This dark, quiet forest on the outskirts of San Diego is dense with rumor and lore.

A world-class observatory in the California desert.

This mountaintop beacon is only lit three times a year but shines like some kind of all-seeing eye.

The rusting remains of the largest assembled WWII fleet on the West Coast.

A historic hotel in an old California railroad town with a rowdy reputation.

One of the most elaborate displays of Jellyfish is on display at the aquarium.

Two rocks in a perpetual kiss and one of "the most romantic spot in America."

Centuries of crashing waves carved out this small hole in the rock, which lights up at certain parts of the year.

Offering commanding views of the California coastline, this restaurant was a hub for the artists and bohemians of Big Sur.

This Big Sur waterfall drops 80 feet directly into the Pacific Ocean, and inspired the hillside house up top.

This stretch of beach along California's central coast is a busy highway for the largest seal in the northern hemisphere.

The unbelievably opulent home built for an infamous newspaperman.

A massive volcanic plug is now a protected area that hosts a number of bird species.

A deserted hodgepodge of experimental structures designed by nearby university students.

The world's first motel is now an administrative building for an apple farm.

A chain of bells connect the California Missions and honor the legend of the "King’s Highway."

An alley covered with 20 years of bubble gum.

A hotel and restaurant serving as the mecca of kitsch.

Coastal dunes, site of buried Egyptian movie set and former utopian colony.

Get up close to emus and ostriches, or buy their tasty meat.

French prisoners carved these boats from the bones of their meat rations.

A second generation sun-powered marvel lights up the night.

An historic and oft-filmed spot for musclebound iron pumpers on the Pacific coast.

A tribute to long time Venice Beach resident, artist and actor Dennis Hopper.