A mysterious painting of the self-declared Emperor of the United States watches over a local hof-brau.

San Francisco's oldest operating hotel, with a Victorian atmosphere and a "haunted" fourth floor.

A free, public museum dedicated to the fascinating science of sight.

Reverend Franzo Wayne King administers spiritual enlightenment through the music of the jazz legend.

This shop and studio is dedicated to the art of the book, from letterpress to bookbinding.

A library and museum dedicated to typography.

This concrete tangle of square pipes has stood as a proud thorn in the city's side since the '70s.

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

A library built during San Francisco's pioneer times is a student's retreat, bibliophile's sanctuary, and chess player's delight.

This turn of the century masterpiece has a mysterious goaty interloper.

A modern mechanical planetary system, part of a 10,000 year clock.

The one-time watch house for incoming ships at the Golden Gate now stands abandoned and hidden in trees.

Olfactory delights in San Francisco's Botanical Gardens.

There is no trying to fall in love with this Star Wars fountain, you just do or do not.

A winding path built in secret on the edge of the continent.

A walk-in working camera obscura produces 360-degree live images of the San Francisco coast.

Bring your own cardboard to the slippery slopes of concrete hidden in a neighborhood park.

In all of the 29 years it was in operation, no prisoners ever escaped successfully... or so they claim.

A huge musical instrument played by the ocean.

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

A prime example of New Orleans' unique architecture these early 20th century homes were built to look like steamboats.

The stone labyrinth in this New Orleans city park was laid to symbolize healing in the wake of Hurricane Katrina.

A small park on Bourbon Street features life-size bronze statues of New Orleans musicians.

A pink cottage covered in hearts served as a haven and a resting place for LGBTQ activists.