L. Frank Baum wrote part of the "Wizard of Oz" series in this wooden Victorian beach resort.

Built for an exposition in 1915, these horticultural displays have stood the test of time.

The world's largest outdoor organ is played weekly by one of just two civic organists in the U.S.

A massive volcanic plug is now a protected area that hosts a number of bird species.

A trash dump made beautiful by nature's power.

The interior of the Overlook Hotel in "The Shining" was based on this Yosemite original.

A glimpse into the lives of the the Miwok and Paiute people in Yosemite National Park.

Its dark depths conceal millions of rare, delicate crystal formations.

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

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

Offering commanding views of the California coastline, this restaurant was a hub for the artists and bohemians of Big Sur.

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

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

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

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

A working model of the entire San Francisco Bay and much of the Sacramento River Delta, complete with regular tides that change every 14 minutes.

Concrete strongholds stand guard over the Golden Gate.

This lighthouse has been guiding shipping into the Golden Gate since before the American Civil War.

In all of the 29 years it was in operation, no prisoners ever escaped successfully... or so they claim.

A winding path built in secret on the edge of the continent.

The seawater playground of gilded-era San Francisco burned to the ground in 1966.

Inside this museum, the history of the Walt Disney Family empire is on full display.

The last remaining relic of San Francisco's glittering 1915 Panama Pacific Exposition.

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