A plaque outside the San Jose airport commemorates the insect's arrival to the West Coast.

An ominous concrete cube cuts a dystopian silhouette atop this California mountain.

Today's aerospace industry can be traced back to one man and his gliders.

One of the oldest adobe structures in Northern California.

Anyone can control this glittery light installation with just a phone call.

At night, this glittering musical tunnel draws skaters and photographers.

A giant statue perched on dumpsters watches over the freeway.

This massive redwood tree has stood in Northern California for nearly 2,000 years.

A pair of pure white felines guard the entrance to a spot of California real estate established as an artist's haven.

A giant chess set, minus the psychedelic drug trip.

This 252 step staircase offers stunning views of San Jose.

Legendary frontman of the Doors looms in this giant mural by famed Venice muralist, Rip Cronk.

An historic and oft-filmed spot for musclebound iron pumpers on the Pacific coast.

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

A black and white mural stands out from its psychedelic surroundings.

The words of the neighborhood's most famous poets adorn four concrete walls.

60 feet of towering steel balances gracefully.

An increasingly eccentric apartment building, topped with winged beasties.

Apartment building was once posh playground to the Hollywood elite.

Where a great scandal unfolded with a famous female revivalist at its center.

After starting as a whimsical tourist attraction that eventually found its way to ruin, these renovated canals offer a lush and exotic locale on the Pacific Coast.

The sun acts as a key that only fits this giant keyhole twice a year.

A secluded hilltop monument marks the final resting place of Lucy, Presidio Park's beloved white deer.

Get fishing gear and craft beer at this restaurant on the pier.