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.

This 19th century hydroelectric powerhouse was the first of its kind.

This former boomtown "island" is now submerged below Folsom Lake.

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

The last of a gourmet supermarket chain, this store helped spark California's Food Revolution.

A working miniature city designed to teach kids about safety and presumably city planning.

Puzzling...this tree looks like an assemblage of dismembered monkey limbs.

The tallest bridge in California was constructed for a project that was eventually cancelled.

Each summer, the migratory bats living beneath the bypass form "batnadoes" at dusk.

On the summer solstice each year, shadows align with a 14,000 square foot painting to reveal a secret message.

A huge collection of rocks, gems, and crystals.

A series of vibrant murals celebrate the culture and community of Oakland.

The garage at the childhood home of Steve Jobs was a hangout for the founders of Apple, even if they never built computers there.

The first high-tech company in the valley that actually worked with silicon devices.

After nearly 60 years, there's still a bear at Paddington Station looking for help.

London's last remaining public soapbox site has seen speeches from Karl Marx, Vladmir Lenin, and George Orwell.

This luxury shopping lane has been protected by its own tiny police force for over a century.

Location of the most powerful laser in the world, and the potential birthplace of tiny stars.

The longest burning light bulb in the world.

A giant can of fruit cocktail is all that remains of what was once the world's largest cannery.

800 apricot trees honor Silicon Valley's agricultural history.

Historical trolley restoration and operation at History San Jose, Kelly Park.

A giant chess set, minus the psychedelic drug trip.

A decommissioned Naval base now rents itself out for people who want to blow stuff up.