The set location for a 1987 cult classic draws international film buffs to the middle of the Mojave Desert.

A charming desert roadside bakery that produces 10 times more bread daily than it has residents in its town.

A natural dome made of volcanic glass in Inyo National Forest.

The southernmost outpost of the Russian Empire in colonial America.

The decaying adobe remains of an old homestead are just off the beaten path in Joshua Tree National Park.

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

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

The oldest continuously operating church in California.

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

A glimpse into the lives of the the Miwok and Paiute people in Yosemite National Park.

Four hundred granite steps were built into this massive rock by the National Park Service.

This stretch of beach along California's central coast is a busy highway for the largest seal in the northern hemisphere.

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."

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

Haunting and beautiful trees, doomed to die.

The key to turning shifting dunes into the green oasis of Golden Gate Park.

Though the original building has been demolished, these massive bronze doors were saved.

Huge otherworldly domed rocks on the shore of a deadly lake.

Legendary frontman of the Doors looms in this giant mural by famed Venice muralist, Rip Cronk.

Faceless white figures loom over the city from the rooftop.

This giant spider sculpture made from the iconic car is one giant visual pun.

Where the writer penned his famous story about a jumping frog.

A tree grown from astronaut seeds which were exposed to cosmic rays.

The Route 66 institution that inspired Taco Bell also served as an important headquarters for Mexican-American social movements.