This unique structure in suburban Austin is made up entirely of other people's castaways, and constantly changing.

A modernist landscape of water and sci-fi concrete.

Home to the largest urban bat colony in North America, estimated at 1.5 million bats.

The Grand Canyon of Texas.

A 90-year-old underground water reservoir offers a more industrial kind of tranquility.

Mysterious glowing orbs float through the desert night.

This crumbling UFO is one of only a few remaining "moveable ski chalets" of its kind.

A Prada store in the West Texas desert that is never open for business.

This small New York museum examines Chinese history from its origins right up to its arrival in the city.

A tribute to long time Venice Beach resident, artist and actor Dennis Hopper.

Dozens of lights dangle from the branches of what may be the brightest tree in Los Angeles.

This Hollywood dive houses a mural painted by the artists who animated its namesake film.

This “living museum” at UCLA exhibits thousands of plant species from all over the world.

Historic house-museum dedicated to the revolutionary gay graphic artist Tom of Finland.

A fashion designer's dazzling world of Japanese collectibles is hidden in a warehouse downtown.

Two men, two visionaries of Venice Beach, one little hotel that smells like cookies.

Come crisp December nights, this fairly plain neighborhood becomes a holiday dream world.

This traditional garden in the San Fernando Valley doubled for Star Fleet Academy, and is irrigated entirely by wastewater.

Beautiful Victorian buildings from L.A.'s forgotten architectural past.

From pre-war whiskey cocktails to prohibition-era speakeasy secrecy, this bar has seen it all.

The L.A. Zoo has a secret garden of rare bootleg cycads, a palm specimen dating back 280 million years.

A common entry point to the Griffith Observatory trail holds its own wonders.

This ultra-modern home clings to the slope of the Hollywood Hills on a precarious stilt.

A "Titanic" superfan changed his name to Jack and set up this strange shrine to the blockbuster, complete with Korean food and Tarot readings.