Place Archive

California

The Mulholland Drive Overlook offers views of the Los Angeles basin, including the downtown skyline and the Hollywood Sign, landmarks rooted in early 20th-century development and culture. Along the California coast in La Jolla, sea lions, cormorants, and brown pelicans occupy rocky shorelines, reflecting the area’s role as an ecological habitat within the Pacific Ocean.

29 photos

City

Photos from California

Homes in Pacific Palisades, Los Angeles, nestled in the Santa Monica Mountains overlooking the Pacific Ocean. Photographed in April 2015.
Homes in Pacific Palisades, Los Angeles, photographed in April 2015. This affluent residential area is situated in the Santa Monica Mountains, overlooking the Pacific Ocean. The neighborhood has historically been susceptible to wildfires, a risk tragically underscored by the January 2025 fires that significantly impacted the region.
Grafton on Sunset hotel room in Hollywood with two twin beds and zebra-print bedding
A guest room at the Grafton on Sunset in Hollywood, California, has two twin beds with zebra-print bedding. Large photographic wall art fills the space above each bed, and a lamp sits on the shared nightstand between them.
Sunset over the Pacific Ocean from San Pedro, California, with silhouetted trees and coastal grasses in the foreground.
Sunset over the Pacific Ocean as seen from San Pedro, California. Silhouetted trees and coastal grasses are visible in the foreground, with the sun's rays breaking through the foliage. The ocean stretches to the horizon, meeting a sky transitioning from deep blue to warm orange hues.
San Pedro Coastal Bluffs, California, featuring palm trees and graffiti-marked rocks overlooking the ocean at sunset. Evidence of informal use and debris is present on the geologically unstable terrain.
The San Pedro Coastal Bluffs in California are seen with palm trees and rocky terrain marked by graffiti. The ocean stretches to the horizon under a soft, golden sky, with evidence of human presence including scattered debris and painted surfaces on the bluffs. This area is known for its geological instability and historical significance, particularly its connection to the 'Sunken City' legend, a section of land that slid into the ocean in 1929. The graffiti indicates ongoing informal use of the bluffs, contrasting with the natural coastal environment and the distant shipping lanes.
San Pedro Coastal Bluffs, California, feature graffiti-adorned concrete remnants and palm trees overlooking the ocean.
The San Pedro Coastal Bluffs in California are marked by weathered concrete structures and palm trees, with visible graffiti adorning the rocks and debris scattered on the ground. The ocean is visible in the background under a clear sky. These bluffs are part of the coastline near the historic Sunken City, an area of San Pedro that experienced a massive landslide in 1929, causing homes and streets to slide into the ocean. The remaining concrete structures are remnants of the area's past development, now a popular spot for urban exploration and often adorned with graffiti.
The Sunken City in San Pedro, California, features coastal rocks, palm trees, and remnants of concrete structures overlooking the Pacific Ocean.
The Sunken City in San Pedro, California, features rugged coastal rocks and palm trees overlooking the Pacific Ocean. The area is characterized by broken concrete slabs and graffiti-covered surfaces, remnants of a past development. This site, once a wealthy residential neighborhood, was inundated by a landslide in 1929 and subsequently submerged by high tides. The exposed ruins are now a popular, albeit unofficial, destination for urban explorers and photographers, offering a unique glimpse into the area's geological and historical past.
Sunken City, San Pedro, Los Angeles, California, a former residential neighborhood, now a coastal area known for its geological history and views of the Port of Los Angeles breakwater.
Sunken City, a neighborhood in San Pedro, Los Angeles, California, was once a thriving residential area. In 1929, a massive landslide caused much of the neighborhood to slide into the Pacific Ocean, leading to its abandonment. The area is now a popular spot for urban exploration and offers views of the coastline and the Port of Los Angeles breakwater. The remaining structures and debris serve as a stark reminder of the geological forces that reshaped the coastline.
San Pedro Coastal Park in California offers views of the Pacific Ocean and features a path through grassy areas and trees, with a fence visible on the left.
