258 Cool and Unusual Things to Do in Washington - Atlas Obscura

Unusual Attractions in Washington

Seattle, Washington

Fremont Troll

A giant Troll lurks under one of Seattle's oldest bridges.

Seattle, Washington

Seattle Underground

A walk through the historic city center, under the streets of Seattle.

Seattle, Washington

Ye Olde Curiosity Shop

A 100-year-old purveyor of curiosities, curios, and kitsch featuring mummies, shrunken heads, and a Fiji Mermaid.

Forks, Washington

Hall of Mosses

Stroll through a wonderland of stupendous moss-covered trees.

Seattle, Washington

Museum of Pop Culture

A museum dedicated to the history and exploration of both popular music and science fiction.

Seattle, Washington

'A Sound Garden'

A huge musical sculpture and other art installations on the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration grounds.

Skamania, Washington

The Ape Cave

The longest continuous lava tube in the continental U.S. offers 2.5 miles of dark explorations for the adventurous.

Seattle, Washington

Seattle Meowtropolitan Cat Café

Make your reservation to have coffee with some kitties.

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Cool Places to Eat & Drink in Washington

Seattle, Washington

Seattle Meowtropolitan Cat Café

Make your reservation to have coffee with some kitties.

Seattle, Washington

Beacon Food Forest

This edible park is open to any and all foragers.

Seattle, Washington

Blue Moon Tavern

This popular bar has been blurring the line between normal and edgy for more than 75 years.

Seattle, Washington

Orient Express Restaurant

This Seattle joint serves food inside an old train car once used by FDR.

See all 20 places to eat in Washington See all 20 places to eat in Washington

Atlas Obscura Itineraries

A Feminist Road Trip Across the U.S.

Over the past month, Atlas Obscura has been exploring the stories of women who changed the world, from wildlife biologists and mountain climbers to Civil War spies and tattoo artists. To celebrate these daring women who struck out on their own, we’ve put together a cross-country road trip. Over 12 stops and more than 3,000 miles, this route will give you a front-row seat to women’s history in America.

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Stories About Washington

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An unblemished ancient oyster (left), and an ancient oyster showing signs of the mystery parasite (right).

A Mystery Worm Is Threatening the Future of Washington’s Oysters

Clues from 1,000-year-old shells could reveal the parasite’s past—and portend the future.

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“There are so many good things in there that we can explore,” says soil ecologist Korena Mafune, pictured here high in the canopy of the Hoh Rain Forest.

Canopy Soil Is an Exciting Frontier in Forest Science

High in the branches of the Pacific Northwest, entire ecosystems know nothing of the ground below.

The Bread Lab's grains are very different from what's in most grocery store flour.

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These scientists want you to love whole wheat.

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February 15, 2022

A trio of Shyvers Multiphones from John Bennett's collection.

Early On-Demand Music Streaming Required Lots of Nickels

In the Pacific Northwest 70-plus years ago, a telephone-based jukebox connected callers to their favorite tunes.

by Michelle Harris

November 10, 2021

Hop shoots fresh from the field.

These Farmers Want You to Drink Your Hops and Eat Them Too

Trashed in the U.S., hop shoots are treasure in parts of Europe.

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Podcast: The 49th Parallel

Join us for a daily celebration of the world’s most wondrous, unexpected, even strange places.

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Protection Island has long been an important breeding ground for several species of gull.

How Washington's Protection Island Became a Haven for Wildlife—And One Man

The small island was supposed to be a vacation destination. Now it's a refuge for birds, seals, and Marty Bluewater.

by Michelle Harris

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