One of the largest helium balloons in the U.S. is a 112-foot ginormous orange.

Thousands of migrating monarchs overwinter clustered amongst the eucalyptus trees.

A giant chess set, minus the psychedelic drug trip.

The Giant Lemon of Lemon Grove.

Two mammoth statues inspired by equally tall tales lure tourists to this roadside attraction.

A stellar example of Art & Crafts architecture, and a movie set to boot.

Where the polar bear watches over everything, and every drink is a double.

From sax to spuds, get 'em all at this landmark music establishment.

One man's prolific, decade-long quest to turn trash into artistic treasure.

This well-traveled chess park offers scenic views of the pacific and a colorful, eclectic clientele.

An antique store houses the last operational diner from the defunct department store chain.

A pier that used to act as a busy ferry dock is now a decaying favorite of local fisherman and urban artists.

A wild west scene starring life-sized wooden statues hides in the trees behind Pierce College.

Inside this clubhouse is a cinephile's paradise.

Pizza joint known for labor-inducing salad dressing.

Marta Becket's hand-painted theater in the desert.

A life-sized mammoth sculpture marks the spot where the remains of a Columbian mammoth were discovered in 2005.

This stretch of beach along California's central coast is a busy highway for the largest seal in the northern hemisphere.

The taxidermied remains of the "last wild grizzly bear in California" and of the symbol of the state of California.

On a quiet suburban street stands a peculiarly decorated house covered in mosaics.

Junkbots and mud babies are the masterpieces in this fantastically sci-fi art museum.

This sun-scorched lakebed contains samples of half the natural elements known to humankind.

Honoring the famed folktale author, this California museum looks like it belongs in the Black Forest.

This residential door allows San Francisco muggles a glimpse at the wizarding world.