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

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

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

Steinbeck's old stomping grounds, immortalized in Cannery Row.

This eagle-topped spire remembers the military commander who snatched up California for the United States.

An old whaling station now serves to give the public a look at the commercial whaling industry, no longer a part of Monterey's economy.

The oldest U.S. Government building in California, and it's State Historic Landmark #1.

The first safe in this California town had to hold all the gold.

This remarkably simple jail went over a century without an escape.

The oldest continuously operating church in California.

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

This cabin from the 1850s is one of the first structures built by Chinese immigrants in California.

Every year, over 25,000 monarchs overwinter in Pacific Grove.

The oldest lighthouse on America's west coast no longer needs keepers, yet they maintain the site anyhow.

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

Haunting and beautiful trees, doomed to die.

Once America’s most beautiful army base, this abandoned military fort on the coast of Monterey Bay has been left to the elements.

It should come as no surprise that the world's largest artichoke lies in the town that calls itself the "Artichoke Center of the World."

A "gravitational anomaly" located in the redwood forests just outside of Santa Cruz, California.

Once close to extinction, there is no shortage of elephant seals on the beaches of Año Nuevo State Park.

A pair of pure white felines guard the entrance to a spot of California real estate established as an artist's haven.

A New England-style lighthouse along California's beautiful Highway 1 gets a re-do.

A modest reminder of treacherous waters at the Golden Gate.

A huge musical instrument played by the ocean.