The final resting place of the Emperor of the United States and Protector of Mexico.

This historic estate on the east shore of Lake Tahoe was home to an eccentric millionaire (and his pet elephant, Mingo).

Eastern zen meets Western grit in these four little trees growing out of a rock on Lake Tahoe’s Nevada shore.

Come for the records, stay for the retro pinball machines.

A bronze tribute to a legendary Californian, the self-proclaimed "Emperor of the United States."

A tiny survivor of the Donner Party disaster.

Eclectic collection of dark and macabre antiques.

One of only five observatories in the world built to measure the Earth's wobble.

This plaza at the end of the world teems with monumental tributes to a problematic history, and laser discs.

One of the world's southernmost bars.

One of only two civilian settlements in the desolate lands of chilly Antarctica.

The birthplace of the very first human resident born in Antarctica.

An abandoned whaling station on an active volcano offers hot springs in Antarctica, surrounded by ruined giants of industry.

A psychedelic labyrinth on the San Francisco bay.

A temple devoted to inner esoteric mysteries located in a California commercial strip.

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

A unique piece of graffiti offers a little slice of local history and mystery.

The remains of a deserted steamboat sit rusting beside an old ferry pier and an abandoned train platform.

An abandoned car and strange wooden debris are among the scattered remains of the old sand and gravel quarry.

Successful artist residence program has filled this ranch with dozens of sculptures over the years.

The tragedy of the Japanese internment camps is remembered here by a stark "Soul Consoling Tower."

An extensive collection of ancient Egyptian artifacts and mummies.

A modern day curiosity cabinet.

Visible below the waves are memorials to the city's Gold Rush dead.