6,546 Cool and Unusual Things to Do in the United States - Atlas Obscura
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The Atlas Obscura Guide To

United States

6,546 Cool, Hidden, and Unusual Things to Do in the United States

States & Territories

Unusual Attractions in the United States

Atlas Obscura Trips

Death Valley After Dark: Astronomy and Photography in the Backcountry

Dec 5—Dec 9, 2018

In the otherworldly landscapes of Death Valley, practice your night photography skills under some of the world's clearest, starriest skies.

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Unique Food & Drink in United States

Explore the United States

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Upcoming United States Events

A ghost ship peaceful on the water.
Oct 20
Nanjemoy, Maryland

In Search of the Ghost Fleet of Mallows Bay

Maryland’s “Ghost Fleet of Mallows Bay” is the largest concentration of shipwrecks in the Western Hemisphere. Join us by kayak as we venture through the nearly 200 vessels that lie there.
Selected experiences curated by Chase Sapphire®
George Streeter and his lovely bride.
Oct 20
Chicago, Illinois

SCANDAL! A Pearl-Clutching Tour of Chicago's Historic Drama

Discover the juicy past of Chicago's high society on this decidedly fabulous walking tour.
Schoenhofen Monument.
Oct 20
Chicago, Illinois

Graceland Cemetery Walking Tour

Explore both the celebrated and overlooked histories of Graceland Cemetery.
Steam plant signage.
Oct 20
Seattle, Washington

Steam Plant Tour

Explore this engineering landmark and remnant from the era of electrification in American cities.
Join Atlas Obscura's co-founder and creative director for a night of wonder.
Oct 20
Seattle, Washington

An Explorer's Guide for the World's Most Adventurous Kid

Don't miss this rare chance to meet Atlas Obscura's co-founder Dylan Thuras.
Oct 20
Sylmar, California

Flashlight Tour of Pioneer Memorial Cemetery

Join us as we take a nighttime stroll around the mysterious and macabre Pioneer Memorial Cemetery.
Lemon Hill inset.
Oct 21
Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

East Fairmount Park Hill Walk

Explore the landscape, genesis and distinctive, hidden features of East Fairmount Park, including the unknown topography of Lemon and Brewery Hills.
Goats Rose, Ash, and Heather.
Oct 21
Poolesville, Maryland

If You Could Talk to the Animals

Walk and talk with the critters of Poplar Spring Animal Sanctuary.
A lush section of the river.
Oct 21
Los Angeles, California

Los Angeles River Adventure

Hop from Frogtown to Mallard Mound.
Fire codes all around the country can be attributed to the terrible theatre fire that engulfed a playhouse on this alley.
Oct 21
Chicago, Illinois

Horror History: Untimely Deaths from Vintage Chicago

Explore the gruesome and surprising ways Chicagoans have met their maker over the years.
The garden is a steep labyrinth where surprise waits around every corner.
Oct 21
Los Angeles, California

Hollywood Hills Sculpture Garden

Located just below the Hollywood Sign is a garden filled with contemporary sculptures. Join us for an exclusive sunset stroll of this private art collection with founder and artist, Dr. Robby Gordon.
Join Atlas Obscura's co-founder and creative director for a night of wonder.
Oct 23
Corte Madera, California

An Explorer's Guide for the World's Most Adventurous Kid

Don't miss this rare chance to meet Atlas Obscura's co-founder Dylan Thuras.

United States Leaderboard

Recent United States Activity

thenkv has been to Rock City
thenkv has been to Lookout Mountain Incline Railway
thenkv has been to Chattanooga Choo Choo Hotel
thenkv has been to Ruby Falls
lymaryvigil wants to go to Mystery Hole

Stories About the United States

A wagon-borne tamale vendor in 1910.

A Short History of America's 'Tamale Wars'

Their popularity made for some bloody turf wars.
by Anne Ewbank
August 31, 2018
The Grand Canyon Caverns & Inn don't disappoint.

Our Favorite Reader Stories of Surprising Roadside Hotels

It's check-in time for your memories of unforgettable travel lodgings.
by Eric Grundhauser
June 18, 2018

Lists Featuring the United States

The Quirkiest Local Landmarks in Small-Town America
Albino Squirrels of Olney, Illinois
Courthouse tree
Rooster and pedestrian-friendly median

The Quirkiest Local Landmarks in Small-Town America

21 oddities that became iconic neighborhood fixtures for those in the know.

21

Including The Church by the Sea, Albino Squirrels of Olney, Illinois, and Courthouse Tree