This Big Sur waterfall drops 80 feet directly into the Pacific Ocean, and inspired the hillside house up top.

After starting as a whimsical tourist attraction that eventually found its way to ruin, these renovated canals offer a lush and exotic locale on the Pacific Coast.

These delicate buggers are some of the rarest fossils that have bubbled up from the Tar Pits.

A world-class observatory in the California desert.

This massive redwood tree has a hole in the base big enough to drive through.

One of the ghostly stops along Route 66.

Stripes of flowers bloom each spring in a 50 acre rainbow of color.

The largest collection of two headed animals in the world.

Trails through lava-carved tube-caves display sparkling bacteria and a rich history.

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

The ghost town that ended up on Ebay.

Canyon walls shrouded in ferns.

This abandoned Navy base was transformed into an off-grid alternative living community for thousands of people.

A look into the Church of Scientology's deeply unfavorable view of psychiatry.

The private clubhouse for the members of the Academy of Magical Arts.

"Looks so real, it's scary!"

Aqueducts have dramatically changed this old lake, now home to tufa towers and its very own species of tiny brine shrimp.

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

The ghostly remains of an accidental sea.

World's largest collection of serial killer artwork and other macabre exhibits.

The ruins of the castle that chemicals built.

This futuristic bridge is one of the longest self-anchored pedestrian bridges in the world.

A sculpture of the famous photograph stands on San Diego's "Greatest Generation Walk."

This San Diego museum, housed in a former Navy training facility, is dedicated to preserving women’s historic achievements.