virtual national park tour

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Virtual Tours of the 63 Iconic U.S. National Parks [2024]

Chris Hassan

Social Media & Brand Manager

218 Published Articles

Countries Visited: 24 U.S. States Visited: 26

Keri Stooksbury

Editor-in-Chief

35 Published Articles 3265 Edited Articles

Countries Visited: 47 U.S. States Visited: 28

Table of Contents

U.s. national parks with virtual tours, final thoughts.

We may be compensated when you click on product links, such as credit cards, from one or more of our advertising partners. Terms apply to the offers below. See our  Advertising Policy for more about our partners, how we make money, and our rating methodology. Opinions and recommendations are ours alone.

Travel is back in full swing, but if you’re just hitting the road again, you may be overwhelmed by the sheer amount of options out there.

There are 63 national parks in the United States– but just because you don’t have time to hike every destination right now doesn’t mean that you can’t still explore some natural beauty. There are some excellent (and free) virtual tours of our incredible national parks just a click away!

We have compiled an exhaustive list of the most famous and beautiful national parks that offer free virtual tours. So get comfy, pretend to lace up your hiking boots (or really put them on), and start exploring some of the most incredible natural resources on the planet!

The U.S. has 63 officially protected areas designated as national parks. Since they are spread across the country, it would be challenging to visit them all in person (especially since some of them don’t even have access roads).

So why not take advantage of some downtime and start exploring them from home? Check out these incredible virtual tours without leaving your couch!

1. Acadia National Park (Maine)

Acadia National Park , also known as the Crown Jewel of the North Atlantic Coast, is a 47,000-acre recreation area in Maine. Attracting more than 3.5 million visitors a year, it’s one of the top 10 most-visited national parks in the U.S. With more than 90% of the park located on coastal islands, exploring Acadia’s resources by water is a must-do.

Immerse yourself in the sights and sounds of this New England resource and go on a virtual cruise .

2. Arches National Park (Utah)

Arches National Park is a 73,000+ acre marvel of eroded sandstone located northwest of Moab, Utah with more than 2,000 natural stone arches.

3. Badlands National Park (South Dakota)

With 244,000 acres of canyons, rock formations, bison, sheep, and prairie dogs, Badlands National Park is also home to one of the world’s richest fossil beds . The park was once home to many ancient mammals, including the saber-toothed cat.

Walk through this breathtaking park from home, featuring overlooks, fossil replicas, and wild prairie dogs, thanks to this Google Earth virtual tour .

4. Big Bend National Park (Texas)

Big Bend National Park is a sprawling wildlife sanctuary in southwestern Texas along the border of Mexico.

Home to more than 1,200 species of plants, 450 species of birds, 56 species of reptiles, and 75 species of mammals, this 800,000+ acre national park is as big as it is gorgeous.

Reach the park’s tallest peak, trek through the wilderness, and journey along a canyon river on a private virtual tour, thanks to Google Earth.

5. Biscayne National Park (Florida)

Just a blink away from downtown Miami, Biscayne National Park is home to the world’s third-longest coral reef tract and countless activities for outdoor enthusiasts.

There is something to keep every visitor busy, from exploring shipwrecks to boating, snorkeling, fishing, and more.

Experience a variety of water sports and witness spectacular coral reefs via this video tour .

6. Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park (Colorado)

Packed with steep cliffs and craggy spires, the Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park is a sight to see in Colorado.

Over 2 million years, the Gunnison River has sculpted its way through the rough terrain, leaving behind a breathtaking combination of water, rock, and sky.

You don’t have to wait that long to enjoy the beauty of various trails and overlooks — go on a Google Earth virtual tour !

7. Bryce Canyon National Park (Utah)

Located in southwestern Utah, Bryce Canyon National Park is famous for its iconic red rocks, natural amphitheaters, and the largest concentration of hoodoos (irregular columns of rock) on Earth.

With an elevation of up to 9,000 feet, there is plenty to do, including multiple winter sports such as snowshoeing and cross-country skiing.

Take an in-depth virtual tour with videos and 360-degree photos thanks to Google Arts & Culture.

8. Canyonlands National Park (Utah)

Canyonlands National Park is a dramatic desert in southeastern Utah with a landscape carved by the winds and the Colorado River.

Nature has created a stunning wilderness of countless canyons and fantastically formed buttes just waiting to be explored.

Drop in and explore red rock canyons, the Colorado River, and Mesa Arch via an enhanced Google Earth Street View .

9. Capitol Reef National Park (Utah)

Capitol Reef National Park is home to the Waterpocket Fold, a geologic monocline (a wrinkle on the earth) extending almost 100 miles. If that doesn’t interest you, maybe the golden sandstone, canyons, and striking rock formations will.

Drop in via the Google Earth link here .

Hot Tip: Like what you see? You can go glamping at Capitol Reef Resort !

10. Carlsbad Caverns National Park (New Mexico)

Located in the Guadalupe Mountains of southeastern New Mexico, Carlsbad Caverns National Park is a lush desert landscape above ground. Still, the  real show lies beneath the surface of the Chihuahuan Desert.

Thanks to Google Arts & Culture, you can explore these caves (even from a bat’s perspective) via video and 360-degree photos .

11. Channel Islands National Park (California)

Channel Islands National Park is made up of 5 of the 8 Channel Islands off the coast of California. The islands represent a wide variety of significant natural and cultural resources thanks to thousands of years of isolation. This relatively untouched area has created unique animals, plants, and archaeological resources found nowhere else on Earth .

Don’t worry if you can’t get to California any time soon. You can take a virtual tour of each island via Google Street View.

12. Congaree National Park (South Carolina)

Congaree National Park is a wilderness paradise located in South Carolina. Massive trees in this park have created one of the highest temperate deciduous forest canopies remaining in the world. It is now designated as a UNESCO biosphere reserve .

The Congaree River flows through the park, which has created ideal hiking, canoeing, kayaking, and birdwatching opportunities.

To really get a feel of this park from home, you can watch a canoe ride through this incredible wilderness.

13. Crater Lake National Park (Oregon)

Crater Lake is located in south-central Oregon and is quite simply awe-inspiring . Formed from a volcanic eruption 7,500 years ago, this lake is not fed by rivers or streams but only by rain and melted snow.

The lake is the deepest in the U.S. and one of the cleanest and clearest in the world. It is no surprise that the area is extremely popular amongst outdoor enthusiasts year-round.

Take a 360-degree virtual video tour of this gem with country music singer/songwriter Dierks Bentley.

14. Cuyahoga Valley National Park (Ohio)

Cuyahoga Valley National Park is a relatively small 32,000-acre park just a short distance from the urban areas of Cleveland and Akron, Ohio.

The park offers a refuge for city dwellers with outdoor options for everyone, including hiking, golfing, historic train rides, kayaking, snowshoeing, and cross-country skiing.

Explore this unique national park via a Google Earth virtual tour highlighting a 19th-century bridge, marsh boardwalk, and impressive waterfalls.

15. Death Valley National Park (California, Nevada)

Perhaps the most famous national park, at least by name, Death Valley National Park is the hottest, driest, and lowest national park . Despite its morbid name, this national park shows a great diversity of life when rainstorms bring vast fields of wildflowers and lush oases harbor tiny fish and other wildlife.

Death Valley straddles the California-Nevada border and is the largest U.S. national park outside of Alaska at 3.4 million acres.

Start exploring this massive park thanks to this Google Earth virtual tour . Highlights include the Rhyolite Ghost Town, Devil’s Golf Course, and spectacular dunes and canyons.

16. Denali National Park (Alaska)

Located in the center of Alaska on Mt. Denali, the highest mountain in North America , Denali National Park is a mix of forests at low elevations and snow and glaciers at higher elevations.

There is only 1 road that cuts through the 6 million-acre preserve where large wild animals roam free, and adventurists explore the many outdoor activities.

Can’t make it to Alaska any time soon? Try exploring the tundra, glaciers, and Denali vistas via a Google Earth virtual tour .

17. Dry Tortugas National Park (Florida)

Dry Tortugas National Park is located in the Gulf of Mexico, about 68 miles off the coast of Key West. The park is comprised of Fort Jefferson, a historic 19th-century fort, and the 7 Dry Tortugas islands.

This national park is reachable only by seaplane or boat and has become a sanctuary for coral reefs and marine life.

Google Arts & Culture has put together an in-depth virtual tour full of 360-degree photos and videos.

18. Everglades National Park (Florida)

Everglades National Park is located in Florida and is the largest subtropical wilderness in the U.S. Besides being a national park, the Everglades are also listed as a World Heritage Site and Wetlands of International Importance — 1 of only 3 locations in the world to be named to all 3.

The Everglades are a network of wetlands and forests that are home to multiple rare and endangered species, including the manatee, American crocodile, and elusive Florida panther.

Additionally, the wetlands are an essential habitat to more than 350 species of birds, 300 species of fresh and saltwater fish, 40 species of mammals, and 50 species of reptiles.

See what wildlife you can spot on this virtual tour of the Everglades via Google Earth.

19. Gates of the Arctic National Park (Alaska)

The Gates of the Arctic National Park is the northernmost national park in the U.S. , located entirely north of the Arctic Circle in Alaska.

With an average of just 10,000 visitors per year (the Grand Canyon gets 6 million+, for comparison), the Gates of the Arctic is the least-visited national park in the country.

The lack of visitors and the absence of any roads or trails make this park a virtually untouched ecosystem where rivers carve through glaciers and animals including caribou migrate along age-old paths.

To get a feel for how unique this park is without having to travel to the Arctic Circle, watch this video .

