An elaborate gift from Claus Spreckels is now a piece of San Francisco history.

Honoring the famed folktale author, this California museum looks like it belongs in the Black Forest.

Thousands of migrating monarchs overwinter clustered amongst the eucalyptus trees.

This sun-scorched lakebed contains samples of half the natural elements known to humankind.

The cluster of boulders near Fort Irwin is covered in military insignia.

The California capital city once stood 10 feet lower than it does today.

A "haunted" landmark on the coast of Southern California.

A glittering South Asian anomaly in a wealthy Los Angeles suburb.

This desert oddity hides in plain sight thanks to a cartographic error and a desert explorer with a punny sense of humor.

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

A grove of "candelabra redwoods" deep in California's Lost Coast.

Hidden in the back of a disused small town hotel is a dive bar shellacked with over a million pennies.

Semi-recognized center of the world, with many oddities.

Every year, over 25,000 monarchs overwinter in Pacific Grove.

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

The sun acts as a key that only fits this giant keyhole twice a year.

This stockpile of junked electronic and mechanical gadgets is a favorite among Hollywood prop masters.

Happy harbor seals frolic and snooze on this warm, sandy stretch of coast.

Get up close to emus and ostriches, or buy their tasty meat.

An eccentric folk art landmark made out of discarded bottles by an inspired "grandma."

From the sky, a kaleidoscope of color brightens the grey landscape of the San Francisco Bay.

“It's the quality” (but probably also the drive-through donut tunnel) that has attracted diners since 1968.

An L.A. traffic island where the faces of locals have been carved into massive granite eggs.

One of the few remaining carousels built by master amusement park carver Charles I.D. Looff.