The southernmost outpost of the Russian Empire in colonial America.

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

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

Abortion, prohibition, religion, war, and fear all play a part in the history of this idiosyncratic Pacifica castle.

The most beautiful Taco Bell in the world even has surfboard parking.

A man-made island in scenic San Francisco Bay.

Ride on a fully-restored Nike nuclear-tipped missile elevator from the Cold War.

Internationally-recognized arts center housed in a century-old former military barracks.

An abandoned boat that's been stranded mysteriously for decades.

An alley covered with 20 years of bubble gum.

A hotel and restaurant serving as the mecca of kitsch.

A wealth of seafaring history displayed on the California coast.

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

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

This little valley along Highway 1 is engulfed by thousands of lilies during the spring season.

Get up close to emus and ostriches, or buy their tasty meat.

Housed in a memorial lighthouse, this museum relays the history of surfing, beginning with the antics of royal Hawaiian teenagers.

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

This Oakland fairytale kingdom, fiercely devoted to childlike whimsy, was an early inspiration for Disneyland.

Bonsai garden in Oakland is curated by the first non-Japanese female bonsai master in the United States.

This mysterious series of teeny guerrilla installations sheds a whimsical light on street art in Oakland.

Three plaques mark the spot where the "forgotten father of broadcasting" worked.

It is locally loved and ridiculed for literally looking like poop.

This airfield played a key role in both World War II and the Cold War.