An ominous concrete cube cuts a dystopian silhouette atop this California mountain.

An outdoor sculpture park of giant pink robots and post-apocalyptic Christmas scenes.

The rocks in this arid basin leave trails of movement behind them.

Noble beasts perhaps, but not the Emperor's dogs.

San Francisco's newly reopened hands-on science museum.

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

Its buzzing collection honors vibrator history.

The only theatre in the world constructed specifically for sound movement.

A tiny survivor of the Donner Party disaster.

This municipal playground was co-created by the father of one of the most playful characters ever.

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

Nursery with extensive collection of flesh-eating plants operated by the author of "The Savage Garden."

The haunting ruins of Jack London's dream house.

Built by the inventor of the radio, this abandoned hotel has housed early radio employees, military men, and a dangerous cult.

Hidden among the multi-million dollar mansions in the Santa Cruz hills is a sanctuary for troubled birds.

The world's most famous donkey lives in this pen.

Travelers exchange letters with woodland creatures at this mini post office.

9,000 square feet of vintage and modern mechanical toys, dioramas & sideshow curiosities.

A store that sells all manner of bones, insects, and animal curiosities.

An amazing collection of fantastic reptiles, amphibians, spiders, and insects.

This Oakland fairytale kingdom, fiercely devoted to childlike whimsy, was an early inspiration for Disneyland.

A walk-in working camera obscura produces 360-degree live images of the San Francisco coast.

A favorite haunt of dinosaur loving children and hallucinogen loving hippies alike.

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