Places SoCal Creature Wants to Go

The mall's looks were inspired by the cowboy extras who used to meet up—and cause real trouble—at this Hollywood hub.

Formerly Fire Station No. 27, the museum is a hidden gem in the heart of Hollywood.

The silent film master's legacy commemorated in all the right and wrong places.

Sojourn to the past at this residence teeming with 1950s memorabilia.

This large collection of tiny things revels in the art of fine machinery well made.

Stripes of flowers bloom each spring in a 50 acre rainbow of color.

The oldest standing structure in downtown San Diego.

An inconspicuous suburban street corner is the site of San Diego's worst air disaster.

One of the largest trees of its kind in California.

The freeway that never was.

It would be a crime to miss it.

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

The classic Atari game's iconic aliens have invaded downtown San Diego.

North America's largest accredited model railroad museum.

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

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

Happy harbor seals frolic and snooze on this warm, sandy stretch of coast.

Its vast collection details the history of this Santa Barbara beach town.

The San Andreas Fault spectacularly offsets this creek.

One incredible room in the Santa Barbara Courthouse is covered in wall-to-wall canvas murals.

Hidden in the Santa Ynez Mountains off Highway 154, this tiny restaurant once served as a stagecoach stop.

The home of one of California's most important horticulturalists wilts amidst a lovely park.

For over 20 years, Lil Toot has delighted guests with narrated boat rides between Stearns Wharf and Santa Barbara Harbor, becoming a beloved local legend and top-rated experience for visitors.

This stunning sea creature-shaped home blends into the landscape like a fantasy villa.