One of the best absinthe distilleries in the United States.

This 19th-century church is now a popular roller rink.

A mysterious painting of the self-declared Emperor of the United States watches over a local hof-brau.

Antiques by the Bay.

The awe-inspiring ship from the golden era of cruising has an incomparable history and a reputation as one of the world’s most haunted places.

Recovered from the brink of extinction, at home in the Financial District.

Oldest building in California still in use.

A brooding mansion of clinker brick stands out among the Victorian houses of Pacific Heights.

One of few lasting examples of the brief octagon craze that developed into folly.

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

Get up close to emus and ostriches, or buy their tasty meat.

The rusting remains of the largest assembled WWII fleet on the West Coast.

California's own majestic geyser is powered by a subterranean volcano.

A man-made island in scenic San Francisco Bay.

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

An "anarchical" no man's land, complete with garbage sculptures and a hobo-run "Landfillian Library."

A burnt orange monolithic dome structure perched on a hillside near Interstate 280.

Playable, historic pinball machines fill this Alameda museum.

A giant donut stands as a popular symbol of Los Angeles iconography.

A sign at the end of the Santa Monica Pier marks the traditional end of the legendary American highway.

Inside an old airplane hangar, friends and strangers alike play on a massive trampoline.

An extensive collection of ancient Egyptian artifacts and mummies.

A collection of memorabilia from the Beat era in the back of a San Francisco bookstore.

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