A collection of anti-communist sculptures stands watch in the Mojave Desert.

A castle that was built stone by stone by an eccentric journalist.

This jagged colossus of a building is mostly held together by an enormous concrete exoskeleton.

Hollywood's oldest hotel is the site of the first Academy Awards, the birthplace of Marilyn Monroe's career, and the home of Montgomery Clift's ghost.

Nancy Thompson's Home from "A Nightmare on Elm Street."

This star-studded Old Hollywood restaurant is where fettuccine Alfredo made its United States debut.

This grand mansion has starred in everything from Bones to Buffy.

One man's homage to the orange as realized through a long-term folk art labor of love.

A 90-year-old underground water reservoir offers a more industrial kind of tranquility.

At the "Garage Mahal" in Houston, car culture is about more than just driving.

A colorful architectural gem in Seattle's uniquely modern Central Library.

This strange sculpture of a menacing skull surrounded by sun rays was discovered at the foot of the Pyramid of the Sun.

66,000 pieces of art, donated by one of the world's richest men.

One Brooklyn man's collection of life-size fiberglass statues has taken over his entire yard.

The neighborhood of Eagle Rock is named after a gigantic boulder with a shadowy surprise.

An historic and oft-filmed spot for musclebound iron pumpers on the Pacific coast.

These two monoliths have stood at the entrance to the neighborhood since the days it was called "Hollywoodland."

A three-story, three-dimensional hobo clown in a tutu welcomes CVS shoppers.

This symbol of peace is appropriately positioned overlooking the Pacific Ocean.

A beloved carnival gets a modern makeover in Los Angeles.

An expansive book store, art gallery, and curio shop with wares ranging from tarot cards to novelty socks.

World War II-era Nazi compound nestled in the Santa Monica hills.

Though tiki culture has gone in and out of fashion, the Tonga Hut has always been flying the flag in Los Angeles.

The programmatic glory of LA's giant whiskey barrel building has become an upscale reminder of the city's kitschy roadside past.