Places lokimann Wants to Go

A bigger-than-life pun that has become a beacon of altruism.

Though tiki culture has gone in and out of fashion, the Tonga Hut has always been flying the flag in Los Angeles.

An eclectic trailer park retreat in the middle of the California desert.

Hidden above a drug store on a nondescript corner of Lincoln Heights is a private clubhouse for intrepid explorers.

Julia Morgan's Moorish-Gothic labyrinth of fountains, trees, natural light and Oakland's notable dead.

A desert ghost town—occupied for only 12 years—was once home to more than 500 silver mines.

Acres of natural wonders left behind by a socialite-turned-gardener.

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

Nestled in the heart of San Francisco’s bustling Financial District stands a unique homage to the Mayan and Beaux Arts.

From pre-war whiskey cocktails to prohibition-era speakeasy secrecy, this bar has seen it all.

This star-studded Old Hollywood restaurant is where fettuccine Alfredo made its United States debut.

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

Lucha Libre (Mexican Wrestling) themed taco shop.

One of the last free public hot springs is decorated with hippie art.

Golden Gate Park's historic collection of plants.

This concrete tangle of square pipes has stood as a proud thorn in the city's side since the '70s.

The L.A. Zoo has a secret garden of rare bootleg cycads, a palm specimen dating back 280 million years.

This traditional garden in the San Fernando Valley doubled for Star Fleet Academy, and is irrigated entirely by wastewater.

The largest drain hole in the world.

This naturally heated mountainous creek has created a group of neon blue pools of potentially deadly boiling water.

The site of murders and Satanic cult gatherings.

The lowest point in North America is home to an undrinkable pool surrounded by fields of geometric salt flats.

Small museum packed with artifacts recovered by the man rumored to be the real-life inspiration for Indiana Jones.

An unfortunate geological resemblance to Satan has labeled this Pasadena gorge as a passage to the underworld.