An artsy hidden staircase leads to breathtaking views of San Francisco.

Paranormal experiences in this hotel's room 217 led Stephen King to write "The Shining."

Ninety feet off the valley floor is an ancient dwelling put under protection of the U.S. government by Teddy Roosevelt.

Wheels of chrome by the thousands adorn this California Historical Landmark.

Rising out of miles of farmland, these buttes are sometimes called the world's smallest mountain range.

A floating cat sanctuary on an Amsterdam canal.

Three connected pink triangles memorialize persecuted gays and lesbians throughout history.

Thousands of tourists and residents in Cologne affix "love padlocks" on the Hohenzollernbrücke Bridge to symbolize their affections.

The second building of its name to occupy this location might be the finest flatiron building in San Francisco.

This whimsical seashell-shaped place of worship was designed to blend into its surroundings.

Hand-powered race of alternative forms of transportation.

A huge work of Burning Man-inspired outsider art on the grounds of a California winery.

This collection of hand fans doubles as a history of femininity.

Monumental sculptures of Patrick Amiot, constructed from debris, detritus, and determination.

An historic and oft-filmed spot for musclebound iron pumpers on the Pacific coast.

An ominous concrete cube cuts a dystopian silhouette atop this California mountain.

The interior of the Overlook Hotel in "The Shining" was based on this Yosemite original.

A famous alternative culture epicenter and where Joplin serenaded young hippies.

Golden Gate Park's historic collection of plants.

The graffiti-covered remnants of a former triangulation station are balanced precariously on this California peak.

If you are looking for a used Russian battery, Chinese Ham Radio or other electronic oddities this Flea Market is a good place to start.

From the sky, a kaleidoscope of color brightens the grey landscape of the San Francisco Bay.

Once the gateway to the utopian dream-village of a Civil War embalmer.

This turn of the century masterpiece has a mysterious goaty interloper.