The neighborhood shop is a sort of tiny cactus museum full of exotic specimens you can take home.

Common all over Japan, kōbans are small community police boxes, and now one is guarding one of L.A.’s megamalls.

Giant scissors seemingly stabbed into the side of a hair salon leave no question about the vocation of the owners.

Dozens of feral felines rule a segment of Hollywood's only graveyard.

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

A quirky collection of figurines backdropped by city views is hidden next to a popular restaurant in the Hollywood hills.

A common entry point to the Griffith Observatory trail holds its own wonders.

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

A monthly street "service" of handmade puppets and live original puppets, whose devotees profess has the power to change lives.

The illuminating collection of L.A. street lights is run by the city and only opens one day per month.

"Prepare yourself! You are to become the voice of Interplanetary Parliament."

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

A "Titanic" superfan changed his name to Jack and set up this strange shrine to the blockbuster, complete with Korean food and Tarot readings.

A visionary, futuristic sculpture in Los Angeles that never met its extraterrestrial potential.

Though tiki culture has gone in and out of fashion, the Tonga Hut has always been flying the flag in Los Angeles.

Rare collectibles from automated musical instruments to 250 unique automobiles.

The last orange grove of the San Fernando Valley is owned and protected by CSU Northridge.

Church and home-museum of a 1920s female revivalist preacher with a very sordid past.

Secret US military film studio in the Hollywood Hills.

What began with a single, 357-pound chunk of the Canyon Diablo meteorite grew to be an impressive collection. 

One of the world's longest murals depicts the history of diversity in Los Angeles.

This traditional garden in the San Fernando Valley doubled for Star Fleet Academy, and is irrigated entirely by wastewater.

Two men, two visionaries of Venice Beach, one little hotel that smells like cookies.

This star-studded Old Hollywood restaurant is where fettuccine Alfredo made its United States debut.