Two mammoth statues inspired by equally tall tales lure tourists to this roadside attraction.

Canyon walls shrouded in ferns.

This little museum has an exhibit devoted to the elusive forest denizens.

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

One of only five observatories in the world built to measure the Earth's wobble.

An optical illusion found amid a logged redwood forest.

A poignant memorial to a young boy whose death spurred a dramatic increase in organ donations in Italy—dubbed the "Nicholas Effect."

The mysterious round rocks of Schooner Gulch.

This rare example of a "tidefall" is a spectacular drop from the cliffs down onto the beach.

This abandoned boat was left in place thanks to its rotting beauty.

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

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

This glamorous old building is said to have inspired the Tower of Terror.

Aqueducts have dramatically changed this old lake, now home to tufa towers and its very own species of tiny brine shrimp.

During prohibition, corrupt city officials ran drinking dens under the streets of Downtown Los Angeles.