Before it was abandoned and left to rust alongside the road, this riverboat starred in a John Wayne movie.

One of the oldest reform schools in the United States, home to wayward boys such as Merle Haggard, now abandoned.

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

An old-timey medicine shop that once served Chinese laborers during the Gold Rush is still open for business to this day.

Eclectic collection of dark and macabre antiques.

These once-beautiful historic graveyards are set against the barren Virginia City hills.

Back in the day everyone who was anyone played this historic western theater.

Beneath a Virginia City bar is the entrance to an abandoned gold mine.

California's own medieval Italian castle, authentic down to the 300-year-old iron maiden in the dungeon.

The haunting ruins of Jack London's dream house.

The headquarters of a secretive order is also a beautifully-designed park.

An extensive collection of ancient Egyptian artifacts and mummies.

Home to the "Circus" trees created by Axel Erlandson.

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."

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

It's not your typical library, memorial, or book store.

The rogue roots are gradually consuming some of the historic marble grave markers.

Seven ceramic sculptures are scattered around this California college campus.

Special tunnels built so that frogs won't be killed when crossing the highway.

The Empire Mine is "one of the oldest, largest, deepest, longest and richest gold mines in California."

Where the polar bear watches over everything, and every drink is a double.

The former Naval shipyard is open for exploring - mostly.

This mountain tram provides stunning views while hanging from a single, steel thread.

The hidden lair of an alchemist rediscovered in a 2002 flood.