An art supply shop holds the secrets of this quiet neighborhood's raucous Barbary Coast past.

A whimsical antique shop with a strong air of mystery, filled with items from ages, and what feels like worlds, past.

A living time capsule of the 1960s Richardson Bay water-front.

The black lab that was voted mayor of a California town is forever remembered by a life-size statue.

An abandoned, unfinished mansion on grounds strewn with lava rocks.

A man-made island in scenic San Francisco Bay.

Deco Modern sculptures of the people of the Pacific, cast for the 1939 Golden Gate International Exposition.

A unique piece of graffiti offers a little slice of local history and mystery.

One of the last remaining Carpenter Gothic churches is situated on a wildflower conservatory overlooking the bay.

One time home to turn of the century explosives, now hidden under the Bay Bridge.

One of the best absinthe distilleries in the United States.

A decommissioned Naval base now rents itself out for people who want to blow stuff up.

Across Ring Mountain is a vast collection of Native American petroglyphs unique to the region.

Playable, historic pinball machines fill this Alameda museum.

George Lucas donated this park to honor the birthplace of his two biggest movie franchises.

Antiques by the Bay.

This (occupied) house is 10 feet wide and full of spite.

Dive bar built out of the remains of a whaling ship.

An art collective teaching the more fiery, metal-y art forms.

International delicatessen has been owned and operated by the same family for more than 110 years.

A temple devoted to inner esoteric mysteries located in a California commercial strip.

A crumbling Beaux Arts monument to the Bay Area's age of rail.

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

The newsstand that never closes its doors—well, almost never.