A picturesque example of brute-force engineering conquering nature.

This ultra-modern California span is actually a titanic solar clock in disguise built by famed architect Santiago Calatrava.

An offbeat angle on the ocean viewed through an antiquated lens.

An increasingly eccentric apartment building, topped with winged beasties.

The awe-inspiring ship from the golden era of cruising has an incomparable history and a reputation as one of the world’s most haunted places.

A "haunted" landmark on the coast of Southern California.

Authentic gondola hanging from the ceiling, notable mural in the back room.

Legendary frontman of the Doors looms in this giant mural by famed Venice muralist, Rip Cronk.

A black and white mural stands out from its psychedelic surroundings.

A second generation sun-powered marvel lights up the night.

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

The real faces of Venice beach captured on Romanesque columns.

60 feet of towering steel balances gracefully.

This well-traveled chess park offers scenic views of the pacific and a colorful, eclectic clientele.

A Looff creation in Santa Monica best described as “a California-Byzantine-Moorish-style fantasy.”

A sign at the end of the Santa Monica Pier marks the traditional end of the legendary American highway.

A treasure hunter's tiny bar, harboring celebrities since 1959.

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

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

Grab a latte at the birthplace of modern American skateboarding.

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.

Known as the "Hobbit Houses," these storybook homes look like they're straight out of the Shire.

The dramatic upward-curving roof is one of the most iconic examples of Googie architecture that still stands today.

This jagged colossus of a building is mostly held together by an enormous concrete exoskeleton.