20. Gateway Arch National Park (Missouri)

The Gateway Arch National Park (formerly known as the Jefferson National Expansion Memorial) is located in St. Louis, Missouri. The park is a memorial to Thomas Jefferson’s role in opening the West to the pioneers who helped shape its history and to the monumental Dred Scott slavery case.

The national park consists of the Gateway Arch (a St. Louis icon) and its 140,000-square foot-museum, a 91-acre park along the Mississippi River, the Old Courthouse, and a former state and federal courthouse where the Dred Scott case originated.

To “stand” underneath the Gateway Arch and get a feel for how big it really is, check out this 360-degree photo .

21. Glacier Bay National Park and Preserve (Alaska)

Glacier Bay National Park is 3.3 million acres of rugged mountains, glaciers, temperate rainforest, wild coastlines, and deep sheltered fjords in southeast Alaska.

Most visitors arrive by cruise ship, but many others come for overnight camping, hiking, mountaineering, kayaking, rafting, fishing, and birdwatching.

No need to start packing — you can get lost in the incredible photographs available online or check in on one of the many live webcams set up across the park.

22. Glacier National Park (Montana)

Not to be confused with Glacier Bay National Park, Glacier National Park is located in Montana on the U.S.-Canada border and is much more easily accessible.

The 1 million-acre park offers more than 700 miles of trails along over 130 named lakes that are home to more than 1,000 different species of plants and hundreds of species of animals.

You can enjoy the pristine forests, alpine meadows, rugged mountains, and spectacular lakes from the comfort of your own home.

The Google Earth virtual tour features scenic alpine lakes, trails with panoramic views, and waterfalls.

23. Grand Canyon National Park (Arizona)

Perhaps the most well-known of them all, the Grand Canyon National Park in Arizona is a stunning 277-mile steep-sided canyon carved by the Colorado River.

Aside from the popular helicopter tours (and other tours from nearby Las Vegas), visitors can also enjoy rafting, hiking, running, and camping along the North and South Rim.

Ready to go on a hair-raising virtual hike? Check out this incredible virtual tour by Google Earth .

24. Grand Teton National Park (Wyoming)

Grand Teton National Park is a 310,000-acre park in northwestern Wyoming that’s home to major mountain peaks including the Teton Peaks and valleys including Jackson Hole.

The pristine ecosystem and the same species of flora and fauna that have existed since prehistoric times can still be found there. Over 1,000 species of plants, dozens of species of mammals, 300 species of birds, and more than a dozen fish species call this park home.

Visitors can explore over 200 miles of trails, float the Snake River, and enjoy the serenity of this remarkable place.

To get a glimpse of that glory, you can take a Google Earth Street View virtual tour .

25. Great Basin National Park (Nevada)

Located in northeast Nevada near the Utah border, Great Basin National Park has something to offer visitors during all 4 seasons.

With everything from the Lehman Caves to more than 800 different species of plants and a forest full of animals, there is plenty to explore in this 77,000-acre wilderness.

Get to know Great Basin National Park better with this video .

26. Great Sand Dunes National Park and Preserve (Colorado)

Great Sand Dunes National Park and Preserve is a conservation of vast sand dunes (up to 750 feet tall) in south-central Colorado.

The tallest sand dunes in North America cover about 30 square miles and provide 24-hour and year-round recreational entertainment. Camping, hiking, sandboarding, and walking the dunes underneath the moonlight are all popular activities at the park.

Want a better look? Check out the park’s YouTube channel !

27. Great Smoky Mountains National Park (North Carolina, Tennessee)

The Great Smoky Mountains National Park stretches into parts of Tennessee and North Carolina and straddles the ridgeline of the Great Smoky Mountains, which is part of the larger Appalachian Mountain chain.

The Great Smoky Mountains National Park is the most popular national park in the country and hosts more than 10 million visitors each year — that is more than the Grand Canyon, Yosemite, and Yellowstone combined!

Camping, hiking to waterfalls, admiring the diverse plant and animal life, as well as the remnants of Southern Appalachian mountain culture, all help make this national park so famous.

To learn more, you can take a private virtual tour via Google Earth Steet View  or check out these videos .

28. Guadalupe Mountains National Park (Texas)

Just east of El Paso, Texas, Guadalupe Mountains National Park is home to the 4 highest peaks in Texas and so much more.

86,000 acres of forests, deserts, and dunes protect the world’s most extensive Permian fossil reef, which was on the floor of the Delaware Sea 260 to 265 million years ago.

Put on your virtual hiking boots and take a Google Earth Street View virtual tour of various trails, a 1930s cabin, and stalactites.

29. Haleakalā National Park (Hawaii)

Haleakalā National Park is a 33,000-acre park on a dormant volcano on the Hawaiian island of Maui.

The park is home to incredible views, culture, tropical plants, and endangered species — some of which are not found anywhere else in the world.

Take a virtual drive and explore this beautiful park via this 4K video .

30. Hawai’i Volcanoes National Park (Hawaii)

Hawai’i Volcanoes National Park is located on the main island of Hawaii and rests on top of 2 active volcanoes : Kīlauea, one of the world’s most active volcanoes, and Mauna Loa, the world’s most massive shield volcano.

The park is home to some of the most unique geological, biological, and cultural landscapes in the world. Visitors come to learn about history, culture, volcanoes, and the island’s incredible biodiversity.

Thanks to Google Arts & Culture, you can immerse yourself in one of the most complete virtual tours of any park available.

31. Hot Springs National Park (Arkansas)

The hot springs in Hot Springs National Park have drawn crowds to Arkansas for more than 20o years. Many believed that the springs held medicinal purposes, which helped turn this area into a “spa town” in the 1800s.

Today, visitors can explore on hikes or visit bathhouses for a traditional bath or soak in a common pool with water from the hot springs.

Take a virtual tour of Hot Springs National Park’s waterfalls, bubbly springs and fountains, and historic buildings with this video .

32. Indiana Dunes National Park (Indiana)

Located in northwestern Indiana, the Indiana Dunes National Park runs about 25 miles along the southern shore of Lake Michigan.

With more than 50,000 acres, visitors can enjoy the beach’s rugged dunes, mysterious wetlands, sunny prairies, meandering rivers, and peaceful forests.

Learn more about the park via videos directly from park rangers .

33. Isle Royale National Park (Michigan)

Isle Royale National Park consists of hundreds of neighboring islands, as well as the surrounding waters of Lake Superior, in the state of Michigan.

Although it is one of the least visited of all U.S. national parks, the park has the most repeat visitors . Isle Royale offers unparalleled solitude and adventures for hikers, boaters, kayakers, and even scuba divers.

Want to know what a 4-day backcountry hike is like in the park? Watch this video .

34. Joshua Tree National Park (California)

Located in southern California near Palm Springs, Joshua Tree National Park is named for the Joshua trees found in the Mojave Desert within the park.

The 790,000-acre park includes 2 deserts (Mojave and Colorado), and both have their own ecosystems due to differences in elevation.

Thanks to a unique variety of plants and animals, a rich cultural history, and surreal geologic features, it is no surprise this is a popular park.

Want to see for yourself? Take an in-depth Google Earth virtual tour , passing scenic landscape, Arch Rock, a cholla cactus garden, and oases.

35. Katmai National Park (Alaska)

Located in southern Alaska, the 4-million acre Katmai National Park is mainly designated as a wilderness area, meaning that hunting is banned.

The park is named after Mount Katmai, its famous stratovolcano. The national park is also known for its thousands of brown bears and the Valley of Ten Thousand Smokes.

Keep up with all of the wildlife with the park’s extensive network of webcams .

36. Kenai Fjords National Park (Alaska)

Some of the most striking visuals you can imagine can be found at Kenai Fjords National Park in Alaska. The park is named for the numerous fjords carved by the glaciers that have moved down the mountains from the ice field.

Nearly 40 glaciers flow from the Harding Icefield, where wildlife thrives in and on the water, and lush forest surrounds the sea.

Immerse yourself in an extremely interactive virtual tour by Google Arts & Culture to truly get a feel of this magnificent place.

37. Kobuk Valley National Park (Alaska)

Located in the Arctic region of northwestern Alaska, the 1.7 million-acre Kobuk Valley National Park is home to the Great Kobuk Sand Dunes and the famous caribou migration routes.

With no trails or access roads to the park , visitors must arrive by air taxi and bring all of their own gear for any backcountry camping, hiking, backpacking, boating, or dog sledding.

If you don’t plan on chartering your own plane to explore this beautiful park, you can watch some videos about the park .

38. Lake Clark National Park and Preserve (Alaska)

Lake Clark National Park and Preserve is a 4 million acre park about 100 miles southwest of Anchorage, Alaska.

Turquoise lakes make way for volcano steam, while bears wait for the salmon run, all with a dramatic mountainous background.

Open year-round, but with no trails or roads , visitors must arrive by float or wheeled planes to start exploring.

Learn more about this unique park with this introductory video .

39. Lassen Volcanic National Park (California)

Home to the largest plug dome volcano in the world , Lassen Volcanic National Park in northeastern California is famous for its steaming sulfur vents, splattering mud pots, and boiling springs.

Visitors can swim and kayak in the spring-fed lakes, drive the Lassen Volcanic National Park Highway, and camp at one of the 8 on-site campgrounds.

Don’t wait to start exploring. Check out this incredible collection of 360-degree photos of hydrothermal areas, trails, and winter scenes.

40. Mammoth Cave National Park (Kentucky)

Clocking in at over 400 miles, Mammoth Cave National Park in central Kentucky has the longest known cave system on the planet . Combined with 53,000+ acres of lush forest above ground, visitors can explore 2 very different worlds in 1 stop.

