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

This stockpile of junked electronic and mechanical gadgets is a favorite among Hollywood prop masters.

A wild west scene starring life-sized wooden statues hides in the trees behind Pierce College.

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

There are lots of hands and feet stamped in the cement in front of Grauman’s Chinese Theater, but Mel left behind something extra.

Three vintage horses survived a 1976 inferno and found a home on a sister carousel.

A free library to stumble across, one of many placed worldwide if you know where to look.

Historic house-museum dedicated to the revolutionary gay graphic artist Tom of Finland.

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.

Rare collectibles from automated musical instruments to 250 unique automobiles.

Space program, pneumatics and more, bits and pieces, for movie sets or the common man.

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

Because there's no place like home.

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

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

First LEED-certified gas station in the United States.

Secret US military film studio in the Hollywood Hills.

The quiet canyon has a tumultuous history involving a doomsday cult.

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

A cobblestone alley with an interesting past.

Beautiful Victorian buildings from L.A.'s forgotten architectural past.

A carousel trades in its classic horses and calliope for endangered species, native flora and fauna, and a modern soundtrack.

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