This 19th century hydroelectric powerhouse was the first of its kind.

An abandoned Cold War missile radar site.

An Old West film set seen in countless TV shows and movies is open for the public to explore.

Location of the most powerful laser in the world, and the potential birthplace of tiny stars.

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

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

A raised boardwalk winds through a thicket of stunted, century-old trees no more than nine feet tall.

A B&B on a Victorian lighthouse station in San Francisco Bay.

Rusty industrial city full of oxidized distillation towers.

The sea once considered an ecological wasteland is now called "crown jewel of avian biodiversity" by scientists.

Where a staggering 747 ships were constructed during World War II.

This abandoned boat was left in place thanks to its rotting beauty.

Hidden among the multi-million dollar mansions in the Santa Cruz hills is a sanctuary for troubled birds.

This odd California folly seems like it was almost designed to accumulate urban legends.

The unedited photograph called "Bliss" has graced the screens of over a billion computers.

A hidden world of exotic succulents and cacti.

The graffiti-covered remnants of a former triangulation station are balanced precariously on this California peak.

Abortion, prohibition, religion, war, and fear all play a part in the history of this idiosyncratic Pacifica castle.

Another of California's unused Cold War missile defense complexes has become a graffiti gallery.

This rare example of a "tidefall" is a spectacular drop from the cliffs down onto the beach.

Life in this isolated, hilltop lighthouse was lonely, but it sure was lovely.

The haunting ruins of Jack London's dream house.

An optical illusion found amid a logged redwood forest.

Rodin's famous depiction of Dante's 'Inferno', amidst a sculpture garden of many of his other works.