Mammoth Cave National Park has enough to keep most adventure seekers entertained, whether camping, hiking, or just exploring.

Go on an above or below-ground virtual video tour .

41. Mesa Verde National Park (Colorado)

An American national park  and  UNESCO World Heritage Site, Mesa Verde National Park is home to some of the best-preserved Ancestral Puebloan archaeological sites in the U.S.

Located in Montezuma County, Colorado and serviced by 40 miles of roads, visitors can enjoy 5,000 archeological sites including 600 cliff dwellings dating back from 600 to 1300 A.D.

Explore cliff and cave dwellings, sandstone ruins, the Sun Temple, rock petroglyphs, and more thanks to an  in-depth virtual tour via Google Earth .

42. Mount Rainier National Park (Washington)

An icon standing 14,410 feet above sea level , Mount Rainier , a stratovolcano, is the centerpiece of this Washington state park.

Surrounded by valleys, rivers, meadows, and waterfalls, there are 91,000 acres for visitors to explore year-round.

Explore the marshland and ancient cedar forests of this beautiful national park from the comfort of your home thanks to this Google Earth virtual tour .

43. National Park of American Samoa (American Samoa)

The National Park of American Samoa is spread across 3 islands in the South Pacific — Tutuila, Ofu, and Ta‘ū.

These “Islands of Sacred Earth” are home to stunning coral reefs, vast rain forests, the famous Samoan fruit bat, and of course, Samoan culture.

Grab your VR goggles and check out 360-degree photos of corals and sea life, including the adverse effects of rising water temperatures, from the virtual dive gallery of the National Marine Sanctuary of American Samoa.

44. New River Gorge National Park & Preserve (West Virginia)

The New River — one of the oldest on the entire continent — is located in southern West Virginia.

The park spans more than 70,000 acres of land along 53 miles with a whitewater river.

Check out the park’s webcam for a view of the gorge from Canyon Rim Visitor Center!

45. North Cascades National Park (Washington)

North Cascades National Park is a 500,000-acre park in Washington (less than 3 hours from Seattle) and is home to more than 300 glaciers and countless waterfalls.

Visitors can “hear the Cascades calling” through forested valleys and numerous waterways.

Are you ready to relax in the Cascades? Check out this stunning 4K video featuring gorgeous fall colors and nature sounds.

46. Olympic National Park (Washington)

With almost 1 million acres of wilderness and 70 miles of coastline, the Olympic National Park in Washington is an incredible example of diverse wildlife.

The park is home to several distinct ecosystems , temperate rain forests, and even glacier-capped mountains.

Start exploring beaches, rock faces, lakes, and forests from home, thanks to this excellent virtual tour from Google Earth .

47. Petrified Forest National Park (Arizona)

This relatively small national park only covers about 230 square miles in Arizona. It’s named for its large deposits of petrified wood .

Whether you are driving through for a backcountry hike or want to learn more about the woods, Petrified Forest National Park has plenty of exhibits that can bring stories to life.

Be sure to check out the webcam at the Painted Desert Inn Historic Landmark at Petrified Forest National Park, looking out over the colorful Painted Desert.

48. Pinnacles National Park (California)

Pinnacles National Park is located in south-central California on the site of what was a volcano some 23 million years ago .

Today, visitors marvel at the unique landscape, which includes oak woodlands, canyon bottoms, towering rock spires, and unusual talus caves that house at least 13 species of bats.

Nature lovers will not want to miss this stunning 4K video timelapse of the park.

49. Redwood National Park (California)

Along the rugged coast of northern California, you’ll find 40 miles dedicated to the Redwood National Park .

Redwood trees, found within the park, are the tallest trees on earth. This 39,000-acre national park is also home to vast prairies, oak woodlands, and wild river-ways.

Start exploring this natural gem’s redwood groves, including a drive through the Klamath Tour Thru Tree, thanks to this Google Earth Street View virtual tour .

50. Rocky Mountain National Park (Colorado)

Just northwest of Denver, Colorado, you will find the spectacular mountain paradise of Rocky Mountain National Park .

With more than 415 square miles of mountain environments, including 300 miles of hiking trails , wildlife, and wildflowers, visitors have plenty to enjoy when the park is open.

No need to wait for the perfect day or time to visit — you can enjoy an in-depth Google Earth virtual tour of impressive peaks, alpine lakes, and expansive views.

51. Saguaro National Park (Arizona)

Saguaro National Park is a 92,000-acre park in Arizona that consists of 2 separate areas: the Tucson Mountain District and the Rincon Mountain District. Both parks preserve a delicate desert landscape with plenty of wildlife as well as the famous giant saguaro cacti .

With 165 miles of trails, hiking, biking, and horseback riding are all popular activities.

Immerse yourself in the fascinating cacti and wildlife with this incredible video tour .

52. Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Parks (California)

Located in the Sierra Nevada mountain range in the central valley of California, these 2 national parks host more than 2 million visitors per year.

Kings Canyon got its name due to a giant glacier that carved its way through the valley more than 1-mile deep.

Sequoia National Park is named after  the world’s largest stands of giant sequoia trees, which tower over the valley.

Check out this virtual tour by Google Earth . Highlights include the ~275-foot-tall General Sherman Tree, a tunnel log, Moro Rock, and Crystal Cave.

53. Shenandoah National Park (Virginia)

Located in Virginia, Shenandoah National Park is just a 75-mile drive from downtown Washington, D.C. The long and narrow park has its valley and rolling hills split down the middle by the scenic Skyline Drive.

With more than 200,000 acres of protected lands, visitors are likely to see waterfalls, deer, songbirds, black bears, and more.

Take a Google Earth virtual tour of hiking trails, waterfalls, and vistas, or visit Shenandoah’s own virtual tour of its historic buildings.

54. Theodore Roosevelt National Park (North Dakota)

Named after the former president, Theodore Roosevelt National Park’s 70,000 acres of badlands are split across 3 sections in Noth Dakota.

Spectacular multicolored rock formations, dramatic canyons, and sweeping plains are home to elk, prairie dogs, and about 500 bison .

About 750,000 annual visitors come for wildlife spotting, birdwatching, hiking, horseback riding, stargazing, and scenic drives.

Take a peek at what is going on via the park’s webcam of Painted Canyon , a virtual tour of Maltese Cross Cabin , or the park’s multimedia content .

55. Virgin Islands National Park (U.S. Virgin Islands)

Known as “America’s Paradise,”  Virgin Islands National Park preserves about 60% of the island of St. John , about 5,000 acres of ocean, and almost all of Hassel Island.

Besides the beautiful beaches and pristine snorkeling, the park attracts visitors for its history of sugar plantations and ancient petroglyphs carved by the Taino Indians.

Explore this island’s tropical forests, petroglyphs, ruins of a 1700s Danish sugar plantation, and white sand beaches via a Google Earth virtual tour .

56. Voyageurs National Park (Minnesota)

Located in northern Minnesota, Voyageurs National Park is 218,000 acres of outstanding water resources.

Known for its maze of interconnected water highways , it is no surprise that this is a popular spot for fishing, canoeing, kayaking, and boating.

Visitors can access this national park in the winter by snowmobile, ski, or snowshoe.

If you are interested in this park, you won’t want to miss this stunning timelapse video .

57. White Sands National Park (New Mexico)

Inside this 145,000 acre park in New Mexico, visitors will find 275 square miles of white sand dunes composed of gypsum crystals. This gypsum dune field is the largest of its kind on Earth .

Famous among sledders and photographers, White Sands National Park receives about 600,000 visitors per year, which is the most of any national park in New Mexico.

If you would like to learn more about this incredible national park, check out these videos made by park rangers.

58. Wind Cave National Park (South Dakota)

Wind Cave National Park in western South Dakota is home to one of the longest caves in the world , measuring in at over 149 miles explored so far. The Wind Cave is notable for its calcite formations known as boxwork, which make up about 95% of the world’s known boxwork formations .

Above ground is pretty interesting as well: with the forested hillside and rolling prairie grasslands making a lovely home for bison, elk, and other wildlife.

Go on a Google Earth virtual tour of scenic grasslands and ponderosa pine forest without leaving your couch.

59. Wrangell-St. Elias National Park (Alaska)

Wrangell-St. Elias National Park is located in south-central Alaska and is, by far, America’s largest national park measuring in at over 13 million acres.

With everything from wildlife to volcanoes and glaciers, this national park has something for every outdoor enthusiast.

Take yourself on a “1-day visit” video tour of this unique piece of the American landscape.

60. Yellowstone National Park (Wyoming, Montana, Idaho)

Yellowstone National Park was the very first national park and stretches across 3 U.S. states, including Wyoming, Montana, and Idaho. The park is centered over the Yellowstone Caldera lake, the largest supervolcano on the continent .

One of the lesser threatening attractions is the Old Faithful Geyser , known for its regularity of eruptions.

Visitors come to enjoy the thousands of other hot springs, geysers, and mud pots that dot the wild landscape each year.

Take a private Google Earth virtual tour of this famous national park — featuring geysers, waterfalls, springs, and more — from the comfort of your own home.

61. Yosemite National Park (California)

Located in the Sierra Nevada range of central California, Yosemite National Park covers an area of 748,000 acres and receives an average of 4 million visitors per year.

Yosemite is internationally recognized for many of its features, including its granite cliffs, waterfalls, clear streams, giant sequoia groves, lakes, mountains, meadows, glaciers, and incredible biological diversity.

Thanks to Google Earth’s virtual tour , start exploring this park, including the iconic Half Dome and El Capitan.

62. Zion National Park (Utah)

Zion National Park was Utah’s first national park and is relatively small compared to other parks, measuring in at only 229 square miles.

