A 300-ship graveyard, with a few still visible at low tide.

The fossilized remains of ancient California redwoods.

A modest reminder of treacherous waters at the Golden Gate.

Golden Gate Park's historic collection of plants.

An artsy hidden staircase leads to breathtaking views of San Francisco.

A sculpture of the famous photograph stands on San Diego's "Greatest Generation Walk."

Legend says one of the world's largest marine geysers is actually a whale that got wedged within the rocks.

A graceful natural rock formation stands astride the point where the Gulf of California meets the Pacific Ocean.

A sparse, solitary sequoia still stands as a living tribute to the famous conservationist who planted it—but it's dying.

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

Pillars made of 700 pieces of luggage climb to the ceiling of Sacramento Airport's baggage claim.

A popular tourist cave with a dark past.

Where the writer penned his famous story about a jumping frog.

This 19th century train workshop is a treasure trove of railroad history.

Art Deco stylings conceal the true nature of this bridge.

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

An extensive collection of ancient Egyptian artifacts and mummies.

The headquarters of a secretive order is also a beautifully-designed park.

A display of magnificent stained glass windows is the first exhibit of its kind.

The last masonry skyscraper ever built reveals a transitional moment in architectural history.

A 400-foot-tall tall map of Chicago makes this once-ignored building stand out.

Chicago's Navy Pier on Lake Michigan was a training hub for aircraft carrier pilots during WWII.

Fragments of architectural wonders from around the globe are embedded in the newspaper building's walls.

The "lovely red Vega" of the legendary record-settling pilot.