Life-sized sculpture of a blue whale made of hand-recycled plastic trash.

A massive volcanic plug is now a protected area that hosts a number of bird species.

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

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

His discovery kicked off the Gold Rush. One of the hands on this commemorative statue points to the spot where he found the precious metal.

At this 1940s-era neighborhood favorite, you can still drink a cherry phosphate.

I Street Bridge is the heaviest swinging center bridge in the United States.

Art Deco stylings conceal the true nature of this bridge.

The Southern California pop sounds of surf and sand were born right here.

This unique bed and breakfast was first constructed during the 1800s by a Russian immigrant family.

This historic estate on the east shore of Lake Tahoe was home to an eccentric millionaire (and his pet elephant, Mingo).

A hotel and restaurant serving as the mecca of kitsch.

An iconic location along the Los Angeles River where countless movie scenes are filmed.

An expansive book store, art gallery, and curio shop with wares ranging from tarot cards to novelty socks.

There are lots of hands and feet stamped in the cement in front of Grauman’s Chinese Theater, but Mel left behind something extra.

The blinking light atop the iconic landmark has been sending secret messages for decades.

Historic funicular railway, believed to be the shortest railroad in the world.

This iconic L.A. bookshop is housed in an abandoned bank—both symbolic and chic.

The decor of this Hollywood movie palace just barely predated the opening of King Tut's tomb.

Resting place of Hollywood's immortals is also site of summer film screenings.

A look into the Church of Scientology's deeply unfavorable view of psychiatry.

The final resting place of a space program monolith, soon to be unveiled again to the public.

Hollywood's oldest hotel is the site of the first Academy Awards, the birthplace of Marilyn Monroe's career, and the home of Montgomery Clift's ghost.

This rare tortoise skeleton has been hanging around the downtown Los Angeles museum for over a century.