But that small size doesn’t mean there is any less to explore. Massive red sandstone cliffs create canyons that traverse for miles and create a unique ecosystem for native plants and animals.

Explore this gem, including Court of the Patriarchs, Temple of Sinawava, and Kanarraville Falls, on a virtual tour by Google Earth ,

There are so many stunning and educational national parks that it could take a lifetime to see them all. With the help of technology, we can enjoy these natural wonders from the comfort of home.

Use these online resources to scratch that travel itch, gain some extra wanderlust, and start planning your next trip to one of these national parks.

Frequently Asked Questions

How many national parks are there.

There are 63 sites that are considered national parks in the U.S. These parks are world-renowned for their history, natural beauty, and unique wildlife. These parks are generally open for recreation for free or for a small fee.

Which national parks offer virtual tours?

Many of the U.S. national parks offer virtual tours online for free. While some of the more popular parks have excellent production thanks to Google Earth, others can still show you the park via video or 360-degree photos. We have compiled the best way to see each park online — just click the name of the park you are interested in.

Are virtual tours free?

Yes! Every virtual tour that we have linked to in this article is completely free of charge. On top of that, every national park has its own website full of unique and specific information about that location. With everything from ranger videos to gorgeous photography, the amount of free content is incredible.

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About Chris Hassan

Chris holds a B.S. in Hospitality and Tourism Management and managed social media for all Marriott properties in South America, making him a perfect fit for UP and its social media channels. He has a passion for making content catered toward family travelers.

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23 Best Virtual Tours of NATIONAL PARKS Around the World

Looking for beautiful places to visit around the world … virtually? I searched for the BEST virtual tours of national parks around the world and narrowed them down to these top 23. These interactive tours take you to crazy-cool places that’ll leave you inspired!

Imagine dangling your feet in a gurgling brook, and then flying up to the razor-edge cliff above. Take a reindeer sleigh to see the aurora borealis. Skywalk between Avatar cliffs or among the treetops. Wanna dive to a shipwreck? AWESOME!

This post is part of a best-of series of virtual tours. Find more incredible  virtual tours , including famous historic sites, beautiful waterfalls, wildlife encounters, awesome cities, and crazy adventure travel. 

My goodness, even narrowing this list of virtual tours to 23 was SO HARD. So if you want to see more beautiful places to visit around the world , continue to the Summary and Resources section at the bottom.  

• 8 Best Virtual Tours of National Parks in USA
• 5 Best Virtual Tours of National Parks in Asia
• 4 Best Virtual Tours of National Parks in the UK and Europe
• 3 Best Virtual Tours of National Parks in Australia
• 2 Best Virtual Tours of National Parks in Africa

Top Virtual Tour of National Parks in South America

Summary and resources.

All of these national park virtual tours are interactive. Many can be experienced with 360-degree videos in your YouTube app and many are compatible with VR headsets. Enjoy!

Disclosure: This post includes affiliate links to excellent travel-related products. This means that if you use the links below to make a purchase, I’ll receive a commission at no extra cost to you. Thank you for supporting Epic Travel Plans!

8 BEST Virtual Tours of National Park in the United States

With 62 national parks throughout the United States of America, you KNOW you’ll see some amazingly beautiful places to visit! Here are 8 AWESOME virtual tours of national parks in the US. Take a look.

1. Yosemite National Park: The #1 BEST Virtual Tour of National Parks in the United States (California)

WOW!! You’re in for a real treat with the Yosemite National Park virtual tour . Yosemite National Park virtual tour is my #1 FAVORITE virtual tour on this entire list. 

Here’s what I loved about the Yosemite National Park virtual tour. First, it includes the sounds of being there. Second, it’s super easy to navigate, with red circles to click on to fly over to the next spot. And third, there’s information along the way so you know what you’re looking at (and you can minimize it if it gets in the way). 

Now, I didn’t find any embedded videos. And you can’t move along the paths like you can with Google Maps Street View. But, there’s SO much to love here that I’m okay with this. 

As I explored, I actually felt butterflies . Descend to the pretty creek inside the valley, and then JUMP up to the edge of the sheer cliff above. And while I’d love to watch a video of the Nevada or Yosemite Falls, the images from the top … with the sound of the water plunging below … is SO wonderful. You can almost feel the mist in your face! It’s INCREDIBLE!

The Yosemite National Park virtual tour is also the perfect way to preview and plan your trip to Yosemite National Park in California.

Want  more  Yosemite National Park? Check out my post on crazy virtual tours to hang-glide over the park!

2. Yellowstone National Park Virtual Tour (Montana)

Here’s a well-loved national park in the USA: Yellowstone National Park. Did you know that Yellowstone National Park is the first national park created in the United States, and considered the first in the world, too? Its most popular features are its wildlife, many geysers including the Old Faithful geyser, lakes, canyons and waterfalls.

Now, I wasn’t a fan of the official Yellowstone National Park virtual tour page. It’s a series of videos and an interactive aerial map with photos, but you can’t get in there to explore by panning and zooming. (Unless you figured it out? If yes, please share in the comments below!) 

So, I kept looking. Here’s a much better interactive virtual tour from AirPano .

You may also like Hotels for Romantic Getaways in USA

3. Grand Canyon National Park Virtual Tour (Arizona)

The mighty Grand Canyon is likely the most famous of all the national parks in the United States and a marvelous natural wonder of the world. Given this, it makes sense that you can find a number of virtual tour options. 

For an immersive virtual hike, take the Google Street View Trek . It takes you along the Bright Angel Trail, following the Colorado River to the South Rim. 

Other Grand Canyon National Park virtual tour options include the Google Earth view and AirPano’s stunning aerial views .

Interested in a small group tour of Grand Canyon?  Check out Intrepid Travel’s Explorer tour .

4. Bryce Canyon National Park Virtual Tour (Utah) 

The next five virtual tours of national parks in the USA are provided by Google Arts and Culture. Each one features an introductory video and 360-degree images with embedded videos, audio and regular images to bring you incredible experiences. 

Let’s start with Bryce Canyon … possibly my #1 favorite canyon in the world! 

And Google Arts and Culture gives you a glimpse of why, with the Bryce Canyon National Park virtual tour . Descend into the maze of towering hoodoos … by horseback , yes! You can almost smell them. Stick around for the super-cool Night Sky feature. I could finally see constellations other than the Big Dipper!

You may also like 2-Day Epic Canyon Road Trip to Bryce Canyon, Zion Canyon, Grand Canyon North Rim and Antelope Canyon

5. Carlsbad Caverns National Park Virtual Tour (New Mexico)

Have you ever wanted to be Batman? You gotta check out the Carlsbad Caverns National Park virtual tour from Google Arts and Culture. Step inside the Big Room of this crazy-cool cavern. Hike through Lower Cave. And learn about the incredible formations around you and the bats above.

6. Dry Tortugas National Park Virtual Tour (Florida) 

Ahhh … now Google Arts and Culture takes you under the ocean with the Dry Tortugas National Park virtual tour ! Dive the Windjammer Shipwreck or swim through a coral reef. Close your eyes and listen to the sounds around you. 

I really would like to explore the fort, too, but I couldn’t figure that part out. (If you figure it out, please share in the comments below!)

7. Hawaii Volcanoes National Park Virtual Tour (Hawaii) 

Now everyone loves Hawaii. Hawaii is near the top of most peoples’ lists of the most beautiful places to visit around the world.

And with the Hawaii Volcanoes National Park virtual tour from Google Arts and Culture, we get to explore this fascinating volcanic area from home. Stand inside a volcano tube and (almost) run your hand along the rock. Fly over an active volcano. Listen to it roar. 

You may also like Where to STAY in Maui and Inspiring BACKYARD Travel Decor

Interested in a small group tour of the Hawaiian islands?  Check out Intrepid Travel’s 10-day tour of Oahu, Kauai, Hawaii’s Big Island and Maui.

8. Kenai Fjords National Park Virtual Tour (Alaska)

We end our list of the best virtual tours of national parks in the United States by heading north. Waaay north. 

How many of us have been to Alaska? Not me! Google Arts and Culture takes us up to Alaska with the Kenai Fjords National Park virtual tour . Kayak among icebergs. Descend 30 feet into a glacier crevasse. Watch a whale breach. The Kenai Fjords National Park virtual tour is sooo beautiful and remote. And reminds us to enjoy our warm summers!

Also check out Best Trips with DAD , including fishing trips to Alaska!

5 BEST Virtual Tours of National Park in Asia

1. zhangjiajie national forest park virtual tour (china).

So many areas in China are among the most beautiful places to visit around the world. Among them is certainly Zhangjiajie National Forest Park, which inspired the Avatar movie. Its quartz-sandstone pillars will leave you in awe.

The Zhangjiajie National Forest Park virtual tour from AirPano includes jaw-dropping 360-degree photos and a 360-degree video. Scroll to the bottom of the page to find the video; open it in your YouTube app or with a VR headset for an even more immersive experience. 

Also, you have to check out the Zhangjiajie Glass Bridge virtual tour – open it up in your YouTube app or put on your VR headset. Just imagine walking across this bridge, looking 300 meters (980 feet) straight down. Could you do it??

You may also like:

• 15 Best Virtual Tours of Famous HISTORIC Sites  including the Great Wall and Xian Warriors.
• 17 Best CITY Virtual Tours including The Forbidden City and Hong Kong.

