A working model of the entire San Francisco Bay and much of the Sacramento River Delta, complete with regular tides that change every 14 minutes.

An abandoned, unfinished mansion on grounds strewn with lava rocks.

This Hawaiian cattle ranch acts as a museum devoted to the island cowboys that predate the wild west.

Football field-sized microalgae production tanks on the Hawaiian coast create a stunning view from space.

Watch the newest land on the planet form before your eyes.

These picturesque Hawaiian falls are home to a rare species of fish that uses a special sucker to climb up cliffs.

Version of the French Riviera destroyed by the sea.

This abandoned Navy base was transformed into an off-grid alternative living community for thousands of people.

A hand-built folk art installation covered with messages of God's love.

A decommissioned Naval base now rents itself out for people who want to blow stuff up.

One of the best absinthe distilleries in the United States.

Medical and zoological curiosities for sale.

The fossilized remains of ancient California redwoods.

A historic hotel in an old California railroad town with a rowdy reputation.

Where the polar bear watches over everything, and every drink is a double.

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

A fake town founded by Western movie stars is now becoming a hip desert community.

The ghostly remains of an accidental sea.

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

Scores of vintage street lamps shine along L.A.’s Miracle Mile.

Resting place of Hollywood's immortals is also site of summer film screenings.

The magic's in the hole!

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

The unbelievably opulent home built for an infamous newspaperman.