Alleyway plaque commemorating the death of a fictional character in The Maltese Falcon, not far from the author's home.

Nestled in the heart of San Francisco’s bustling Financial District stands a unique homage to the Mayan and Beaux Arts.

Only hotel where you can legally launder money.

Longtime headquarters of controversial boys' club for the world's wealthiest and most powerful.

A historic hotel that made a cameo in Hitchcock's classic film has no intention of letting guests forget its fame.

The oldest burial ground in the city, final resting place of city founders, Ohlone natives and murderers alike.

A 300-ship graveyard, with a few still visible at low tide.

The programmatic glory of LA's giant whiskey barrel building has become an upscale reminder of the city's kitschy roadside past.

California's own medieval Italian castle, authentic down to the 300-year-old iron maiden in the dungeon.

An essential stop before plundering, BYO Cutlass.

Quite simply the largest tree in the world (by volume).

The one-time watch house for incoming ships at the Golden Gate now stands abandoned and hidden in trees.

One of the most scenic stretches of road in America winds between some of the country's oldest trees.

Staircase winds down the side of Telegraph Hill through gardens, wild parrots flying overhead.

Relics of the 1894 Midwinter Exposition continue to delight visitors today.

The seawater playground of gilded-era San Francisco burned to the ground in 1966.

Carnivorous plants, medieval aphrodisiacs, and the largest original wood structure glass conservatory in the western hemisphere.

There is no trying to fall in love with this Star Wars fountain, you just do or do not.

A winding path built in secret on the edge of the continent.

A trash dump made beautiful by nature's power.

An artsy hidden staircase leads to breathtaking views of San Francisco.

A huge musical instrument played by the ocean.

After the devastating 2011 earthquake, historic Christchurch begins to recover, starting with the pop-up Re:START mall.

Largest Kauri tree in New Zealand.