How a bat poo mine became a major Native American archaeological site—and connections to legendary red-haired giants.

Neither Spanish settlers nor anyone since has been able to tell who built these strange California rock walls.

This historic tower in the California desert promises visitors a "vortex of good vibes".

The remnants of an early automobile route across shifting sand dunes can still be found in the deserts of Southern California.

Semi-recognized center of the world, with many oddities.

Since World War II people have been decorating this stretch of the Yuma desert with signatures arranged out of rocks.

A classically trained chef makes beloved burritos inside a gas station.

The installation’s official name, “You Who Are Getting Obliterated in the Dancing Swarm of Fireflies,” says it all.

L.A.'s oldest operating bowling alley is a beautifully restored homage to its speakeasy days.

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

From sax to spuds, get 'em all at this landmark music establishment.

Open since 1938, this diner has kept its fountain, malt machine, and all the gum that greasers left beneath its counter.

In this small Phoenix taxidermy emporium, you can find everything from a squid in a jar to a freeze-dried toad.

Founded by members of the Tohono O’odham Nation, this one-room joint's James Beard–winning fry bread is light as a cloud.

A geological mystery on Camelback Mountain.

A mysterious "wedding cake" castle in the middle of the urban desert.

A self-built castle made by a mysterious man.

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

During prohibition, corrupt city officials ran drinking dens under the streets of Downtown Los Angeles.

Find regional specialties from the Thai-Laotian border inside in a North Hollywood swap meet's food court.

Every weekend, the parking lot of this Buddhist temple turns into a Thai street-food paradise.

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

A shrine to a skeleton saint in the city of angels.

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