A cult following celebrates the legend that belies this curious podiatrists' office sign which has worked its way into song, literature, animation, and the visual arts.

A repository of Pasadena history.

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

One of the first skyscrapers in Santa Monica, and a famous getaway for the Hollywood elite of then and now.

Instead of hoofing it up steep stairs, residents can hitch a ride on this private lift.

A historic fort commemorating the United States' naval history.

Concrete strongholds stand guard over the Golden Gate.

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

A massive ultra-modern church presents a science-fiction view of Catholicism's inclusive future.

This California estate was either haunted by ghosts or the Marx brothers.

A restored 1920s cascade stairway provides one of the best views of Oakland's Lake Merritt.

Originally the home of chewing gum mogul William Wrigely Jr, it is now the official offices of the Tournament of Roses.

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

The artwork that Italians felt California didn't deserve.

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

Only hotel where you can legally launder money.

Southern California’s Theme Park Beginnings.

This mysterious series of teeny guerrilla installations sheds a whimsical light on street art in Oakland.

This mountaintop beacon is only lit three times a year but shines like some kind of all-seeing eye.

One of the largest helium balloons in the U.S. is a 112-foot ginormous orange.

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

This quirky UFO-shaped curiosity is often mistaken for the airport’s control tower.

Once the largest windmill outside of Holland, with enormous 114 foot sails.

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