This restored farmhouse is a time capsule of a 19th-century Colorado homestead.

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

Each year these high desert hills are absolutely covered with poppy flowers in a surreal show of nature.

The liveliest ghost town in the state.

One of the most unusual geological features, recognizable from a dozen hit movies.

A desert ghost town—occupied for only 12 years—was once home to more than 500 silver mines.

Like a kitschy mirage in the Mojave, this eatery serves up classic 50s-style diner meals and a dinosaur sculpture garden.

Barely visible foundations remain where Stow Lake’s “observatory” once welcomed visitors.

A rough granite monument marks the spot where Europeans first caught sight of the San Francisco Bay.

Another of California's unused Cold War missile defense complexes has become a graffiti gallery.

This odd California folly seems like it was almost designed to accumulate urban legends.

This unique formation appears as though an asteroid landed on the forest.

Successful artist residence program has filled this ranch with dozens of sculptures over the years.

This 252 step staircase offers stunning views of San Jose.

Neoclassical Revival mansion and set of horror cult classic Phantasm.

Roadside tribute to a staple of eastern European cuisine.

Post office plaque commemorates local resistance to a cult invasion.

A futuristic-looking beach house built for the owner of a snack food brand.

In the middle of a remote desert town is a surprisingly opulent hotel.

The cluster of boulders near Fort Irwin is covered in military insignia.

Colorful sedimentary rock layers provide opportunities both for hiking and photography.

The "Kill Bill Church" was transformed into a place of worship after a long Hollywood history.

The oldest pictographs on this decorated rock formation in California's Carrizo Plain date back as many as 4,000 years.

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