This eagle-topped spire remembers the military commander who snatched up California for the United States.

Mid-Century Modern Meets Millionaire’s Row.

A humble garage, world-famous for being the epicenter of a technology revolution.

One of Hollywood’s favorite government buildings.

Thousands of turbines whir at at the origin of North American wind power.

This simple highway curve has become a comedic pilgrimage site.

The century-old bell and clock tower at UC Berkeley is the third-tallest in the world, and has fossils.

A second generation sun-powered marvel lights up the night.

The short oil boom of Venice Beach, and its swift removal from the tourism-laden landscape.

San Francisco's first World's Fair, dedicated to the wonders of California.

A monumental cross hides in the trees in Golden Gate Park.

The remnants of a failed socialist commune can still be found just off a California highway.

The beauty and the beast of hydraulic mining is on full display at this California Historic State Park.

Catch a glimpse of the elusive Peninsular bighorns right off of the desert freeway.

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

Massive prehistoric mammals used these stones as oversized scratching posts.

Hidden beneath a lake for decades, this brutalist mine has now emerged from beneath the receding waters.

Guns that have been defending San Francisco since 1904.

The first life claimed by this record-breaking peak wasn't lost to exposure or a fall but rather lightning.

An elaborate gift from Claus Spreckels is now a piece of San Francisco history.

Four hundred granite steps were built into this massive rock by the National Park Service.

California's own majestic geyser is powered by a subterranean volcano.

Forgotten and then destroyed by fire, this was once one of the largest saltwater swimming pools in the world.

A rough granite monument marks the spot where Europeans first caught sight of the San Francisco Bay.