This iconic L.A. bookshop is housed in an abandoned bank—both symbolic and chic.

"The Star Factory" cranked out Hollywood stars like nobody's business.

The newsstand that never closes its doors—well, almost never.

Where the rich wintered in Pasadena.

One of Hollywood’s favorite government buildings.

In one Santa Monica parking lot a mushroom cloud made of chains heralds a message of peace.

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

An historic and oft-filmed spot for musclebound iron pumpers on the Pacific coast.

Colorado Boulevard’s historic bookstore, operating since the bustling city of Pasadena was merely some orange groves and a few ostrich farms.

The Flatiron Building's storied West Coast cousin is a lot more into religion.

One of the first skyscrapers in Santa Monica, and a famous getaway for the Hollywood elite of then and now.

A three-story, three-dimensional hobo clown in a tutu welcomes CVS shoppers.

The key to turning shifting dunes into the green oasis of Golden Gate Park.

This opulent hotel has been visited by Spider-Man, Charlie's Angels, and the Ghostbusters.

An alley covered with 20 years of bubble gum.

An eccentric home stands out in an otherwise average neighborhood with mosaics, mini topiaries, and kinetic sculpture.

The last remaining relic of San Francisco's glittering 1915 Panama Pacific Exposition.

Staircase winds down the side of Telegraph Hill through gardens, wild parrots flying overhead.

Historic funicular railway, believed to be the shortest railroad in the world.

Historic marionette theater features thousands of handmade puppets and free cups of ice cream.

A collection of 20th-century automata, penny arcade games, and musical contraptions.

America's most famous piece of self-built architecture.

Resting place of Hollywood's immortals is also site of summer film screenings.

Giant Redwood-themed cafeteria operates under the golden rule, "Dine Free Unless Delighted."