2. Phong Nha-Ke Bang National Park Virtual Tour (Vietnam)

WOW!! National Geographic did a great job of taking us through this fascinating world’s largest cave. Just to reach Hang Son Doong is a 4-day hike through the rough jungle of northern Vietnam. But just looook …

The Phong Nha-Ke Bang National Park virtual tour takes you into the jungle and through the Son Doong cave. Listen to the sounds of the jungle, and then the dripping water. And then the jungle again at the two sinkholes where the roof collapsed. Explore the massive chambers and stalagmites, including possibly the tallest in the world. Hold onto the rope as you wade through the fast-moving river.

Considering all the bugs living in the cave (not to mention the jungle!), I’m content with a virtual wow.

You may also like: 13 Best Virtual Tours of Waterfalls   with Ban Gioc Waterfall and Detian Falls along the Vietnam-China border

3. Kamchatka Peninsula Virtual Tour (Russia)

When searching for the best virtual tours of national parks, I came across this GORGEOUS area: Kamchatka Peninsula on Russia’s faaaar northeast coastline. Although it isn’t technically a national park, it’s home to the Kronotsky Nature Reserve and South Kamchatka Sanctuary. So, I’m gonna let it slide … because I just had to show it to you!

The Kamchatka Peninsula virtual tour from AirPano will take your breath away. Wild expanses of lush greenery turn to dramatic coastal cliffs, sandy beaches and the ocean (well, the Sea of Okhotsk to the west and Bering Sea to the east). Waterfalls are tucked inside rugged cliffs. Plus, partially-sunk shipwrecks, steep sea stacks up to 183 meters high (600 feet), and lots of super-cute seals. It’s now made my list of most beautiful places to visit around the world.

Want to hang out in Russia? Here are AirPano’s 360-degree photos and videos of beautiful places in Russia . I had no idea! Check out the gorgeous Sakhalin Island or Orda Cave, the largest underwater gypsum cave in the world.

4. Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park Virtual Tour (Japan)

Japan is definitely one of my bucket list destinations. I had a one-night layover in Tokyo on my way to Vietnam, and while I didn’t get to see any of it, their hospitality left me super impressed. Japan’s cherry blossoms, majestic monasteries hidden in lush mountaintops, and haunting historical sites make it one of the most beautiful places to visit around the world.

Google Earth takes us on the Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park virtual tour of Mount Fuji. Mount Fuji is an active volcano, with its last eruption in 1707. Trek around the rim of this symmetrical cone and into the giant crater. To tilt and rotate the map, use Shift + drag.

Want more of Japan? Get a rickshaw virtual tour of Tokyo !

5. Sagarmatha National Park Virtual Tour (Nepal)

Want to walk on top of the world? Explore Mount Everest and the Himalayas with Google Earth!

The Sagarmatha National Park virtual tour takes you to the top of the world’s highest peak, plus Mount Everest base camps, communities and other nearby peaks. Take Google Map’s interactive 360-degree views of Everest’s south base camp . (I found it easier, though, to change the first link to map view and “walk” around the villages that way.)

Click on the little man (bottom-right corner) to jump over to another mountain range. Or, click on the blue dots for close-up views of mountain villages and the Imja River. To tilt and rotate the map, use Shift + drag.

Interested in getting a VR headset? Check out Google Cardboard … a cheap way to enjoy the view!

4 BEST Virtual Tours of National Park in the United Kingdom & Europe

1. national park virtual tours in iceland.

All of Iceland is known as one of the most beautiful places to visit around the world. Rather than limit you to one national park virtual tour, check out AirPano’s compilation of Iceland’s BEST landscapes !

Incredible aerial views take you over mountains and lakes. The famous Blue Lagoon. Jökulsárlón glacial lagoon and Vatnajokull glacier.

Explore with the embedded map. Auto-rotate or pan and zoom yourself. Hover over the information symbols to figure out what you’re looking at. And to move through all the 360-degree images, easily click “next” or scroll through the image legend along the side.

2. Cliffs of Moher GeoPark Virtual Tour (Ireland)

If you’ve dreamed of visiting these world-famous cliffs, start with the Cliffs of Moher virtual tour . 

Follow the arrows along the path or click on the double-arrows along the bottom to move through the main viewing areas and visitor center. Climb to the top of O’Brian’s Tower for the most spectacular view. Or even better … put on your VR headset!

Want to linger in Ireland before moving onto other national park virtual tours? Check a variety of virtual tours in Ireland, courtesy of Virtual Visit Tours . 

3. Loch Lomond National Park Virtual Tour (Scotland)

For a taste of the Scottish highlands, take the Loch Lamond National Park virtual tour ! Explore the peaceful beauty of the Great Trossachs Forest and multiple lochs.

Click the information buttons to learn about the landscape around you and easily change the toggle view. The coolest part of this virtual tour? You can easily switch between the seasons! The only thing missing here is the audio.

Want more of Scotland?  Check out:

• Your ULTIMATE Road Trip from London to Edinburgh with 36+ Stops
• Speyside Whisky Distillery Tours + Map: 16 to Visit and Why
• Islay Whisky Distillery Tours + Map: How to Visit ALL 9

4. Abisko National Park Virtual Tour (Sweden)

Open up this tour in the YouTube app on your mobile. Better yet, use a VR headset!

This super-cool Abisko National Park virtual tour takes you inside an ice hotel, on a reindeer sleigh ride to the base of Mount Noulja, and then under the night sky as the natural wonder of aurora borealis (or the Northern Lights) dance above you.

Want  more  of Europe? I highly recommend:

• 17 Best CITY Virtual Tours: Inspiring Cities of the World like Naples and Pompeii to Paris and Moscow
• 15 Best Virtual Tours of Famous HISTORIC Sites , from grand palaces to humble WWII hiding spots
• 13 Best Virtual Tours of WATERFALLS in the Austrian Alps and Swiss plains

3 BEST Virtual Tours of National Parks in Australia

1. kakadu national park virtual tour (australia).

With Google Street View, now you too can walk the sandy paths through the Kakadu National Park virtual tour . In fact, Australia has nearly 60 national park virtual tours available, including some 360-degree videos to open in your YouTube app and compatible with VR headsets.

Scramble up to Jim Jim and Twin Falls, and almost feel the perfect soft sand of the hidden beaches between your fingers. Imagine the refreshing sounds of waterfalls and laughter at the Gunlom and Maguk swimming holes. And “hike” up to Nadab Lookout in the Ubirr virtual tour for an expansive view.

So, I got lost (just like in real life!). If I couldn’t see the X on the ground telling me where to go, I went to the little map (bottom left corner) and double-clicked where I wanted the yellow map guy to go. In the left column, be sure to switch between “All” and “360° View” so you can see the stunning pictures of the area, too.

2. Porongurup National Park Virtual Tour (Australia)

If you’re hungry for more national park virtual tours from Western Australia, check out their app. Parks WA app takes you to the rugged south coast, along the AWESOME tree-top walk in Valley of Giants, and caving in Leeuwin Naturaliste National Park. Experience these most beautiful places to visit around the world on your smartphone or computer. Or even better, get a VR headset!

3. Great Barrier Reef Virtual Tour (Australia) 

I can’t leave Australia without showing you this Great Barrier Reef virtual tour from ECOVR. It’s an amazing underwater tour even just as a regular video. But for a more immersive experience, open the link in your YouTube app. 

You can also interact with the Great Barrier Reef in Google Maps Street View. It has some pretty incredible underwater photos.

Looking for penguins? Check out my wildlife virtual tours post!

2 BEST Virtual Tours of National Parks in Africa

1. namib-naukluft national park virtual tour (namibia).

If you’re going to see a desert, you should see the Namib. It’s the oldest desert in the world, and even though it’s one of the most remote places in the world, its red sand dunes are still famous.

Take a tour through the Namib-Naukluft National Park virtual tour from AirPano. The Namib Desert has the highest sand dunes in the world, up to 325 meters high (1066 feet). Pause to pan and reflect at Deadvlei, with its tree skeleton graveyard that tells of the once-thriving oasis. And gaze up at the starry sky … you just don’t see that in the city.

If you love 360-degree videos, open up the Sahara Desert of Algeria virtual tour with your YouTube app or VR headset.

2. Drakensberg National Park Virtual Tour (South Africa)

Now, we know that Africa is HUGE and stunning. So, I can’t just leave Africa with one virtual tour through the desert. 

Check THIS out: The Drakensberg National Park virtual tour (yes, again from AirPano!) is SO AWESOME! Dramatically jagged, teeth-like peaks tower above lush green valleys. Of course there’s a waterfall. The images in the Photo Gallery just make me so happy.

Want more African experiences? Visit the incredible Victoria Falls in my waterfalls virtual tour post, or bungee jump off a nearby bridge in crazy virtual tours ! Then take a safari in the wildlife virtual tours .

I KNOW that South America has epic landscapes everywhere . I just had a hard time finding good interactive virtual tours of them.

But here’s a beauty: Lencois Maranhenses National Park virtual tour from AirPano. In the equatorial part of Brazil lies this fascinating landscape that I didn’t even know existed. A mix of seasonal fresh water lagoons, salt marshes, and tall, wave-like white sand dunes. 

Tip: The best time to visit the warm lagoons of the Lencois Maranhenses National Park is July to early September.

Looking for more of South America? Visit the stunning Angel Falls and Iguazu falls in virtual tours of waterfalls . Then, experience Machu Picchu in virtual tours of historic sites and the Galapagos in wildlife virtual tours !

So, of this whopping 23 best virtual tours of national parks around the world, which ones make your best-of list? Which of these most beautiful places to visit around the world are you eager to experience for yourself?