San Pedro Coastal Park in California overlooks the Pacific Ocean. This area, known for its dramatic cliffs and ocean views, has a history tied to geological instability, most notably the "Sunken City" area which experienced landslides in the early 20th century. Today, the park serves as a public space for enjoying the coastal environment and its natural beauty.
Abandoned bear enclosures at the original Griffith Park Zoo in Los Angeles, which operated from 1912 to 1965.
These abandoned bear enclosures are part of the original Griffith Park Zoo in Los Angeles, which operated from 1912 to 1965. The zoo housed a variety of animals, including bears, lions, elephants, and reptiles, before relocating to a new facility. The structures, designed to mimic natural habitats, now stand as remnants of the zoo's past.
Abandoned enclosures at the Griffith Park Zoo in Los Angeles, built in the 1930s and closed in 1965.
The Griffith Park Zoo, established in 1912, served as Los Angeles' primary zoological facility until its closure in 1965. The animals, including bears, lions, elephants, and reptiles, were relocated to a new site. These now-abandoned enclosures, built in the 1930s with the help of the Works Progress Administration, remain as a testament to the zoo's history. The site is now part of Griffith Park, offering a glimpse into the city's past and the development of its public spaces.
Abandoned concrete stairs descend into a dark tunnel at the former Griffith Park Zoo in Los Angeles, closed in 1965.
Operating from 1912 to 1965, the Los Angeles Zoo once held bears, lions, monkeys, macaws, goats, elephants, reptiles and turtles. The animals were moved to a new zoo when this location was closed.
Overlook at Abandoned Old Los Angeles Zoo
Operating from 1912 to 1965, the Los Angeles Zoo once held bears, lions, monkeys, macaws, goats, elephants, reptiles and turtles. The animals were moved to a new zoo when this location was closed.
The Hollywood Sign and Griffith Observatory are landmarks in the Hollywood Hills, Los Angeles, California. The sign is a global symbol of the film industry, and the observatory offers panoramic city views and astronomical education.
The Hollywood Sign, originally erected in 1923 as "HOLLYWOODLAND" to advertise a real estate development, has become a global symbol of the film industry and Los Angeles. The Griffith Observatory, completed in 1935, is visible in the background, offering panoramic views of the city and the sign. The observatory serves as a center for astronomy and public education, and is a significant landmark in the Hollywood Hills.
Sunrise over the Los Angeles basin from Mulholland Drive overlook, with the downtown skyline visible in the distance.
Sunrise over the Los Angeles basin, viewed from Mulholland Drive. This scenic overlook provides a vantage point for observing the sprawling urban environment, including the downtown Los Angeles skyline and the Hollywood Hills. Mulholland Drive itself, completed in 1924, was designed as a scenic parkway to offer panoramic views of the city and the Pacific Ocean, becoming a significant element of Los Angeles's mid-century development and its car-centric culture.
Sunrise over Downtown Los Angeles in November 2011, showing the city's central business district.
A sunrise over Downtown Los Angeles in November 2011. The city's central business district, a hub for finance, law, and entertainment, is visible in the distance. The development of this area began in the late 19th century, with significant growth in the mid-20th century. Today, it continues to be the economic and cultural heart of the region, characterized by its diverse architecture and extensive transportation networks.
Ruby's Diner restaurant at the end of the Huntington Beach Pier, California, at sunset.
The Ruby's Diner restaurant sits at the end of the Huntington Beach Pier, a structure that has been a central feature of the city since its construction in 1904. The pier has undergone several reconstructions due to storm damage, with the current iteration dating from the 1980s. Ruby's Diner, a popular chain known for its retro theme, has occupied this prominent location since 1996, offering diners views of the Pacific Ocean. The pier serves as a vital public space for recreation and tourism in Huntington Beach, California.
Sunset over the Pacific Ocean at Huntington Beach, California, with surfers and cargo ships visible on the horizon.
Sunset over the Pacific Ocean at Huntington Beach, California. Known for its surf culture, the beach remains a popular destination for surfers even as daylight fades. In the distance, cargo ships navigate the waters, underscoring the region's importance as a major shipping route along the West Coast of the United States.
