It is locally loved and ridiculed for literally looking like poop.

Three plaques mark the spot where the "forgotten father of broadcasting" worked.

Anyone can control this glittery light installation with just a phone call.

At night, this glittering musical tunnel draws skaters and photographers.

A statue commemorate Tommie Smith and John Carlos's brave protest at the 1968 Olympics, a watershed moment for civil rights.

One poet's handmade, anachronistic home.

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

For almost 100 years, this site of peace and spirituality has existed on the California coast.

Eight huge lanterns lining a city street can change color on command.

Location of the most powerful laser in the world, and the potential birthplace of tiny stars.

This silver-mining camp has been active intermittently from the 1860s to the present.

A mountain range on an active U.S. Navy base hides thousands of mysterious prehistoric rock carvings.

A plaque and memorabilia collection mark where A&W got its start.

Exquisite irises bloom every spring in this hillside garden.

Historical trolley restoration and operation at History San Jose, Kelly Park.

An ominous concrete cube cuts a dystopian silhouette atop this California mountain.

For roadside fast food, pull over at the giant orange.

This 252 step staircase offers stunning views of San Jose.

The stately birthplace of California's statehood.

This remarkably simple jail went over a century without an escape.

A tree grown from astronaut seeds which were exposed to cosmic rays.

Founded in 1873 to support the needs of the gold mines flourishing nearby, this is the last water-powered foundry in the United States.

This eagle-topped spire remembers the military commander who snatched up California for the United States.

An old whaling station now serves to give the public a look at the commercial whaling industry, no longer a part of Monterey's economy.