Places jrbessent Wants to Go

A shape-shifting buy-sell-trade bookstore, born to Beatnik Era spirit.

A shop full of natural curiosities, carnivorous plants, and costumed taxidermied mice.

A museum befitting the city responsible for supplying the majority of the world's LSD.

Handmade treasures from around the world.

Julia Morgan's Moorish-Gothic labyrinth of fountains, trees, natural light and Oakland's notable dead.

Around the perimeter of San Francisco’s second-largest park is a meandering 2.7-mile path designed to inspire contemplation.

Abortion, prohibition, religion, war, and fear all play a part in the history of this idiosyncratic Pacifica castle.

The peaceful gravesite of a rugged wild west gunman echoes the touching story of his last days.

A temple devoted to inner esoteric mysteries located in a California commercial strip.

After serving in World War II and picking up Apollo astronauts, this aircraft carrier has been turned into a museum overlooking the San Francisco Bay.

This restaurant features Native American foods from across the country.

Here, visitors can swing with the waves of the Pacific Ocean.

This old-world mansion with lush gardens is a gem in the heart of Silicon Valley.

Location of the most powerful laser in the world, and the potential birthplace of tiny stars.

Rodin's famous depiction of Dante's 'Inferno', amidst a sculpture garden of many of his other works.

From the Difference Engine to the Cray-1, all under one roof.

One of the largest free-standing structures ever built, this dirigible hangar is now simply a giant skeleton.

The world's first permanently occupied mountain-top observatory continues to report on the stars.

An Aladdin's cave of old Silicon Valley tech.

One of the largest Marian shrines on the West Coast stands rather unexpectedly in Silicon Valley.

The headquarters of a secretive order is also a beautifully-designed park.

An extensive collection of ancient Egyptian artifacts and mummies.

This 252 step staircase offers stunning views of San Jose.

Stand inside the dark interior of an historic redwood tree that once was used as a general's headquarters.