Contemporary art inspired by natural history and science drawing on ancient techniques in a modern world.

Handmade treasures from around the world.

One of the few remaining carousels built by master amusement park carver Charles I.D. Looff.

The overgrown ruins of a once thriving World War I-era copper mine.

A raised boardwalk winds through a thicket of stunted, century-old trees no more than nine feet tall.

Nursery with extensive collection of flesh-eating plants operated by the author of "The Savage Garden."

“It's the quality” (but probably also the drive-through donut tunnel) that has attracted diners since 1968.

Russian history in San Francisco.

A speck of nature and art in one of San Francisco’s most notorious neighborhoods.

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

Travelers leave tea kettles in a remote part of Death Valley as part of a mysterious, decades-old tradition.

Storybook cottage in Beverly Hills was once the site of 1920s silent film studio, affectionately known as "The Witch's House."

A cozy bookstore is tucked within an old gold mine shaft beneath the cafe and ice cream shop.

World's largest collection devoted to one fruit.

A nursery specializing in strange and beautiful succulents and cacti.

An old California photo stand has been turned into a shrine to the cozy art of crochet.

A carousel trades in its classic horses and calliope for endangered species, native flora and fauna, and a modern soundtrack.

One of the world's largest collections of rare and magnificent bird specimens.

A popular tourist cave with a dark past.

This collector's home is a constant work in progress.

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

This “living museum” at UCLA exhibits thousands of plant species from all over the world.

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

From Japan to Italy, this California park explores the world's cultures through their gardens.