A crumbling wizard is one of the final reminders of a roadside Middle Earth.

This collection of hand fans doubles as a history of femininity.

A remote crossroads honoring a fallen talent.

A pair of pure white felines guard the entrance to a spot of California real estate established as an artist's haven.

Subterranean house made out of a grain silo, located in the Santa Cruz Mountains.

A strange house built only at night, with rumored mystic inspiration.

At this California chicken ranch, four bucks will get you 18 eggs and a chorus of dancing animatronic poultry.

The headquarters of a secretive order is also a beautifully-designed park.

Hopeless romantics will swoon over the sweet story behind this bright and colorful home.

This eagle-topped spire remembers the military commander who snatched up California for the United States.

Two rocks in a perpetual kiss and one of "the most romantic spot in America."

Thousands of turbines whir at at the origin of North American wind power.

The oldest U.S. Government building in California, and it's State Historic Landmark #1.

This municipal playground was co-created by the father of one of the most playful characters ever.

This remarkably simple jail went over a century without an escape.

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

A New England-style lighthouse along California's beautiful Highway 1 gets a re-do.

San Diego's most historic and haunted home.

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

Steinbeck's old stomping grounds, immortalized in Cannery Row.

The first safe in this California town had to hold all the gold.

A lawless town deep in Death Valley was famous for its riches and death rate.

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

This concrete ship has had four careers - World War I tanker, floating amusement park, fishing pier, and artificial reef.