Four abandoned towers hidden above the Douglas fir forest in Washington.

"The Reptile Man's" very own roadside zoo features an albino alligator.

Pause for an afternoon fika with sublime Scandinavian cakes and pastries.

This semi-secret garden in south Seattle emulates a traditional Japanese garden using the plants of the Pacific Northwest.

Make your reservation to have coffee with some kitties.

Golden Gate Park's historic collection of plants.

Nuclear waste dump site now an environmental sanctuary.

These WWII-era murals were initially booed as a libelous portrayal of the American dream but have survived multiple attempts to have them destroyed.

San Francisco's urban bison herd has persisted in the face of extinction, development, and disease.

In all of the 29 years it was in operation, no prisoners ever escaped successfully... or so they claim.

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

This black shoreline is made up of exploded lava particles.

A century and a half of research in the sciences and natural history, still going strong.

The remains of a 12th-century chapter house in Golden Gate Park.

This private residence was the template for one of the most beloved television homes of all time.

27-room home built with the fortune of a sugar magnate.

Created in 1972, the famous sculptor's intricately detailed monument to San Francisco is overflowing with city landmarks.

Offering commanding views of the California coastline, this restaurant was a hub for the artists and bohemians of Big Sur.

Every year, over 25,000 monarchs overwinter in Pacific Grove.

An old whaling station now serves to give the public a look at the commercial whaling industry, no longer a part of Monterey's economy.

The oldest U.S. Government building in California, and it's State Historic Landmark #1.

Once America’s most beautiful army base, this abandoned military fort on the coast of Monterey Bay has been left to the elements.

This concrete tangle of square pipes has stood as a proud thorn in the city's side since the '70s.

An exotic wildlife habitat right off The Strip.