Here are other posts you may be interested in: 15 virtual tours of famous HISTORIC SITES 13 virtual tours of amazing WATERFALLS around the world 17 inspiring virtual tours of CITIES

If your next dream destination isn’t on this list of best virtual tours of national parks, here are three fantastic resources to check out:

• Google Earth is quite a fantastic resource. Search Canadian National Parks or National Parks of the United States , and you’ll get a photo legend of a bunch of them. Here’s a list of virtual tours for the most loved national parks in the USA .
• Google Arts & Culture: Places has a ton of other virtual tours for you to explore. Many historic sites can be toured with Google Maps Street View, but not all with audio or information icons.
• AirPano has tons of virtual tours of the most beautiful places to visit around the world. These include 360-degree photos and HD videos to enjoy on your YouTube app or with your VR headset. 

Interested in getting a VR headset? If you’re into gaming or want a good one, reviewers praise the Oculus brand . Otherwise, you CAN get a cheap VR headset. Just check out Google Cardboard !

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Feature photo credit (Yosemite National Park): Connor McSheffrey from Unsplash.

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How to Visit a National Park Without Actually Visiting a National Park

Get your fill of the sights and sounds of u.s. national parks even when you’re stuck at home because of coronavirus..

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Take a virtual tour of Alaska’s Kenai Fjords with Google Arts & Culture.

Photo by Sekar B/Shutterstock

Now is the time to stay at home to help “ flatten the curve ” of the coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak spread, but that doesn’t mean you have to have to give up the great outdoors entirely. There are real cognitive benefits to interacting with the natural world , which is why most shelter-in-place orders make exceptions for safe, socially distant outdoor recreation . Of course, for many of us, a stroll around the neighborhood just won’t scratch that nature itch like an invigorating hike in the Great Smokies or Rocky Mountain National Park would.

But as more and more parks close temporarily because of the coronavirus pandemic, we’re going to have to put our national park camping trips and weekend getaways on hold.

Instead, lace up your virtual hiking boots and get your national park fix online. You can actually reap many of the mental health benefits of nature simply by looking at pictures of it . And with virtual tours, webcams, sound recordings, and multimedia experiences, you can fill your living room with the sights and sounds of the national parks , recreating some incredible park experiences without ever leaving home. Here’s how:

Google Earth offers virtual tours of 113 national park sites, including Wupatki National Monument in Arizona.

Photo by Nate Loper/Shutterstock

Take a 360-degree virtual tour

Google Arts & Culture teamed up with the National Park Service to create free, immersive, guided tours through five national parks. The series, The Hidden Worlds of the National Parks , was released in 2016 in honor of the National Park System’s (NPS) centennial celebration and focuses on lesser-known sites, including the Kenai Fjords in Alaska, Hawaii Volcanoes National Park , Carlsbad Caverns in New Mexico, Utah’s Bryce Canyon , and Dry Tortugas in Florida.

Each tour features 360-degree photos of different spots in each park with short, one- to two-minute narrations from park rangers. Virtual travelers can spin around to view the area as the rangers relate facts about the flora and fauna and the park history, then they can click on an icon to hop to a different section of the park. Certain spots in each park also include extra 360-degree video experiences, such as a helicopter flyover at Hawaii Volcanoes, a horseback ride through Bryce Canyon’s hoodoos, and snorkeling in the coral reefs of Dry Tortugas.

Click through Google Earth tours

Google has also created 360-degree Google Earth tours of 113 national parks sites , including 31 parks and a number of monuments, historic sites, and seashores. Some of these are popular sites you may have visited or dream of visiting, such as Mount Rushmore or Alcatraz ; others you may never have heard of, including Florissant Fossil Beds in Colorado or Wupatki National Monument in Arizona. These tours don’t include recorded narration, but like other Google Earth experiences, you could spend hours—days even!—clicking your way along pathways and spinning around to get full views of the park scenery at the Grand Canyon , Yellowstone National Park , Craters of the Moon National Monument , Canyon de Chelly , Point Reyes National Seashore , Ellis Island , and more.

Get a bird’s-eye view of an eagle nest like this one with a webcam in Channel Islands National Park.

Photo by Paul Reeves/Shutterstock

Watch a live webcam

You may not be able to visit Yellowstone, but you can watch Old Faithful erupt from the comfort of your couch. These days, many national parks have webcams set up so that far-flung park lovers can enjoy the views. Some even capture sights that you might never see otherwise, such as the Brooks Falls brown bear webcam in Alaska’s Katmai National Park—at times, we’ve seen around a dozen bears gathering to fish salmon out of the stream! Take in the New York skyline from the Statue of Liberty , admire the cherry blossoms at the National Mall , watch water cascade over Yosemite Falls , spot fish darting in and out of swaying kelp on the Channel Islands National Park ocean webcam , or peek at a bald eagle’s nest .

Listen to nature sounds

Level up your virtual national park experience with soundscapes recorded at some of the NPS sites. You can turn these tunes on while you’re clicking through a virtual tour, or keep them on in the background to create a “work from a park” experience. (Trust us, it makes an overloaded inbox seem so much more manageable.) The National Park Service’s Natural Sounds and Night Skies Division maintains a library of park sounds , which includes bird sounds, animal calls, and different natural and wildlife soundscapes. Unfortunately, they’re not curated into a playlist, so you’ll have to click individual tracks to external links to listen to them. But for a quick and easy sample, check out PARKTRACKS , a 12-minute mix that features chirping birds, elk calls, advancing rain, coyote howls, and cicadas singing.

It’s also worth checking out this NPS article about natural sounds recordist Jacob Job’s experience recording five parks for Colorado State University’s Listening Lab . It includes links to recordings he made at each spot, like the dawn chorus at Hawaii Volcanoes National Park, screech owls clacking beaks at Sequoia National Park, and coyotes at the rising sun in Yellowstone.

Learn about the science of Upper Geyser Basin in Yellowstone with the park’s story map.

Photo by Cheryl Ramalho/Shutterstock

Explore interactive multimedia tours

If virtual tours don’t dive deep enough for you, you may be more satisfied with the topic-specific multimedia tours created by a number of national parks. Through new and historic photos, maps, and blurbs, these interactive tours explore a single place or topic in a national park, such as the Angels Landing hike in Zion or archaeology in the Grand Canyon . Take an “e-cruise” around Acadia National Park , “climb” the Grand Tetons , or wander through Upper Geyser Basin at Yellowstone National Park.

There is no index of all the NPS multimedia tours, which the organization generally refers to as either virtual tours or sometimes story maps. (Note that occasionally, a “virtual tour” may simply be an in-depth article about a place, like this one about Fort Yellowstone, rather than an interactive experience.) But much in the same way that a great hike or viewpoint is better when you find it yourself, part of the fun of these tours is stumbling on them while exploring individual park websites.

Photos in the National Parks Conservation Association’s new book offer fresh perspectives on favorite places.

Photo by Art Wolfe

Get lost in a photo book

One of the great advantages of visiting a national park is that it often allows you (or forces you, depending on cell reception) to unplug. Recapture that feeling by shutting down the virtual tours and cracking open in a nature-focused book. Last fall, the National Parks Conservation Association (NPCA) released a gorgeous photo book in honor of its centennial anniversary (the NPCA was founded the year after the NPS).

National Parks Conservation Association: A Century of Impact is a mix of landscape photography and multi-page spreads that pair historical images with the untold histories of people, who, over the years and across the country, have stood up to help protect places like Glacier National Park and Stonewall National Monument. Learn about Mary Stoneman Douglas, the journalist and champion of the Everglades who, in the 1960s, actively fought encroachment of business into what she called a “river of grass.” Or Minerva Hoyt, the Southern belle who founded the International Deserts Conservation League and worked to establish Joshua Tree National Monument in 1936. (It is now a national park.)

Because many shipping services, including Amazon, are experiencing delays due to the coronavirus pandemic, don’t expect to opt for two-day shipping on this one, but for true park nerds and history buffs, this beauty is worth the wait.

Buy now: $32, amazon.com ; $50, barnesandnoble.com

Products we write about are independently vetted and recommended by our editors. We may earn a commission if you buy through our links.

>> Next: 10 Virtual Travel Ideas That Will Transport You to Another Place

17 national parks you can take virtual tours to

Recently updated on May 1st, 2020 at 05:38 pm

Bored of lockdown strolls at your local park? Why not take it up a notch by hiking to Everest, scaling El Capitan, or walking the sand dunes of Namibia, the glaciers Patagonia and the trails of the Grand Canyon? With dozens of the world’s best national parks offering interactive tours online, you can now go exploring in your pyjamas! Here are our top 17 national parks you can discover with a virtual tour.

1. Los Glaciares National Park, Argentinian Patagonia

If you’re looking for incredible wilderness, it’s got to be Patagonia. The region stretches over Chile and Argentina and is filled with natural wonders, like the Perito Moreno Glacier of Los Glaciares National Park in Argentina. Covering 250 km2, it’s big – and getting bigger !

Check out these interactive images on 360cities to get an insight into the sheer scale and dazzling blue of the glacier. Then watch this immersive video of the landscapes beyond the glacier with beautiful rivers, rainbows and a pack of guanacos. 

RELATED CONTENT: These are the places our Trafalgar team are dreaming of visiting right now

2. Grand Canyon National Park, USA

At 445,000 kilometres in length, 1,857 metres deep, and with rocks dating back around two billion years ago, it’s easy to see how the Grand Canyon got its name. You can hike along the Bright Angel Trail along the Colorado River to the South Rim all from your home with Google Street View Trek .

Explore even more with Google Earth view where you can see iconic sights like Angels Window or Wontons Throne. If you’re after a bird’s eye view, head to AirPano , a VR project offering 360-degree images of the beautiful Red Rocks.

