A hidden gem, named after a San Franciscan icon, offers spectacular views of the Pacific Ocean.

Internationally-recognized arts center housed in a century-old former military barracks.

Enormous crabs, bioluminescent jellies, and other amazing creatures from the ocean’s depths—some of which are in an aquarium for the first time ever.

This historic roadhouse has many tales to tell of San Francisco's early history.

Hidden inside a gift shop that doubles as a museum, this gargantuan yo-yo can only be operated by crane.

The newsstand that never closes its doors—well, almost never.

Lombard Street may be more famous, but this is the real “crookedest street in the world.”

An old whaling station now serves to give the public a look at the commercial whaling industry, no longer a part of Monterey's economy.

For nearly 50 years, this San Francisco nonprofit has been serving as a mix of recycling center and art school.

Steinbeck's old stomping grounds, immortalized in Cannery Row.

A sparse, solitary sequoia still stands as a living tribute to the famous conservationist who planted it—but it's dying.

At night, a grove of towering redwood trees growing through the pavement block out all light from the so-called “Dark Park” of Madrone Avenue.

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

A 90-acre park on former landfill that hosts an annual kite festival.

Monumental sculptures of Patrick Amiot, constructed from debris, detritus, and determination.

This small oasis of flora and art was created in remembrance of a local auto business owner.

One of the last remaining Carpenter Gothic churches is situated on a wildflower conservatory overlooking the bay.

A decommissioned Naval base now rents itself out for people who want to blow stuff up.

The oldest U.S. Government building in California, and it's State Historic Landmark #1.

The first safe in this California town had to hold all the gold.

A local dialect born in the late 19th century is only spoken in this isolated California valley.

The century-old bell and clock tower at UC Berkeley is the third-tallest in the world, and has fossils.

A hidden courtyard houses early 20th-century plaster masterpieces.

Malibu's first beach home features an astonishing trove of ceramic tiles.