A Roman-inspired temple once controlled half of San Francisco's waters.

The world's first permanently occupied mountain-top observatory continues to report on the stars.

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

From the Difference Engine to the Cray-1, all under one roof.

One of the largest free-standing structures ever built, this dirigible hangar is now simply a giant skeleton.

A pair of pure white felines guard the entrance to a spot of California real estate established as an artist's haven.

This giant shopping mall still holds signs of its automotive past.

One of the largest Marian shrines on the West Coast stands rather unexpectedly in Silicon Valley.

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

A plaque outside the San Jose airport commemorates the insect's arrival to the West Coast.

Historical trolley restoration and operation at History San Jose, Kelly Park.

A peculiar mansion built by the troubled heir to the Winchester Rifle Company fortune.

A giant chess set, minus the psychedelic drug trip.

A statue commemorate Tommie Smith and John Carlos's brave protest at the 1968 Olympics, a watershed moment for civil rights.

The largest permanent Monopoly board makes one of the longest games even bigger.

An extensive collection of ancient Egyptian artifacts and mummies.

The headquarters of a secretive order is also a beautifully-designed park.