3. Sagarmatha National Park, Nepal

Few people can say they’ve scaled Mount Everest, the world’s highest peak, but now you virtually can when you visit Sagarmatha National Park, all from the comfort of your lounge. Go e-exploring at an altitude of 5,380 metres, with interactive 360-degree views of Everest’s south base camp in Nepal.

You can see the towering 8,848-metre summit and more of the Himalayas with this interactive map and if you click on the human-shaped icon, you can explore more of the mountain range below. Click on the blue dots for close-up views of mountain villages, colourful prayer flags, and the stunning Imja River. You can also get a bird’s eye view of the base camp and river with the 360-degree images at AirPano .

4. Abisko National Park, Sweden

Seeing the aurora borealis, or the Northern Lights, is on almost everyone’s travel bucket list. These mystical lights can only be seen in countries at high northern latitudes, like Canada, Iceland, Russia and Scandinavia. But you don’t have to travel too far to catch them.

Head to the Norwegian Lights over Lapland project for a five-minute journey through a 360-degree video. You’ll start in Abisko National Park in Sweden and travel through Arctic birch forest and Lake Torneträsk on a reindeer sleigh, before stopping at a wooden Sami hut near Mount Nuolja. You’ll then watch an amazing time-lapse video of the dancing green streaks and arcs of the Northern Lights.

5. Kenai Fjords National Park, USA

Take a virtual tour through the beautiful fjords, icebergs and glaciers of Kenai Fjords National Park in Alaska. It’s got to be one of the most beautiful places on earth and luckily for us, they’ve taken their national park online. Dive through an icy crevasse, kayak past glittering icebergs and marvel at the sweeping views of the fjords. You can even see how a glacier melts and learn about the effects of climate change on this region. 

For more Alaskan viewing, check out the Nationals Parks service virtual tour of Denali National Park or visit Denali through Google Earth . The park covers six million acres of wilderness, including the spectacular Savage River and Mount McKinley, the highest peak in North America.

RELATED CONTENT: 47 ways you can keep your love of travel alive without leaving the house

6. Namib-Naukluft National Park, Namibia

Namib-Naukluft National Park in Namibia is home to the famous red sand dunes of the Namib. It’s the oldest desert in the world, dating back 80 million years ago. It’s also one of the most remote places on earth, but you’ll have it all in the palm of your hands with these interactive 360-degree images by AirPano . You’ll see some of the largest dunes in the iconic Sossusvlei area, including Dune 7 at 338 metres, Big Daddy at 325 metres and Big Mamma at 198 metres. Don’t forget to check out the spectacular Deadvlei and a starlit sky showing the Milky Way. Simply stunning!

7. Yosemite National Park, USA

Yosemite is one of the most famous and most beautiful national parks in the United States. It’s home to the Sierra Nevada mountains, gorgeous meadows, rushing rivers, magical forests, and the iconic El Capitan, a 900-metre tall vertical cliff face.

You can scale El Capitan with US climber Lynn Hill, the first person to free climb the route in 1993. Learn about the skills and techniques as you make your way to the top… just don’t look down! Once you’ve finished your climb, you can explore more of Yosemite with these 360-degree images . Don’t forget to check out Bridalveil Fall, Ahwahnee Meadow and Yosemite Falls!

8. Uluru-Kata Tjuta National Park, Australia

Uluru is the largest rock monolith in the world and you can take an interactive tour with 360-degree visuals and audio clips around this incredible place. You’ll hear the desert birdsong, discover important sites and listen to the traditional owners sharing stories and cultural knowledge. 

If you want to see more beautiful Australian terrain, check out these 360-degree views of Kakadu National Park . Cruise along Twin Falls gorge, take a virtual dip at Gunlom and marvel at the rock art of Ubirr.

9. Giants Causeway, Northern Ireland

The National Trust of the UK protects thousands of hectares of nature reserves and historic landscapes. You can explore some of the most iconic sights like the stunning Giant’s Causeway in Northern Ireland. Take this virtual tour to see more than 40,000 geometric, interlocking basalt columns.

Legend says they were made by giants as a stairway to Scotland, while scientists believe they were formed by lava flowing into the sea 60 million years ago. However they originated, you’ll marvel at views from Aird Snout Headland and the bay of Port Noffer. You can even get a bird’s eye view of the Carrick A Rede trail with these incredible images from AirPano .

RELATED CONTENT: How it was formed, and other fascinating Giant’s Causeway facts

10. Zhangjiajie National Forest Park, China

One of China’s most famous national parks can now be visited online. You’ll likely recognise this one from James Cameron’s Avatar film as the mystical quartz-sandstone pillars were used as inspiration for the floating peaks of the Hallelujah Mountains. We’re sure you’ll be equally inspired as you fly around the soaring columns on this interactive video tour and marvel at these beautiful 360-degree images from the sky . You can also explore the park’s ancient temple from 870AD and the Bailong glass elevator, the world’s longest and highest glass bridge, through these 360-degree images .

11. Hawai’i Volcanoes National Park, USA

Ever wanted to see an active volcano? Now you can, since the Hawai’i’ Volcanoes National Park is now online with this virtual tour . Fly over an active volcano, marvel at the volcanic coastal cliffs, and see the effects of a 1959 volcanic eruption. You can even take a look at the Nāhuku Lava Tube, a cave which drains lava during a volcanic eruption.

12. Phong Nha-Ke Bang National Park, Vietnam

Online national parks tours don’t get much better than this. You can virtually wander through Hang Sơn Đoòng, the world’s largest cave located in Vietnam’s Phong Nha-Ke Bang National Park. It was first explored by scientists in 2009 after it was discovered by a local man in 1991.

National Geographic created the Sơn Đoòng 360 project to preserve the cave before it potentially becomes overrun with tourism development. You can see it in all its glory with this trek, complete with 360-degree images and atmospheric sound effects. Pass the 70-metre tall Hand of Dog stalagmite and stroll through huge sinkhole jungles. Don’t forget to zoom in on the cave to spot hidden plants and animals.

13. Yellowstone National Park, USA

Lace up your virtual walking boots and get your US national park fix online with this virtual tour of Yellowstone. Not only does the park have the title of the first national park in the world (established on 1 March 1872), but it’s also home to some of the world’s greatest natural wonders. If you’re lucky, you’ll even spot the iconic eruption of the Old Faithful geyser.

RELATED CONTENT: That longing for the great outdoors you’re feeling right now has a name – it’s called ‘fernweh’

14. Stonehenge Landscape, England

The Stonehenge World Heritage Site has mystified people for decades and is a protected archaeological site under the National Trust. You can scratch your head in amazement and learn more about the secrets of Stonehenge with this interactive tour . There’s also Google Street Views , where you’ll get a 360-degree look inside the famous stone circle.

15. Dry Tortugas National Park, USA

You can travel underwater in a national park online! This virtual tour of Dry Tortugas National Park takes you off the coast of Florida and you’ll get to explore protected beaches and 19th-century Fort Jefferson. Watch for sea turtles at Loggerhead Key and explore the wreck of Windjammer near Loggerhead Reef. You can even virtually swim through the third-largest coral reef in the world. Who says you can’t get tropical when on lockdown?

16. Kilimanjaro National Park, Tanzania

Did you know you can conquer the highest peak in Africa without even breaking a sweat? Head to Google Street View to get all the spectacular views from the top of Mount Kilimanjaro in Tanzania. 

While you’re there, you can scale other massive mountains, like Aconcagua, the highest peak in the Americas. There’s also Mount Elbrus, the highest peak in Europe. This virtual tour of Elbrus in Russia’s Prielbrusye National Park will have you feeling like you’re actually on top of this snowy mountain!

17. Crater Lake National Park, USA

You’ll find the deepest lake in the US at Crater Lake National Park and you can do it all online. This video tour was produced by the National Park Foundation and National Park Service. It features 360-degree views over the massive Crater Lake, the sunrise over Garfield Peak and Phantom Ship, an ancient rock formation. 

Have you visited any national parks online? Let us know in the comments below!

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48 National Monuments & National Park Virtual Tours

The next best thing when you can't get to your favorite National Parks in person is to take in one of the National Park Virtual Tours ! These include several of the National Park sites as well. Check out the list below. 

One of my kids, favorite things to do when we visit National Parks and National Park Sites is to get their junior rangers badges. Since you may not be able to do that in some Parks now make sure you check out these Online Junior Ranger Programs . You do the work at home and send it in and they send you your badge! 

When Parks start to open again and you get in there to really look around don't forget to visit the Ranger Station so any kids traveling can get their National Park Passport stamped .

Related:  The Ultimate Guide to The National Park Service Junior Ranger Program

Thanks to Corrine and her Mom, Michelle for the amazing email sent to me. Corrine's Girl Scout Troop was earning their Arts and Culture Fun Patch and use this article to do activities required to earn the patch. Michelle and Corrine worked hard and even found a few more sites for Vitrual Tours. Here is what they found: This one takes you on a virtual trip through the US and each state , and lists a historical landmark, museum or zoo you can check out. This one is world wide and has tons of aquariums, zoos, parks and live cams for animals, plus famous world building and landmarks to enjoy. Thanks Corrine and Michelle!  

48 National Monuments & National Park Virtual Tours

Kenai Fjords National Park, Alaska

This National Park has over 40 glaciers and this virtual tour lets you explore them in the Alaskan wilderness. 

Hawai’i Volcanoes National Park, Hawaii

This National Park is all about the volcano and you can watch the flowing lava from your couch. 

Related:  Planning a Trip to Hawaii on a Budget 101

Carlsbad Caverns National Park, New Mexico

This National Park is in the Chihuahuan Desert of southern New Mexico and is known for its over 100 caves. Tour the caves on this tour. 

