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

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

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.

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.

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

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."

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

The now-abandoned tunnels were built for the transcontinental railroad on the route where the first wagon train entered California.

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

This museum looks at the history of one of America's most famous prisons and most beloved albums.

Art Deco stylings conceal the true nature of this bridge.

Where the first "expert riders, willing to risk death daily" for the Pony Express were recruited.

I Street Bridge is the heaviest swinging center bridge in the United States.

A replica of the first public theater built in California.

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

Under the shadow of its towering parent tree, a rare specimen of sequoia produces ghostly white leaves.

Beneath the southern end of the Golden Gate Bridge is the “Gibraltar of the West Coast,” a fort built to protect the San Francisco Bay from naval attack.

Concrete strongholds stand guard over the Golden Gate.

The lighthouse central to the 1980s horror classic "The Fog" is, in fact, located in one of the foggiest areas of the Pacific Coast.

The largest drain hole in the world.

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

The unedited photograph called "Bliss" has graced the screens of over a billion computers.

The haunting ruins of Jack London's dream house.