A giant mascot, a car bomb, and the mafia mingle in the history of a defunct restaurant chain.

Home to the "Circus" trees created by Axel Erlandson.

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

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."

An inconspicuous footbridge beloved by San Diego locals.

A couple turned their front yard into an artistic masterpiece.

This unique sanctuary invites you to interact with the beautiful birds.

The world's largest outdoor organ is played weekly by one of just two civic organists in the U.S.

Built for an exposition in 1915, these horticultural displays have stood the test of time.

A hidden courtyard houses early 20th-century plaster masterpieces.

One of the largest trees of its kind in California.

This iconic L.A. bookshop is housed in an abandoned bank—both symbolic and chic.

Resting place of Hollywood's immortals is also site of summer film screenings.

World's largest collection of serial killer artwork and other macabre exhibits.

A massive volcanic plug is now a protected area that hosts a number of bird species.

This Big Sur waterfall drops 80 feet directly into the Pacific Ocean, and inspired the hillside house up top.

Centuries of crashing waves carved out this small hole in the rock, which lights up at certain parts of the year.

Life in this isolated, hilltop lighthouse was lonely, but it sure was lovely.

Two rocks in a perpetual kiss and one of "the most romantic spot in America."

More than 700 species live within this murky marvel of a swamp on California's coast.

A New England-style lighthouse along California's beautiful Highway 1 gets a re-do.

The most beautiful Taco Bell in the world even has surfboard parking.

Once the largest windmill outside of Holland, with enormous 114 foot sails.

The key to turning shifting dunes into the green oasis of Golden Gate Park.