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.
These sockeyes are ready to spawn.
Meats & Animal Products

Okanagan Sockeye Salmon

Around British Columbia's Osoyoos Lake, community efforts have revived the population of a fluorescent fish.
Meats & Animal Products

Torta del Casar

In Spain's Extremadura region, local sheep and a touch of thistle make for an ultra-creamy, slightly bitter cheese.
Fruits & Vegetables

Blenheim Apricot

Snap judgments may spell trouble for what was once the king of California apricots.
Ingredients & Condiments

Chile Cobanero

This signature pepper has been a hot commodity since the Maya era.
See More Food & Drink
Upcoming Events
Merz Fragrance.
Jul 18
Chicago, Illinois

The Stories Behind the Scents

Explore your senses with an evening of niche fragrances and perfumery at Chicago’s oldest apothecary.
Archie McPhee building.
Jul 19
Seattle, Washington

After Hours at Archie McPhee

Explore the whimsical world of a Seattle institution with Archie McPhee founder Mark Pahlow.
Old Joliet Prison.
Jul 20
Joliet, Illinois

Old Joliet Prison Tour: History and Hollywood

Trace the footsteps of inmates, guards, wardens, and, yes, movie stars on this tour of a 160-year-old suburban Chicago prison.
Historic photo of the Octagon House from the late 1880s.
Jul 20
Washington, D.C.

A Skeptic’s Guide to D.C.’s 'Haunted' Octagon House

Step inside the iconic 19th century home to learn the truth behind the spooky legends.
Medical college certificate.
Jul 20
Philadelphia

The Return of Dissecting History at The Legacy Center

Spend an afternoon exploring the secretive and sometimes sordid world of 19th century anatomical dissection at two historic Philadelphia medical schools.
The gallery space.
Jul 20
Los Angeles, California

A Hidden Repository of Curious Craft

Gain access to a largely secret gallery where junk materials are reincarnated as wondrous sculptures.
Mysterious Chicago.
Jul 20
Chicago, Illinois

Architecture of Mysterious Chicago

Author Adam Selzer highlights the histories and unsolved mysteries of the city's landmarks.
The garden is a steep labyrinth where surprise waits around every corner.
Jul 20
Los Angeles, California

Hollywood Hills Sculpture Garden

Located just below the Hollywood Sign, this hidden garden is filled with contemporary sculptures from artists around the world.
See All Events
More Stories
Gastro Obscura
story
sugar

The Indigenous Tribes Fighting to Reclaim Stevia From Coca-Cola

Guaraní have long cultivated the plant, which they introduced to a world hungry for natural sweeteners.
July 12, 2019
story
alphabets

It Might Be Time to Update the Old 'Alfa-Bravo-Charlie' Spelling Alphabet

But it's hard to break old habits.
July 12, 2019
story
snails

Can a Snail Too Tiny to See Save a Kentucky Forest From a Gas Pipeline?

Sometimes the little things matter.
July 12, 2019
story
for sale

For Sale: A Home Built in an Old Train Depot

House-hunting rail enthusiasts, rejoice.
July 11, 2019
Read All Stories