This 19th-century church is now a popular roller rink.

These WWII-era murals were initially booed as a libelous portrayal of the American dream but have survived multiple attempts to have them destroyed.

This simple highway curve has become a comedic pilgrimage site.

Where the alchemists dream of transmuting base metal into gold was actually achieved.

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

An art collective teaching the more fiery, metal-y art forms.

Common all over Japan, kōbans are small community police boxes, and now one is guarding one of L.A.’s megamalls.

Hidden beneath a lake for decades, this brutalist mine has now emerged from beneath the receding waters.

A mysterious and endangered parasitic herb from the California desert.

A huge collection of rocks, gems, and crystals.

Chevron maintains one “Standard” brand station per state so it doesn’t lose the trademark.

Masterful ceramic fountain and map of the Pacific Basin.

This subtle Berkeley paving stone actually marks off a lawless tube of air that extends into space.

The rustic cabin-like decor of this Arts and Crafts-style church reflects the love of nature central to its little-known theology.

This ultra-modern California span is actually a titanic solar clock in disguise built by famed architect Santiago Calatrava.

A giant desert bird that once swung music fans at Coachella now has a home in a nearby traffic circle.

Seven ceramic sculptures are scattered around this California college campus.

Over one million bird-related artifacts await.

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

The quirky salon doubles as a retro museum run by the world's leading "hairstorian."

Museum dedicated to the preservation of surf culture.

With statues of Nelson Mandela and Harvey Milk this monument has been called the Mount Rushmore of California.

Dentist's hated concrete colossi are now beloved icons of the community.

This strangely vacant Western amusement seems to be an empty tribute to residents of Lucerne Valley.