This 14th-century temple is also known as the "Temple of the Golden Pavilion" for its gorgeous gilded reliquary hall.

Tokyo’s only Ainu restaurant serves Indigenous food from northern Japan.

This dormant volcanic crater has been converted from a roiling pit of magma to a pleasant hiking spot.

An off-grid art installation that encourages its visitors to imagine a world without waste.

Hike amid the palm trees that thrive among Southern California's Indio Hills.

A 250 million-year-old rock formation has earned a rather unique nickname.

The decaying adobe remains of an old homestead are just off the beaten path in Joshua Tree National Park.

Traversing these canyons, visitors can take in stunning views and glimpses of the region's history.

A miniature representation of Canadian cities and landmarks in incredible—and sometimes hilarious—detail.

A space-age 1950s pavilion on a secluded path is full of Toronto history surprises.

Pasadena glamour turned government issue.

An Italian restaurant became a rock-and-roll hangout and the lair of the "Hollywood vampires."

A huge collection of rocks, gems, and crystals.

This Japanese treats shop may have been the first business to mass-produce fortune cookies in the United States.

A classically trained chef makes beloved burritos inside a gas station.

This restaurant offers the original California cuisine.

One of the most elaborate displays of Jellyfish is on display at the aquarium.

This store is dedicated to unique found footage and the strangeness of pre-internet pop-culture.

This abandoned motel doesn't welcome guests anymore, but decay and a creepy atmosphere still call it home.

From sax to spuds, get 'em all at this landmark music establishment.

A working model of the entire San Francisco Bay and much of the Sacramento River Delta, complete with regular tides that change every 14 minutes.

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

An abandoned, unfinished mansion on grounds strewn with lava rocks.

Gorgeous purple flowers drape from the world's largest blossoming plant.