This iconic L.A. bookshop is housed in an abandoned bank—both symbolic and chic.

This monster board rode a monster wave to break two world records.

Museum dedicated to the preservation of surf culture.

An unexpected and peaceful oasis on a hillside.

A surreal, Gaudi-inspired play space near an Anaheim community center.

This enormous World War II relic is one of the largest wooden structures in the world.

The decor of this Hollywood movie palace just barely predated the opening of King Tut's tomb.

This centerpiece of the Hollywood & Highland shopping center is a recreation of a long-lost movie set.

A beloved carnival gets a modern makeover in Los Angeles.

The words of the neighborhood's most famous poets adorn four concrete walls.

These unusual houses look like giant boats that washed ashore on a residential street.

This symbol of peace is appropriately positioned overlooking the Pacific Ocean.

This restaurant's marvelous musical machines include a self-playing violin.

This “living museum” at UCLA exhibits thousands of plant species from all over the world.

Like a kitschy mirage in the Mojave, this eatery serves up classic 50s-style diner meals and a dinosaur sculpture garden.

This historic aviation building is now a museum owned and operated by Disney.