One of the oldest reform schools in the United States, home to wayward boys such as Merle Haggard, now abandoned.

Its dark depths conceal millions of rare, delicate crystal formations.

An old-timey medicine shop that once served Chinese laborers during the Gold Rush is still open for business to this day.

This large chunk of dark rock is a relic from an ancient volcanic eruption.

A scenic hike in the High Sierra that ends at an old gold mine.

According to legend it was a nap taken under this tree that kicked off the California Gold Rush.

Towering basalt columns, a creation of fire and ice.

An underground mansion with fruit-bearing trees and grapes growing beneath the surface of central California.

The same family lived in this Victorian house for nearly 100 years without altering the building.

This giant monument of the RCA mascot is a beloved fixture in Albany, New York.

Where a staggering 747 ships were constructed during World War II.

This mountaintop beacon is only lit three times a year but shines like some kind of all-seeing eye.

An abandoned car and strange wooden debris are among the scattered remains of the old sand and gravel quarry.

Travelers exchange letters with woodland creatures at this mini post office.

Cows on a ranch are commonplace, scattered cow bones everywhere? Not so much.

The fossilized remains of ancient California redwoods.

California's own medieval Italian castle, authentic down to the 300-year-old iron maiden in the dungeon.

The haunting ruins of Jack London's dream house.

The largest drain hole in the world.

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

This historic California cemetery holds the bodies of veterans of both the Civil War and the Donner Party.

The final resting place of the Emperor of the United States and Protector of Mexico.

A bronze tribute to a legendary Californian, the self-proclaimed "Emperor of the United States."

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