An extraordinarily ornate museum in San Diego holds wondrous anthropological treasures.

North America's largest accredited model railroad museum.

Swarms of butterflies cannot compare to the awe inspired by the publicly-funded nakedness once displayed in this sunken garden.

One of the largest trees of its kind in California.

The oldest standing structure in downtown San Diego.

This historic Chinese church was relocated and revived as a museum that preserves and celebrates Chinese art, history, and culture.

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

One of the few remaining carousels built by master amusement park carver Charles I.D. Looff.

This futuristic bridge is one of the longest self-anchored pedestrian bridges in the world.

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

The tiniest tiki room in San Diego.

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

A large sculptural artwork and garden in Escondido, California.

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

The Citrus Variety Collection at UC Riverside contains two trees of each of the 1,000+ varieties of citrus.

This California tree is the single source of the state's entire orange industry.

Mexican food and folk art.

In the middle of the desert, miles from any human life, sat an anomalous pay phone that still magically answers your calls.

James Turrell's total color immersion art installation, hidden on the top floor of a luxury handbag shop.

The remnants of a failed socialist commune can still be found just off a California highway.

Giant origami crease patterns engraved in Santa Monica intersections may even be visible from space.

One of the first skyscrapers in Santa Monica, and a famous getaway for the Hollywood elite of then and now.

A sign at the end of the Santa Monica Pier marks the traditional end of the legendary American highway.

A second generation sun-powered marvel lights up the night.