Thousands of migrating monarchs overwinter clustered amongst the eucalyptus trees.

A house built from trash known as the poor man's Hearst Castle.

This stretch of beach along California's central coast is a busy highway for the largest seal in the northern hemisphere.

California's oldest wind harp represents a historic piece of America's Danish history.

This Big Sur waterfall drops 80 feet directly into the Pacific Ocean, and inspired the hillside house up top.

Eastern Bloc nostalgia, anybody?

One of the last remnants of the city's Chinese nightclub scene is now a dive bar selling killer mai tais.

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

A large instrument played by the wind.

Acres of natural wonders left behind by a socialite-turned-gardener.

This well-traveled chess park offers scenic views of the pacific and a colorful, eclectic clientele.

A treasure hunter's tiny bar, harboring celebrities since 1959.

Life in this isolated, hilltop lighthouse was lonely, but it sure was lovely.

Nevada's largest cactus collection stands outside a candy mogul's small factory.

This tall and trim architectural oddity is one of the skinniest buildings in San Francisco.

A nondescript building that's been functioning as a speakeasy for nearly a century and a half.

At night, this glittering musical tunnel draws skaters and photographers.

A life-sized mammoth sculpture marks the spot where the remains of a Columbian mammoth were discovered in 2005.

The mall's looks were inspired by the cowboy extras who used to meet up—and cause real trouble—at this Hollywood hub.

Pizza joint known for labor-inducing salad dressing.

This rare tortoise skeleton has been hanging around the downtown Los Angeles museum for over a century.

The programmatic glory of LA's giant whiskey barrel building has become an upscale reminder of the city's kitschy roadside past.

The private clubhouse for the members of the Academy of Magical Arts.

A look into the Church of Scientology's deeply unfavorable view of psychiatry.