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

A classically inspired temple in Redwood City.

The former Naval shipyard is open for exploring - mostly.

This abandoned motel doesn't welcome guests anymore, but decay and a creepy atmosphere still call it home.

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

Once the gateway to the utopian dream-village of a Civil War embalmer.

The California capital city once stood 10 feet lower than it does today.

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

One of the best absinthe distilleries in the United States.

Playable, historic pinball machines fill this Alameda museum.

This former stomping grounds of the most eminent astronomers of the early 20th century.

This abandoned boat was left in place thanks to its rotting beauty.

The graffiti-covered remnants of a former triangulation station are balanced precariously on this California peak.

From the sky, a kaleidoscope of color brightens the grey landscape of the San Francisco Bay.

The rusting remains of the largest assembled WWII fleet on the West Coast.

An "anarchical" no man's land, complete with garbage sculptures and a hobo-run "Landfillian Library."

Nuclear waste dump site now an environmental sanctuary.

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

A burnt orange monolithic dome structure perched on a hillside near Interstate 280.

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

A large instrument played by the wind.

A ruined hotel with an unlucky history and an eerie present.

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

This rare example of a "tidefall" is a spectacular drop from the cliffs down onto the beach.