Abortion, prohibition, religion, war, and fear all play a part in the history of this idiosyncratic Pacifica castle.

A Roman-inspired temple once controlled half of San Francisco's waters.

Graffiti-covered ruins that were once part of a farm owned by a mental hospital.

One of few lasting examples of the brief octagon craze that developed into folly.

This temple, built by an eccentric religious leader before his death, sits guarded and in ruins.

Made famous by cable TV, this oddball collection of antiques and collectibles is a cut above the rest.

A famous alternative culture epicenter and where Joplin serenaded young hippies.

Semi-recognized center of the world, with many oddities.

The graffiti-covered remnants of a former triangulation station are balanced precariously on this California peak.

An Airy Would-Be Solution to a Housing Shortage.

Cambria's most unique B&B features creative surroundings and fantastic food.

Antiques by the Bay.

San Francisco's oldest operating hotel, with a Victorian atmosphere and a "haunted" fourth floor.

Neoclassical Revival mansion and set of horror cult classic Phantasm.

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

Sunset-colored dunes of volcanic ash make taking a poor photo impossible.

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

Abandoned Air Force base that has fallen into disrepair.

A tribute to the life and work of the beloved "Peanuts" cartoonist.

A glittering South Asian anomaly in a wealthy Los Angeles suburb.

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

This infamous prison has a store where you can buy goods crafted by incarcerated people.

A walk down memory lane in the heart of one of San Francisco's most notorious neighborhoods.

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