base, this abandoned military fort on the coast of Monterey Bay has been left to the elements.

Life in this isolated, hilltop lighthouse was lonely, but it sure was lovely.

For almost 100 years, this site of peace and spirituality has existed on the California coast.

The oldest lighthouse on America's west coast no longer needs keepers, yet they maintain the site anyhow.

Every year, over 25,000 monarchs overwinter in Pacific Grove.

Hopeless romantics will swoon over the sweet story behind this bright and colorful home.

Steinbeck's old stomping grounds, immortalized in Cannery Row.

Fake rail crossings mark the site of an influential doctor's demise.

An old whaling station now serves to give the public a look at the commercial whaling industry, no longer a part of Monterey's economy.

The oldest U.S. Government building in California, and it's State Historic Landmark #1.

The first safe in this California town had to hold all the gold.

The stately birthplace of California's statehood.

This remarkably simple jail went over a century without an escape.

The oldest continuously operating church in California.

This municipal playground was co-created by the father of one of the most playful characters ever.

This concrete ship has had four careers - World War I tanker, floating amusement park, fishing pier, and artificial reef.

Housed in a memorial lighthouse, this museum relays the history of surfing, beginning with the antics of royal Hawaiian teenagers.

A Buddhist retreat built on more than 100 acres of California Redwood forest.

This ultra-modern California span is actually a titanic solar clock in disguise built by famed architect Santiago Calatrava.

This graffiti-covered bridge is the quintessential vision of a place for disillusioned youth to escape the complexities of burgeoning adulthood.

The only parking meter in the entire town, it is surrounded by 100 free spaces.