Recovered from the brink of extinction, at home in the Financial District.

A Roman-inspired temple once controlled half of San Francisco's waters.

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

One of the largest free-standing structures ever built, this dirigible hangar is now simply a giant skeleton.

Once close to extinction, there is no shortage of elephant seals on the beaches of Año Nuevo State Park.

Over 315,000 preserved amphibians and reptiles in jars.

One of the best absinthe distilleries in the United States.

One of few lasting examples of the brief octagon craze that developed into folly.

A "haunted" landmark on the coast of Southern California.

Get up close to emus and ostriches, or buy their tasty meat.

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

This Oakland fairytale kingdom, fiercely devoted to childlike whimsy, was an early inspiration for Disneyland.

A shape-shifting buy-sell-trade bookstore, born to Beatnik Era spirit.

A man-made island in scenic San Francisco Bay.

A working model of the entire San Francisco Bay and much of the Sacramento River Delta, complete with regular tides that change every 14 minutes.

Alleyway plaque commemorating the death of a fictional character in The Maltese Falcon, not far from the author's home.

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

An abandoned Jazz Age dream home and con man's hideout in Death Valley.

A library built during San Francisco's pioneer times is a student's retreat, bibliophile's sanctuary, and chess player's delight.

The rusting remains of the largest assembled WWII fleet on the West Coast.

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

9,000 square feet of vintage and modern mechanical toys, dioramas & sideshow curiosities.

A burnt orange monolithic dome structure perched on a hillside near Interstate 280.

Nuclear waste dump site now an environmental sanctuary.