This fertility idol of questionable authenticity inspired an iconic Indiana Jones artifact.

The Byzantine, pre-Columbian, and medieval art at this stately mansion are some of the most under-appreciated collections in D.C.

Deep vertical fissures like miniature slot canyons cut across the cemented volcanic rock of Black Point above Mono Lake.

Monty Python fans will recognize this abandoned mine as the Cave of the Killer Rabbit of Caerbannog.

The oldest dim sum restaurant in the United States is a nostalgic jewel.

Everyone's favorite clay duo immortalized in bronze.

A fire lookout atop a glacial pinnacle is reached by climbing three vertiginous flights of stairs.

An eatery within a Bay Area Buddhist temple pulls off all your favorite Vietnamese classics without the meat.

Under the right circumstances, this waterfall in Yosemite briefly turns a luminescent fiery orange.

Eons old volcanic activity created one of the most stunning rock formations in the United States.

The sun acts as a key that only fits this giant keyhole twice a year.

A unique market that brings together various goods and cultures.

Every Sunday, this Thai temple in Berkeley serves a backyard brunch.

A restored 1920s cascade stairway provides one of the best views of Oakland's Lake Merritt.

The memorial to the victims of the Jonestown Massacre carries the names of 918 lost, including one name people wish wasn't there.

A creepy steel gremlin has protected the Bay Bridge since 1989.

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

Nose around a unique collection of more than 300 natural aromas used to craft perfume fragrances.

Where the alchemists dream of transmuting base metal into gold was actually achieved.

Travelers exchange letters with woodland creatures at this mini post office.

Where the legendary Orson Welles got his theatrical start before "Citizen Kane."

A galaxy of glowworms—larvae of a gnat—hides deep in the belly of these caves.

A little-visited waterfall in an otherworldly landscape.

The 43-mile route crosses through six islands with gorgeous views of the Seto Inland Sea.