Atlas Obscura - Curious and Wondrous Travel Destinations
What's near me?

The definitive guide to the world’s hidden wonders.

Gastro Obscura
Covering the world's most wondrous food and drink.
Sweets

Pine Cone Preserves

Soft young cones make a sweet jam believed to have health benefits in Russia and Georgia.
Sweets

Son-in-Law Eggs

In Thai lore, these fried hard-boiled eggs are a delicious warning for a misbehaving husband.
Drinks

The Lunchbox

Oklahoma City's signature cocktail calls for a frosty mug, a shot of amaretto, Coors Light, and orange juice.
Fruits & Vegetables

Tsamma Melon

This wild fruit helps man and beast survive long treks without water in the Kalahari desert.
See More Food & Drink
Upcoming Events
Anna Atkins Algae cyanotype print
Mar 23
Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

A World of Blue: Cyanotypes and Early Photography

Delve into the world of one of photography's earliest processes, then make one of your own.
One of the many entrances to the Pedway.
Mar 23
Chicago, Illinois

Chicago's Underground: The Pedway Scavenger Hunt

Let this weatherproof, indoor scavenger hunt take you down into the depths of the city.
Palisades and Movie Colony, Santa Monica, California.
Mar 23
Santa Monica, California

Hollywood's First Hidden Getaway

Discover Santa Monica's scandalous past during a beachfront tour of the Gold Coast.
The International Printing Museum.
Mar 23
Carson, California

The International Printing Museum

The world's largest collection of vintage printing machinery.
Dice.
Mar 23
Denver, Colorado

The Secrets of Sleight of Hand

Enjoy an afternoon of mystery and walk away with a few tricks up your sleeve.
Andrew Jackson in Lafayette Square.
Mar 24
Washington, D.C.

Scandal, Assassination, and Spies in Lafayette Square

Join former White House speechwriter Ed Moser as we wade into the swamp in front of Washington’s most famous residence.
Charles Hull owned a tavern when he was 12 years old.
Mar 24
Chicago, Illinois

Rosehill Cemetery Walk

One of our most popular monthly events returns for the 2019 season!
Five young female friends standing in front of a brick wall, Philadelphia.
Mar 26
Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

Face-to-Face Photos of Keith's Philadelphians

Tour an archive showcasing Philadelphians working, playing, and living life on their stoops and streets as photographed nearly a century ago by John Frank Keith.
See All Events
More Stories
story
lakes

Found: A Lake in Death Valley, the Hottest and Driest of the U.S. National Parks

It was not a mirage.
March 15, 2019
story
deep sea

Marine Snow Has Cooled the Planet With Dead Plankton for Millions of Years

The bodies of the tiny organisms lock away enormous amounts of carbon dioxide, and they’re in danger.
March 15, 2019
story
waterfalls

Waterfalls Can Just Spontaneously Happen

A new study suggests that creating these natural wonders doesn't require external forces.
March 15, 2019
story
japan

On the Hunt for Japan's Elaborate, Colorful Manhole Covers

Dedicated enthusiasts travel the country and scour the ground to see them.
March 15, 2019
Read All Stories