Julia Morgan's Moorish-Gothic labyrinth of fountains, trees, natural light and Oakland's notable dead.

Dive bar built out of the remains of a whaling ship.

This Oakland fairytale kingdom, fiercely devoted to childlike whimsy, was an early inspiration for Disneyland.

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

A replica of the first public theater built in California.

Art Deco stylings conceal the true nature of this bridge.

This 15-story mural celebrates the 50th anniversary of the musician's iconic "At Folsom Prison" album.

At this 1940s-era neighborhood favorite, you can still drink a cherry phosphate.

Before it was abandoned and left to rust alongside the road, this riverboat starred in a John Wayne movie.

Monumental sculptures of Patrick Amiot, constructed from debris, detritus, and determination.

340 bicycles, 65 feet high.

The last used bookstore in Downtown San Francisco is one of the smallest bookstores just about anywhere.

The United States' first transcontinental automobile road came to its end at this spot in San Francisco's Lincoln Park.

A modern frieze of ancient Grecian mythological figures playing a national pastime.

Prone to disastrous fires, the city of San Francisco has the Guardian, a fireboat gifted by residents, to watch over them from the bay.

A former hardware store near Yerba Buena is the official home of California's history.

Chevron maintains one “Standard” brand station per state so it doesn’t lose the trademark.

Home of modern dancer famously strangled by her own scarf.

Only hotel where you can legally launder money.

This giant head is all that remains of a once proud statue that survived an earthquake but not a fall off of a wagon.

This antique shop specializes in the history of print and design.

This grinning pup statue is all that's left of what was once a ubiquitous Bay Area diner chain.

Inside this museum, the history of the Walt Disney Family empire is on full display.

Alleyway plaque commemorating the death of a fictional character in The Maltese Falcon, not far from the author's home.