Perhaps the most unique of any Frank Gehry design for one simple reason: Gehry himself actually lives here.

These lush groves of fan palms rise up like oases out of southern California's Colorado Desert.

A giant knight, sex education, date shakes, and Jesus coexist happily in this Coachella Valley desert oasis.

This eatery transports diners to a place that no longer exists: East Germany.

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

Gold Rush-era tombstones line the park's paths.

One of California's oldest continually used high schools has an interesting history, both on and off screen.

Famous and forgotten figures lie beneath the faded headstones and decaying planks of wood.

This dark, quiet forest on the outskirts of San Diego is dense with rumor and lore.

The overgrown ruins of a once thriving World War I-era copper mine.

An unfortunate geological resemblance to Satan has labeled this Pasadena gorge as a passage to the underworld.

This municipal playground was co-created by the father of one of the most playful characters ever.

A simple statue outside a California Amtrak station honors the overlooked contributions of the "silent spikes."

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

The abandoned personal amusement park of the King of Pop.

The first attack on the continental U.S. during WWII occurred off the coast of a quiet California golf course.

The quiet canyon has a tumultuous history involving a doomsday cult.

A macabre tour of Hollywood’s deadly history.

Civil War dumping ground for the bodies of terrorized Union sympathizers.

The only museum dedicated to the history of the "Magic Lantern," a medieval slide projector.

Scale replica of China's ancient terracotta tomb warriors and Forbidden City are the side project of an eccentric millionaire.

An amazing stag sculpture constructed entirely of discarded materials.

The pit stop from "The Texas Chainsaw Massacre" now serves beef and pork barbecue, not people.

An emerald-green grotto just a short trip from Austin.