The Huntington Beach Pier, a 1,850-foot structure completed in 1914, extends into the Pacific Ocean in Southern California, seen here at sunset with palm trees in silhouette.
The Huntington Beach Pier, completed in 1914, extends 1,850 feet into the Pacific Ocean and is a central feature of this Southern California city. Originally built to accommodate steamships, it has since become a popular destination for fishing, surfing, and recreation. The pier's distinctive lifeguard tower and surrounding structures are visible here against the sunset. It remains a significant landmark and gathering place for residents and visitors alike.
Black's Beach cliffs and the Pacific Ocean in San Diego, California, a popular coastal area known for its geological features and surfing.
Black's Beach, located in San Diego, California, is a popular stretch of coastline known for its dramatic cliffs and the Pacific Ocean. Adjacent to the Torrey Pines Gliderport, the beach is a significant natural area within the city. The cliffs themselves are composed of sedimentary rock, offering a striking geological feature that has been shaped by erosion over time. The beach is utilized by locals and visitors for various activities, including sunbathing and surfing, and is recognized for its scenic beauty.
The coastline of Torrey Pines State Natural Reserve in San Diego, California, features cliffs overlooking Black's Beach and the Torrey Pines Gliderport.
The coastline of Torrey Pines State Natural Reserve in San Diego, California, features dramatic cliffs overlooking Black's Beach. The Torrey Pines Gliderport, visible atop the cliffs, has been a popular site for paragliding and hang gliding since the 1930s. Below, Black's Beach is known for its rugged beauty and is a popular spot for surfers and sunbathers, though access can be challenging due to the steep terrain. The area is also recognized for its unique Torrey pine trees, the rarest pine species in the United States.
Torrey Pines State Natural Reserve in San Diego, California, features sandstone cliffs overlooking the Pacific Ocean and a popular beach.
The Torrey Pines State Natural Reserve in San Diego, California, features dramatic coastal cliffs overlooking the Pacific Ocean. These sandstone cliffs, formed over millions of years, are a significant geological formation and a protected natural area. The adjacent beach is a popular destination for visitors, while the cliffs themselves are known for their hiking trails and scenic overlooks, including the Torrey Pines Gliderport, which offers paragliding and hang gliding opportunities.
The San Diego Zoo parking lot, surrounded by palm trees, provides essential visitor access to the zoological park in California.
The San Diego Zoo parking lot, seen here with numerous vehicles, serves as essential infrastructure for visitors to the popular zoological park. Established in 1916, the San Diego Zoo is renowned for its extensive collection of animals and its commitment to conservation. The surrounding palm trees are characteristic of Southern California's climate and contribute to the zoo's tropical ambiance. This parking area facilitates access for the millions of guests who visit the zoo annually, making it a vital component of the visitor experience.
A giant panda rests in its habitat at the San Diego Zoo, California. The exhibit is designed to replicate the animal's natural environment with climbing structures and bamboo.
A giant panda rests within its habitat at the San Diego Zoo in California. The zoo, established in 1916, is a prominent zoological park known for its conservation efforts and diverse animal collections. Its panda exhibit aims to replicate the natural environment of these endangered animals, providing them with climbing structures and bamboo, essential elements of their native habitat in China. The San Diego Zoo has been a significant institution in animal welfare and research for over a century.
Asian elephants walk in their enclosure at the San Diego Zoo, California, known for its naturalistic habitats and conservation efforts.
Elephants roam within their enclosure at the San Diego Zoo in California. The zoo, established in 1916, is renowned for its conservation efforts and its expansive, naturalistic habitats designed to mimic the animals' native environments. This particular exhibit showcases Asian elephants, a species facing significant threats in the wild due to habitat loss and poaching. The zoo's commitment to education and research aims to foster greater understanding and support for elephant conservation worldwide.

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