Early prototype for Frank Lloyd Wright's Guggenheim.

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

Forgotten and then destroyed by fire, this was once one of the largest saltwater swimming pools in the world.

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

The key to turning shifting dunes into the green oasis of Golden Gate Park.

An elaborate gift from Claus Spreckels is now a piece of San Francisco history.

The taxidermied remains of the "last wild grizzly bear in California" and of the symbol of the state of California.

This surreptitious shop is only open five hours per week.

Created in 1972, the famous sculptor's intricately detailed monument to San Francisco is overflowing with city landmarks.

The sole surviving relic of the San Francisco neighborhood cobbled together from old horsecars and streetcars.

Only hotel where you can legally launder money.

The largest whiskey stash on the West Coast survived the 1906 fires--but not without heroic effort.

This grinning pup statue is all that's left of what was once a ubiquitous Bay Area diner chain.

A miniature view of the park, caught in time.

Inside this museum, the history of the Walt Disney Family empire is on full display.

Once the largest windmill outside of Holland, with enormous 114 foot sails.

A masterpiece in Golden Gate Park by virtue of the artist’s debt.

This giant head is all that remains of a once proud statue that survived an earthquake but not a fall off of a wagon.

Shoot for par over the bodies of the dead on this cemetery-cum-golf course.

The second building of its name to occupy this location might be the finest flatiron building in San Francisco.

A modest reminder of treacherous waters at the Golden Gate.

San Francisco's first World's Fair, dedicated to the wonders of California.

These subterranean storage areas hold emergency water reserves.

California's most comprehensive horticultural library.