An historic and oft-filmed spot for musclebound iron pumpers on the Pacific coast.

Concrete strongholds stand guard over the Golden Gate.

This giant temperature attraction created some giant electric bills.

Two mammoth statues inspired by equally tall tales lure tourists to this roadside attraction.

The abandoned train depot now doubles as a well-placed rest stop for those who take the road less traveled.

This historic tower in the California desert promises visitors a "vortex of good vibes".

The quiet canyon has a tumultuous history involving a doomsday cult.

Finally the worlds of UFO enthusiasts and beef jerky lovers have come together in this roadside shop.

An alley covered with 20 years of bubble gum.

Bug-devouring flora are the stars of a special wing of the glass conservatory.

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

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

The "3rd largest" city in California is an empty mirage of suburbia in the middle of nowhere.

"Only the devil could play golf here."

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

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

An optical illusion found amid a logged redwood forest.

Sunset-colored dunes of volcanic ash make taking a poor photo impossible.

Millions of years of oxidation make a drive down this winding Death Valley road surprisingly colorful.

Travelers leave tea kettles in a remote part of Death Valley as part of a mysterious, decades-old tradition.

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

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

The giant pair of sexy legs sticking out the window of this costume store have become its main draw.

Come crisp December nights, this fairly plain neighborhood becomes a holiday dream world.