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

A classically inspired temple in Redwood City.

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

A free library to stumble across, one of many placed worldwide if you know where to look.

Historic house-museum dedicated to the revolutionary gay graphic artist Tom of Finland.

From the Difference Engine to the Cray-1, all under one roof.

The illuminating collection of L.A. street lights is run by the city and only opens one day per month.

An eccentric home stands out in an otherwise average neighborhood with mosaics, mini topiaries, and kinetic sculpture.

Collective dedicated to restoring steam engines.

A tree grown from astronaut seeds which were exposed to cosmic rays.

The quiet canyon has a tumultuous history involving a doomsday cult.

Beautiful Victorian buildings from L.A.'s forgotten architectural past.

One of the largest free-standing structures ever built, this dirigible hangar is now simply a giant skeleton.

It's not your typical library, memorial, or book store.

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

The longest burning light bulb in the world.

The last orange grove of the San Fernando Valley is owned and protected by CSU Northridge.

This rare tortoise skeleton has been hanging around the downtown Los Angeles museum for over a century.

The Empire Mine is "one of the oldest, largest, deepest, longest and richest gold mines in California."

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

A museum, art project, and institution that demands we look at the world around us in a strange new way.

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

Dozens of feral felines rule a segment of Hollywood's only graveyard.

This temple, built by an eccentric religious leader before his death, sits guarded and in ruins.