A black and white painted wall creates an optical illusion in the California desert.

Where the leftovers of love affairs can live on forever.

The old Niles Canyon Aqueduct in the San Francisco Bay Area is a bemusing and secret trail through nature for wayward travelers.

The restored estate of a wealthy rancher was once at the heart of an unprecedented legal victory.

This hidden amusement park is a magical escape for kids and kids-at-heart.

Come for the records, stay for the retro pinball machines.

This 75-year-old Shakespearean sculpture is painted by a local artist for every season.

This old-world mansion with lush gardens is a gem in the heart of Silicon Valley.

Don't bother sending any mail to this ghost town.

A newspaper building that made radio history.

This large pile of traveler-curated rocks by the dry lakebed is a longstanding tradition on the Old Mojave Road.

One of the last remaining Carpenter Gothic churches is situated on a wildflower conservatory overlooking the bay.

A simple plaque remembers a California island massacre that claimed more than 100 lives.

A gap in the concrete has been transformed into a miniature playground for the mind.

An enchanting tunnel of cypress trees leads to an old morse code station still used today.

Downieville's largest Gold Rush structure still standing has one of the longest bars in California.

From sax to spuds, get 'em all at this landmark music establishment.

Two pillars set 10 paces apart commemorate the "last notable American duel."

This “living museum” at UCLA exhibits thousands of plant species from all over the world.

This hidden fire lookout offers spectacular views of Sequoia National Park.

The silent film master's legacy commemorated in all the right and wrong places.

The simple auditorium that launched a pop icon's career into the stratosphere.

French prisoners carved these boats from the bones of their meat rations.

This small monument to the great inventor contains a time capsule and a Wi-Fi hotspot.