Once close to extinction, there is no shortage of elephant seals on the beaches of Año Nuevo State Park.

An vast warehouse of everyday treasures in Berkeley, CA.

One of few lasting examples of the brief octagon craze that developed into folly.

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

Join the circus for a few lessons to learn clowning, acrobatics, and Chinese contortion.

This Oakland fairytale kingdom, fiercely devoted to childlike whimsy, was an early inspiration for Disneyland.

A man-made island in scenic San Francisco Bay.

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

A walk down memory lane in the heart of one of San Francisco's most notorious neighborhoods.

An "anarchical" no man's land, complete with garbage sculptures and a hobo-run "Landfillian Library."

A burnt orange monolithic dome structure perched on a hillside near Interstate 280.

Since 1973, this block has been home to the most concentrated collection of murals in San Francisco.

Two men, two visionaries of Venice Beach, one little hotel that smells like cookies.

The interior of the Overlook Hotel in "The Shining" was based on this Yosemite original.

A playground built by the kids that is a child's wonderland, and a helicopter parent's nightmare.

The giant pair of sexy legs sticking out the window of this costume store have become its main draw.

This quirky roadside attraction dives into the many theories surrounding North America's most infamous hairy cryptid.

The restored and active Victorian-era final resting place of San Francisco.

A monument to the love people have for their pets.

Golden Gate Park's historic collection of plants.

Not merely a museum – but a whirring powerhouse that offers a subterranean peek into the heart and soul of cable car operations.

Home to the "Circus" trees created by Axel Erlandson.

A Barbary Coast watering hole built into a Gold Rush shipwreck.

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