california
Revisiting the Heyday of California's 'Crazy' Novelty Architecture
Giant hats, portly pigs, and drive-thru donuts.
All Stories
christopher columbus
Why Is a ‘Pepper’ Different From ‘Pepper’? Blame Christopher Columbus
Black pepper and chili peppers have little in common.
trash
The World's Most Well-Traveled Real Estate Sign
It disappeared in New Jersey. Nearly six years later, it was found in France.
objects of intrigue
Dozens of Mysterious 'Reserve Heads' Were Sealed in Ancient Egyptian Tombs
Over 30 have been found, but their function is unclear.
visit florida
Get Up to Speed With Daytona Beach’s Hidden Wonders
Spend three obscure days discovering the motorsports mecca.
black markets
The Rebellious French Village Making Wine Banned by the E.U.
Beaumont's beloved, black market wine is made with outlawed American vines.
ants
Climate Change Made Zombie Ants Even More Cunning
Your move, Hollywood.
diner
The Lost Lingo of New York City’s Soda Jerks
Anyone for a "glob"?
show & tell
What You Told Us About Your Hometown’s Hidden Tunnels
We asked Atlas Obscura readers to share local stories of secret underground spaces, and they went deep.
aliens
Aliens Might Never Appreciate How Cool Voyager's Golden Record Is
If they find it, they may just be confused.
pastry
Driving a Muffin Car Is Fun (and Slightly Dangerous)
For 14 years, "Muffineers" have built movable treats.
theft
Found: Foxes Stealing Shoes in Japan
And they would have gotten away with 40 pairs, if it weren't for the police.
atlas obscura
You Can Now Pre-Order the Atlas Obscura Kids' Book!
Our newest title will officially be released in September.
fairytales
Where Are Europe's Last Fairytale Forests?
Mapping the oldest and least-disturbed tracts of trees is easier said than done.
ice
Finding the Hidden Mountains Beneath Antarctica's Ice
How researchers revealed the continent's undiscovered topography.
cake
How a Jesus-Shaped Cake Incurred the Wrath of Argentina
The dessert, which was part of an art exhibit, caused an uproar when a politician had a slice.
records
Dispatches From Inside a Record-Breaking Bird Migration
What it's like to find yourself among 721,620 warblers, all in a hurry.
oil
Found: Evidence of Italy's Oldest Olive Oil
It was discovered on shards of pottery uncovered 20 years ago.
