Sunset-colored dunes of volcanic ash make taking a poor photo impossible.

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

California's own majestic geyser is powered by a subterranean volcano.

From the sky, a kaleidoscope of color brightens the grey landscape of the San Francisco Bay.

Come crisp December nights, this fairly plain neighborhood becomes a holiday dream world.

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

360-degree virtual reality chamber physically immerses scientists into their data.

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

Two rocks in a perpetual kiss and one of "the most romantic spot in America."

A crumbling wizard is one of the final reminders of a roadside Middle Earth.

A library and museum dedicated to typography.

Arcadia is home to a haven for nature geeks and 80s TV lovers alike.

Nuclear waste dump site now an environmental sanctuary.

From Japan to Italy, this California park explores the world's cultures through their gardens.

The mysterious round rocks of Schooner Gulch.

This rare example of a "tidefall" is a spectacular drop from the cliffs down onto the beach.

This partially buried wreck is one of the most complete of its kind but is only revealed when the sea allows.

The now-abandoned tunnels were built for the transcontinental railroad on the route where the first wagon train entered California.

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

The famous animator's private station house and man-cave was the birthplace of imagineering.

Once strictly off-limits, this lower level housing curious and priceless vehicles of the Petersen Automotive Museum is now open to the public.

A "Titanic" superfan changed his name to Jack and set up this strange shrine to the blockbuster, complete with Korean food and Tarot readings.

Inside an old airplane hangar, friends and strangers alike play on a massive trampoline.

Megachurch turned Catholic church comprised of 10,000 glass panes.