Places ShellRhodes Wants to Go

Thousands of migrating monarchs overwinter clustered amongst the eucalyptus trees.

This little valley along Highway 1 is engulfed by thousands of lilies during the spring season.

Life in this isolated, hilltop lighthouse was lonely, but it sure was lovely.

This Big Sur waterfall drops 80 feet directly into the Pacific Ocean, and inspired the hillside house up top.

Named for a self-taught botanist who cataloged hundreds of native plants, this garden continues her work of preserving California plant life.

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

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.

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

Every year, over 25,000 monarchs overwinter in Pacific Grove.

When California condors were hovering on the brink of extinction, this recovery program was charged with helping the birds thrive again.

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

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

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

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

It should come as no surprise that the world's largest artichoke lies in the town that calls itself the "Artichoke Center of the World."

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

Eat a tasty meal in the house where John Steinbeck was born.

A "gravitational anomaly" located in the redwood forests just outside of Santa Cruz, California.

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

Stand inside the dark interior of an historic redwood tree that once was used as a general's headquarters.

Once close to extinction, there is no shortage of elephant seals on the beaches of Año Nuevo State Park.

Housed in a memorial lighthouse, this museum relays the history of surfing, beginning with the antics of royal Hawaiian teenagers.

The largest Star Wars collection in the world is its own galaxy of collectibles.

This infamous prison has a store where you can buy goods crafted by incarcerated people.