Places lepainperdu Wants to Go

This graveyard is the eternal home of the residents of a vanished California town.

This strangely vacant Western amusement seems to be an empty tribute to residents of Lucerne Valley.

The largest dune field in the Mojave offers a chance of hearing the 'singing sands.'

In the middle of the desert, miles from any human life, sat an anomalous pay phone that still magically answers your calls.

One of the ghostly stops along Route 66.

The most isolated mailbox in America lets desert travelers record their passing.

A volcanic tunnel illuminated by natural skylights offers a shaded respite from the desert sun.

This museum honors the first Spanish land grant in California which is still in the hands of the original owner's family.

This Chinese art gallery is hidden inside the Sunrider Corporation headquarters.

One of California's oldest continually used high schools has an interesting history, both on and off screen.

One doctor's retirement plan included opening this award-winning Mexican-Indian eatery on the ground floor of a hospital.

Rare collectibles from automated musical instruments to 250 unique automobiles.

The "Kill Bill Church" was transformed into a place of worship after a long Hollywood history.

Behind a grungy bodega facade, a Poblano family serves rich, home-cooked meals.

The Route 66 institution that inspired Taco Bell also served as an important headquarters for Mexican-American social movements.

Happy harbor seals frolic and snooze on this warm, sandy stretch of coast.

These two monoliths have stood at the entrance to the neighborhood since the days it was called "Hollywoodland."

Though the original building has been demolished, these massive bronze doors were saved.

A relief that wraps around the concourse of Los Angeles's World Trade Center marks one of the city's failed urban design plans.

The beautiful 1920 Pantages Theatre remains hidden just underneath the LA Downtown Jewelry Exchange.

This vintage gem is one of the oldest surviving purpose-built movie palaces in Scotland.

This opulent Pueblo Deco movie palace melds Art Deco and Native American motifs.

Where else would a linchpin of post-colonial Native American cuisine anchor the menu but a museum?

Taos Pueblo recipes, foraged ingredients, and outdoor ovens define the menu at this eatery.