The beauty and the beast of hydraulic mining is on full display at this California Historic State Park.

"You don't need a rocket scientist to build a steam engine, but we've got one." -Museum docent on the credentials of a restoration volunteer.

Amazing meticulous gardens of personal wood carvings, Hydrangea, Canna, and many other flowers.

This dormant volcanic crater has been converted from a roiling pit of magma to a pleasant hiking spot.

A man-made island in scenic San Francisco Bay.

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

One woman's Viking Castle on Lake Tahoe.

Bits and pieces from the ill-fated Donner Party's winter cabins.

Since 1973, this block has been home to the most concentrated collection of murals in San Francisco.

Art from the latest counter-culture; kids who dye their hair blue and believe the future will be a post-apocalyptic water world.

Abandoned Air Force base that has fallen into disrepair.

This infamous prison has a store where you can buy goods crafted by incarcerated people.

The unbelievably opulent home built for an infamous newspaperman.

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

Golden Gate Park's historic collection of plants.

A vast city of the dead, where the deceased outnumber the living by more than a million.

Two rocks in a perpetual kiss and one of "the most romantic spot in America."

The stones that traveled from Spain to eventually become a holy place for San Francisco's nature worshippers.

9,000 square feet of vintage and modern mechanical toys, dioramas & sideshow curiosities.

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

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

An overlooked and unassuming engineering marvel.

A still functioning vaudeville carousel that has operated for over a century boasts a colorful menagerie and past.

Commonly referred to as the most photographed Victorian home in the United States.