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

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.

Pillars made of 700 pieces of luggage climb to the ceiling of Sacramento Airport's baggage claim.

This 19th century train workshop is a treasure trove of railroad history.

I Street Bridge is the heaviest swinging center bridge in the United States.

A Looff creation in Santa Monica best described as “a California-Byzantine-Moorish-style fantasy.”

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

A chain of bells connect the California Missions and honor the legend of the "King’s Highway."

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

A huge work of Burning Man-inspired outsider art on the grounds of a California winery.

Concrete strongholds stand guard over the Golden Gate.

It should come as no surprise that the world's largest artichoke lies in the town that calls itself the "Artichoke Center of the World."

A charming desert roadside bakery that produces 10 times more bread daily than it has residents in its town.

A glimpse into the lives of the the Miwok and Paiute people in Yosemite National Park.

An enormous illuminated figure dances on the Las Vegas strip.

An historic and oft-filmed spot for musclebound iron pumpers on the Pacific coast.

The California capital city once stood 10 feet lower than it does today.

A tree grown from astronaut seeds which were exposed to cosmic rays.

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

A popular tourist cave with a dark past.

The interior of the Overlook Hotel in "The Shining" was based on this Yosemite original.

A sign at the end of the Santa Monica Pier marks the traditional end of the legendary American highway.

Once a private collection, now the only museum of arms and armor in the Western Hemisphere - CLOSED.

This decrepit abandoned building is made all the more eerie by its dark history.