The miraculous hydrant that saved the Mission District in 1906.

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

A lonely monument to the original Silicon Valley tech campus.

One of the largest Marian shrines on the West Coast stands rather unexpectedly in Silicon Valley.

Historical trolley restoration and operation at History San Jose, Kelly Park.

A giant can of fruit cocktail is all that remains of what was once the world's largest cannery.

This 252 step staircase offers stunning views of San Jose.

This giant shopping mall still holds signs of its automotive past.

For roadside fast food, pull over at the giant orange.

This airfield played a key role in both World War II and the Cold War.

One of the largest free-standing structures ever built, this dirigible hangar is now simply a giant skeleton.

One of Hollywood’s favorite government buildings.

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

Chevron maintains one “Standard” brand station per state so it doesn’t lose the trademark.

This giant temperature attraction created some giant electric bills.

27-room home built with the fortune of a sugar magnate.

A giant chess set, minus the psychedelic drug trip.

A New England-style lighthouse along California's beautiful Highway 1 gets a re-do.

Once the largest windmill outside of Holland, with enormous 114 foot sails.

An elaborate gift from Claus Spreckels is now a piece of San Francisco history.

The key to turning shifting dunes into the green oasis of Golden Gate Park.

The most beautiful Taco Bell in the world even has surfboard parking.

Once America’s most beautiful army base, this abandoned military fort on the coast of Monterey Bay has been left to the elements.

A brooding mansion of clinker brick stands out among the Victorian houses of Pacific Heights.