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The definitive guide to the world’s hidden wonders.

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Our fascinating articles will transport and inspire you.
holiday

Unusual Gifts for Book Lovers

A giving guide from the Atlas Obscura team.
Atlas Obscura November 28, 2022
science

Canada's First Indigenous-Led Research Station Is a Symbol of Hope—And Our Climate Crisis

The Scotty Creek facility was part of an unprecedented First Nations effort to study and save the Arctic. Then the fire came.
Ed Struzik November 28, 2022
Itinerary

The Explorer's Guide to Hudson Valley, New York

A drive upstate includes eclectic charms, luxurious food, and stunning views. Sponsored by Defender.
Give the ultimate holiday gift!
The Explorer's Library box set
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Unlock the World With Our Small-Group Trips
Our immersive, curiosity-driven experiences take you to the hidden side of the world.
wildlife & nature

Swim with the Singing Whales of Tonga

Tonga
Jul 26–Aug 3, 2023
From $6,970 USD
Accompanied by conservation experts, you’ll spend five full days having swim encounters with humpback whales as their song fills the ocean.
+ 4 other dates
food & drink

Los Angeles: America’s Culinary Frontier

Los Angeles
From $3,325 USD
history

Underground Greece: Ghost Cities & Sinking Ships

Greece
Oct 9–17, 2023
From $3,974 USD
Explore the ghost cities, abandoned industrial buildings, and mountain villages scattered throughout the rugged region of Peloponnese in search of a truer, more contradictory Greece.
wildlife & nature

Chiloé & the Fjords of Northern Patagonia

Chile
Dec 30–Jan 8, 2023
From $4,230 USD
Encounter an archipelago woven with ancient myths and breathtaking scenery.
+ 2 other dates
history

Scottish Highlands: Clans, Castles, & Cèilidhs

Scotland
May 6–13, 2023
From $6,560 USD
+ 3 other dates
history

Greece: Ancient Ruins to Modern Culture

Greece
Feb 24–Mar 6, 2023
From $6,570 USD
Discover the impact of Ancient Greece in today's modern-day culture by connecting the dots between legendary landmarks, such as the Oracle of Delphi, and local traditions still found today.
+ 5 other dates
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Place of the Day
35.8677, -83.5660
Dolly Parton Statue
An ode to "The Queen of Appalachia."
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London, England

96 Articles
442 Places
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Marrakesh, Morocco

15 Places
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161 Places
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733 Places
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Explore Our Collection of Hidden Wonders Around the World
Our community-driven database of 22,000+ amazing places grows every day.
Yonezawa, Japan

Ubayu Onsen

Located in a remote mountain valley in Yamagata Prefecture, these hot springs have attracted bathers for over 450 years.
Barstow, California

Rainbow Basin

Colorful sedimentary rock layers provide opportunities both for hiking and photography.
Kyoto, Japan

Original Nintendo Building

The first location of the eventual video game giant.
Peoria, Illinois

Advance Space

A collection of art crafted from various hardware tools.
Stone Park, Illinois

Italian Cultural Center

Inside the center are Italian works of art and a replica model of St. Peter's Basilica.
Hampshire, England

Farnborough Airship Hangar Frame

The lasting remains of the Balloon Section of the British Armed Forces.
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Enroll in a Course to Explore New Skills and Niche Topics
Our deep and dynamic online learning will expand your horizons.
Online Course

How to Read a Landscape: Botany & Ecology With Annie Novak

Starts Thu, Dec 1
3 Sessions
$65 per person
Online Course

Spoken Stories: Recording Oral History With Meral Agish

Starts Thu, Dec 1
4 Sessions
$220 per person
Online Course

Making Scents: Experimental Perfumery With Saskia Wilson-Brown

Starts Mon, Dec 5
3 Sessions
$215 per person
+ 3 other dates
Online Course

Playing Ancient Games: History & Mythology With John Bucher

Starts Mon, Dec 5
3 Sessions
$210 per person
+ 1 other date
Online Course

Demystifying Artisanal Cheese With Jasper Hill Farm

Starts Tue, Dec 6
4 Sessions
$80 per person
Online Course

Designing Soft Circuits & E-Textiles With Linh My Truong

Starts Wed, Dec 7
4 Sessions
$245 per person
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