Traditional, pre-Hispanic food is served alongside classic favorites in this family-owned Mexican restaurant.

Eat a tasty meal in the house where John Steinbeck was born.

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

An archive and museum with a mind-boggling collection of Shakespeare-related objects.

More than 700 species live within this murky marvel of a swamp on California's coast.

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."

An abandoned boat that's been stranded mysteriously for decades.

This Big Sur waterfall drops 80 feet directly into the Pacific Ocean, and inspired the hillside house up top.

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.

Centuries of crashing waves carved out this small hole in the rock, which lights up at certain parts of the year.

Life in this isolated, hilltop lighthouse was lonely, but it sure was lovely.

This little valley along Highway 1 is engulfed by thousands of lilies during the spring season.

For almost 100 years, this site of peace and spirituality has existed on the California coast.

Named for a self-taught botanist who cataloged hundreds of native plants, this garden continues her work of preserving California plant life.

This cabin from the 1850s is one of the first structures built by Chinese immigrants in California.

One poet's handmade, anachronistic home.

Haunting and beautiful trees, doomed to die.

This lonesome Monterey cypress has survived centuries of wind, salt, and at least one attempt at arson.

The oldest lighthouse on America's west coast no longer needs keepers, yet they maintain the site anyhow.

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

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

Hopeless romantics will swoon over the sweet story behind this bright and colorful home.

This municipal playground was co-created by the father of one of the most playful characters ever.