Humboldt's human-powered sculptures race across land and sea for days on end in a wacky quest for dominance.

Home of what was the largest hydraulic mine in the world, producing gold and the first diamonds in the U.S.

A huge work of Burning Man-inspired outsider art on the grounds of a California winery.

The world's most famous donkey lives in this pen.

Inspiring Earthlings to Boldly Go.

Each winter this underground cave forms a dazzling ice palace.

This rock formation named for its unique shape is one of many that call the Alabama Hills home.

Cows on a ranch are commonplace, scattered cow bones everywhere? Not so much.

The most popular attraction in Southern California was once a flock of ornery bipedal birds that pulled carts.

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

A natural dome made of volcanic glass in Inyo National Forest.

This mountaintop beacon is only lit three times a year but shines like some kind of all-seeing eye.

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

This historic tower in the California desert promises visitors a "vortex of good vibes".

This mysterious and creepy location instills a strong sense of foreboding in all visitors.

Successful artist residence program has filled this ranch with dozens of sculptures over the years.

The former Naval shipyard is open for exploring - mostly.

It should come as no surprise that the world's largest artichoke lies in the town that calls itself the "Artichoke Center of the World."

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

Hand-crafted tributes to a stray cat named "Room 8" now cover this LA elementary school.

The first AIDS memorial chapel in San Francisco and one of only a few in the U.S.

Hidden in the Santa Ynez Mountains off Highway 154, this tiny restaurant once served as a stagecoach stop.

On a quiet suburban street stands a peculiarly decorated house covered in mosaics.

A working miniature city designed to teach kids about safety and presumably city planning.