Places Michael Ballard Wants to Go

An explosion of natural color known as "the river that ran away from paradise."

This scalding hot river was thought to be a myth until one geoscientist made it his quest to study the mystical waters.

A unique local art exhibit that has continued to grow since 1989.

At the base of the Golden Gate Bridge, a small sign basically begs for a high-five.

The final resting place of the Emperor of the United States and Protector of Mexico.

A lighthouse built to save lives that took quite a few with its treacherous location.

Part mural and part sculpture, this work of art sits in the middle of the Promenade, as if swimming in a river of asphalt towards the ocean.

This contorting sculpture is the tallest in San Francisco.

A shining, cold, black organ lies in San Francisco's financial district.

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

Since World War II people have been decorating this stretch of the Yuma desert with signatures arranged out of rocks.

Whiskey lovers, this is your happy place.

An alley covered with 20 years of bubble gum.

Massive prehistoric mammals used these stones as oversized scratching posts.

A natural dome made of volcanic glass in Inyo National Forest.

This rock formation named for its unique shape is one of many that call the Alabama Hills home.

Here, visitors can swing with the waves of the Pacific Ocean.

This giant spider sculpture made from the iconic car is one giant visual pun.

Semi-recognized center of the world, with many oddities.

This Pringle-shaped ledge makes for the perfect photo op.

Mexican food and folk art.

One of the last remnants of the city's Chinese nightclub scene is now a dive bar selling killer mai tais.

The largest drain hole in the world.

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