The Southern California pop sounds of surf and sand were born right here.

Of all the origin stories for weed's secret code, this one likely has the goods.

The most beautiful Taco Bell in the world even has surfboard parking.

A military vehicle collection, showcasing how war transportation advanced from horse drawn artillery to self propelled cannons.

This diner's a kitschy dreamland for anyone whose heart is stuck in the 1980s.

This graffiti-covered bridge is the quintessential vision of a place for disillusioned youth to escape the complexities of burgeoning adulthood.

Celebrating the accomplishments of Black firefighters in Los Angeles.

A cult following celebrates the legend that belies this curious podiatrists' office sign which has worked its way into song, literature, animation, and the visual arts.

The diverse and sometimes odd cultural heritage of the Golden State is collected, examined, and displayed in this proud museum.

The neighborhood church casts a breast-shaped shadow that locals have come to call the “two o’clock titty.”

A beautiful memorial tells the story of a formerly enslaved woman whose kindness shaped a burgeoning city.

This collection of hand fans doubles as a history of femininity.

This one-block alleyway is stuffed with street art that is colorful, cultural, and intensely political.

Established in 1853, this crumbling cemetery sits forgotten on the corner of Church and Chapel in Gold Country.

A monument to a one-legged kidnapper, horse thief, and charlatan asks visitors to throw rocks in a pile.

The black lab that was voted mayor of a California town is forever remembered by a life-size statue.

A historic fort commemorating the United States' naval history.

With statues of Nelson Mandela and Harvey Milk this monument has been called the Mount Rushmore of California.

In this roadside "community for the small," abandoned toys gain new lives.

Location of the most powerful laser in the world, and the potential birthplace of tiny stars.

A Biblically-based Natural History Museum.

The quirky salon doubles as a retro museum run by the world's leading "hairstorian."

Thirteen trees representing the original thirteen colonies were planted with soil from historic Revolutionary battlefields.

A performance hall at the American Jewish University moonlights as a sci-fi film location set.