World War II-era Nazi compound nestled in the Santa Monica hills.

What began as an illegal art installation has become a symbol for unity, ocean awareness, and coastline preservation.

An abandoned 1930s gas station turned bustling neighborhood park.

Colorado Boulevard’s historic bookstore, operating since the bustling city of Pasadena was merely some orange groves and a few ostrich farms.

The most popular attraction in Southern California was once a flock of ornery bipedal birds that pulled carts.

NASA's leading space science lab started by a co-founder with deep ties to the occult.

L. Frank Baum wrote part of the "Wizard of Oz" series in this wooden Victorian beach resort.

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

A charming desert roadside bakery that produces 10 times more bread daily than it has residents in its town.

Three vintage horses survived a 1976 inferno and found a home on a sister carousel.

A three-story, three-dimensional hobo clown in a tutu welcomes CVS shoppers.

Once America’s most beautiful army base, this abandoned military fort on the coast of Monterey Bay has been left to the elements.

This stockpile of junked electronic and mechanical gadgets is a favorite among Hollywood prop masters.

The dramatic upward-curving roof is one of the most iconic examples of Googie architecture that still stands today.

Oldest building in California still in use.

The tragedy of the Japanese internment camps is remembered here by a stark "Soul Consoling Tower."

A music-filled, booze-soaked oasis in the desert.

A private home built to resemble the shape of a microscopic creature.

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

L.A.'s oldest operating bowling alley is a beautifully restored homage to its speakeasy days.

Since 1973, this block has been home to the most concentrated collection of murals in San Francisco.

This opulent hotel has been visited by Spider-Man, Charlie's Angels, and the Ghostbusters.

Once strictly off-limits, this lower level housing curious and priceless vehicles of the Petersen Automotive Museum is now open to the public.

This star-studded Old Hollywood restaurant is where fettuccine Alfredo made its United States debut.