This lonesome Monterey cypress has survived centuries of wind, salt, and at least one attempt at arson.

Haunting and beautiful trees, doomed to die.

This cabin from the 1850s is one of the first structures built by Chinese immigrants in California.

This iconic L.A. bookshop is housed in an abandoned bank—both symbolic and chic.

A huge musical instrument played by the ocean.

The oldest continuously operating church in California.

This remarkably simple jail went over a century without an escape.

The oldest U.S. Government building in California, and it's State Historic Landmark #1.

The first safe in this California town had to hold all the gold.

Fake rail crossings mark the site of an influential doctor's demise.

An old whaling station now serves to give the public a look at the commercial whaling industry, no longer a part of Monterey's economy.

This eagle-topped spire remembers the military commander who snatched up California for the United States.

Steinbeck's old stomping grounds, immortalized in Cannery Row.

Enormous crabs, bioluminescent jellies, and other amazing creatures from the ocean’s depths—some of which are in an aquarium for the first time ever.

A tree grown from astronaut seeds which were exposed to cosmic rays.

This municipal playground was co-created by the father of one of the most playful characters ever.

One of the most elaborate displays of Jellyfish is on display at the aquarium.

An encyclopedic collection of mammal penises.

The bat-covered home of one of the world's most popular brands of rum is located on a tropical Art Deco campus.

A park where people have been going to feed friendly pigeons since the 18th century

This colorful gate stands as an entrance to the walled city of Old San Juan.

This chapel on a cliff is renowned for its healing powers and was founded on the site of a supposed divine intervention.

A remnant of Korea's colonial past lies forgotten in a hip neighborhood in Seoul.

Celebrating the history of Hangul, the Korean writing system invented by King Sejong to improve his realm’s literacy.