California

Historic Sites & Landmarks in California

Carson Mansion Eureka, California 1884-86
Possibly the grandest Victorian house in America, this picturesque mansion was completed in 1886 for a lumber baron. Today it houses a private club and is not open to the public.
Capitol Records Los Angeles, California 1955-56
Constructed in the Googie style in 1955-56, this major Los Angeles landmark is said to be the world's first round office building.
Sutherland Fruit Company (Old Spaghetti Factory) Riverside, California
Pantages Theater Los Angeles, California 1930
This opulent Art Deco theater opened in 1930 with the showing of a Marion Davies film, newsreel, and Walt Disney cartoon. It was later owned by Howard Hughes and hosted the Academy Awards. Today, the lavish theater hosts traveling Broadway musicals.
Cathedral of Our Lady of the Angels Los Angeles, California 1998-2002
Completed in 2002, this Catholic cathedral is considered an exceptional example of modern religious architecture. It also contains many notable artworks, including cast bronze doors and a tapestry of the saints.
Marilyn Monroe House Los Angeles, California
This 1929 hacienda was Marilyn Monroe's home for the last six months of her life and the place where she died on August 5, 1962.
Golden Gate Bridge San Francisco, California 1937
Completed in 1937, the beautiful Golden Gate Bridge in San Francisco is one of the most famous landmarks in America.
Crystal Cathedral Garden Grove, California 1980 (church); 1990 (tower)
Home of the famous "Hour of Power" television program, this impressive modern church features walls and a tower made of glass - in an earthquake-prone area of California.
Walt Disney Concert Hall Los Angeles, California
Designed by Frank Gehry and opened in 2003, the Walt Disney Concert Hall is the home of the LA Philharmonic Orchestra. Its spectacular modern design features sweeping curves and reflective metallic surfaces.
Mission Dolores San Francisco, California 1776
This Franciscan church founded in 1776 is the oldest building in San Francisco. Built and decorated by Native American converts, it has an interesting mix of native and Spanish styles.