Bryce Canyon National Park, Utah

Known for its red and orange desert landscape and this tour is centered around the famous Sunset Point and takes in the night sky. Plus you can get close to their rock formations. 

Dry Tortugas National Park, Florida

This park is one of the harder to get to ones being 70 miles off the coast of Key West. So being able to tours this Civil War-era fort from home is huge! It also has the world's 3rd largest coral reef right off its shore. 

Now let's head to the National Park Service Site they have a lot more on there than you might think! They are most famous for their Yellowstone 

• Yellowstone National Park

Yellowstone now has several virtual tours of the famous area of the park including geysers, the mud volcano, mammoth hot springs , the grand canyon of Yellowstone, the fountain paint pots, and Fort Yellowstone. 

Related:  6 Must-Know Yellowstone National Park Vacation Hacks

The National Park Service also has over  4600 Videos Taken in the National Parks on their website. There are many animal encounters and there are some of the programs held in the part too. Some are just small tours. 

Now let's take a look at the tours the National Park Service has on their website!

Klondike Gold Rush National Historical Park Alaska – Tour several of the museum building on this historic park. 

Kobuk Valley National Park – Located in Alsaka you can see the park and the visitor center. 

Related:  23 Free Things to do in Anchorage Alaska

Bandelier National Monument New Mexico – There are 4 tours along the popular hiking paths. 

President Lincoln Home National Historic Site – Tour President Lincoln's 1839 home has been open to the public since 1887.

Grand Teton National Park – They offer several what they call eHikes, including the top of the Grand Teton. 

Related: Must-See Grand Tetons National Park Scenic Drives

Monocacy National Battlefield Maryland – Tour the Worthington House on the property. 

Gettysburg National Military Park – I love how they mix in history here including Lincoln's Gettysburg Address. 

Related:  6 Free Things to do in Gettysburg Pa – These are a Must See!

John Fitzgerald Kennedy National Historic Site Massachusetts – Tour the birthplace of president JFK located in Boston.  

Statue of Liberty National Monument  – Tour one of the most popular landmarks in the country! 

Related:  The Ultimate 5 Day Itinerary of New York City Things To Do

Wupatki National Monument Arizona – Tour several areas of the park not open to the public! 

Related:  11 Must-See Stops on Route 66 Arizona Stops

Google Earth has 32 tours of National parks you can check out. See the Google Earth National Parks

Here are the parks listed

• Acadia National Park
• Arches National Park
• Badlands National Park
• Big Bend National Park
• Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park
• Bruce Canyon National Park
• Canyonlands National Park
• Channel Islands National Park
• Cuyahoga Valley National Park
• Death Valley National Park
• Denali National Park
• Dry Tortugas National Park
• Everglades National Park
• Glacier National Park
• Grand Canyon National Park
• Grand Teton National Park
• Great Smoky Mountain National Park
• Guadalupe Mountains National Park
• Joshua Tree National Park
• Mesa Verde National Park
• Mount Rainier National Park
• Olympic National Park
• Redwood National and State Parks
• Rocky Mountain National Park
• Sequoia National Park
• Shenandoah National Park
• Virgin Islands National Park
• Wind Cave National Park
• Yosemite National Park
• Zion National Par

Which of the National Park Virtual Tours are you excited to do? I'm heading over to the Volcano National Park one in Hawaii now! 

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Virtual national park tours and field trips

by Kirsten Queen | Jan 18, 2021

In the United States, there are 62 national parks, but the entire National Park System has over 400 national park sites, including battlefields, historical sites, memorials, and monuments. The best part? You can tour many of these national parks virtually. Learn how to take a virtual tour and explore the national parks with our guide.

What is a virtual national park tour?

A virtual tour allows you to go almost anywhere in the world – right from your laptop, desktop, smartphone, or tablet. You can explore glaciers from the cozy comfort of your house. Or peek into a volcano without getting your eyebrows singed. While a virtual tour isn’t the same as being at a national park in person, it’s a great alternative. Virtual tours allow you to visit amazing places while travel is limited.

Virtual tours come in many different forms. Some may include photos and maps , while others can be fully interactive, including audio, video, and panoramic views you can click through, allowing you to explore and experience the sights and sounds. Many of these tours include unique facts about these pristine areas of wilderness and the animals that live there.

How to go on a virtual national park tour

The first place to start is on the National Park Service website , the ultimate resource on all national parks. From activities specifically for kids, to 360-degree tours, the website offers a virtual experience for the whole family.

• Explore virtual events , including live virtual tours. The calendar also includes virtual lectures and other events that you can tune into to celebrate culture and history.
• Watch a webcam . You can see live views of your favorite national parks, and depending on the season, other special webcams, like live footage of new sled dog puppies in Denali National Park, or watch Old Faithful erupt in Yellowstone National Park.
• Check out a 360-degree video of Channel Islands National Park or Crater Lake National Park . Bonus: you get to explore these areas with two celebrities!
• If you want something more kid-friendly, visit Grand Canyon National Park and Gateway National Recreation Area with Elmo and friends.

Beyond the wealth of virtual content the National Park Service has, you can also check out Google Arts and Culture’s The Hidden Worlds of National Parks . This site offers 360-degree views of your favorite National Parks using the familiar Google Maps functionality which allows you to click through the park to explore. In addition, the project also includes five in-depth and interactive virtual tours of national parks across the country, including Hawai’i Volcanos National Park and Carlsbad Canyons National Park. These tours include narration and teaching from real park rangers and helps you experience the parks through sight, sound, and history.

You can also immerse yourself in a national park with a virtual reality (VR) experience. Gala360 allows you to explore national parks using a VR headset through pictures taken by professional photographers and music to enhance the experience.

Even though many of us are staying at home right now, there are still ways to explore and learn. Whether you’re taking the kids on a virtual field trip, or want to do a little adventuring on your own, your whole family can virtually experience the arts, culture, and wonder this world has to offer with just an internet connection.

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How To Visit Glacier Virtually

Apr 10, 2020 | Activity , General

Even though the park is closed, we hope you can still enjoy the outdoors safely and responsibly right now. Maybe you’re self-isolating, but dreaming of your next epic outdoor adventure. No matter what, we’re here to support you with virtual resources to help you explore Glacier National Park.

If there is anything else we can do for you during these uncertain times, please let us know! Join the conversation with us on social media or reach out to us directly at [email protected].

Zoom Backgrounds

Whether you’re working from home, attending online yoga classes or planning your next trip to Glacier with friends, you can still virtually meet in Glacier. Take yourself to Logan Pass, St. Mary or along the path of a grizzly bear with a Glacier Zoom background .

Go On A Virtual Tour

Even though we’re all social distancing now, you can still visit our national parks virtually from home via Google Earth . Google has created 360-degree tours of over 100 national park sites, including Glacier National Park. Please remember travel is not advised at this time, but we hope this will inspire you for future adventures.

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This Virtual Tour of Hawai'i Volcanoes National Park Will Make You Feel Like You're on an Epic Island Hike

You deserve a virtual trip to Hawaii.

While you may not be able to hop on a plane to Hawaii right now you can still pay the islands a visit right from your couch.

The National Parks Service did us all a favor a few years ago by recording several truly stunning virtual experiences in spaces across the nation . The tours, each guided by an expert ranger, bring people inside and through some of America’s most treasured and unique places. And that includes this intimate tour of Hawai’i Volcanoes National Park .

“Explore the land shaped by the world’s most active volcano,” the narrator begins, before introducing park ranger Andrea Kaawaloa-Okita, who grew up just down the street from the park.

“Compared to the rest of the planet, Hawaii is very young,” Kaawaloa-Okita says. “It’s constantly changing and still growing.”

Upon starting the virtual tour, guests are transported to the park’s entrance, where Kaawaloa-Okita explains its “vibrant ecosystem” that comes with many native plants, birds, insects, “many of which can’t be found anywhere else in the world.”

Then, virtual visitors can enter right into the volcano’s incredible lava tubes.

Kaawaloa-Okita explains inside, that “lava tubes are like the veins of a volcano, transporting lava from the heart of an eruption.”

She adds, “what does lava do when it runs out of land? It starts becoming it.”

Visitors can then use their mouse to explore the gorgeous cave structure, simply clicking around to see it all as if they were right there with Kaawaloa-Okita.

From the caves, visitors head out to the coastal cliffs, where Kaawaloa-Okita explains, “over 500 new acres of land has been added to the island in the last 30 years alone.” She adds, “With new land comes new life,” explaining birds have already begun to nest in the cliffs, laying their eggs and raising their young right there.

Finally, the tour heads to a spectacular area to view the park’s active volcano. But, we don’t want to give it all away, so you’ll have to just go take the tour for yourself and feel what it’s like to stand next to Mother Nature’s newest creations.

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National Museum of Natural History Virtual Tours

Access the tours.

The Smithsonian National Museum of Natural History virtual tours allow visitors to take self-guided, room-by-room tours of select exhibits and areas within the museum from their desktop or mobile device. Visitors can also access select collections and research areas at our satellite support and research stations as well as past exhibits no longer on display.

Virtual Tour Tips

• To navigate between adjoining rooms in the tours, click on the blue arrow links on the floor or use the navigation map in the upper right of the presentation screen.
• Look for the camera icon which gives you a close-up view of a particular object or exhibit panel.
• Try zooming in as some of the images are stitched together from individual pictures in order to create very high resolution gigapixel images.

Please note: This tour and these presentations have been tested and should work on all common devices, browsers, and operating systems (using a desktop computer with Windows, Mac, Linux or a mobile device such as an iPhone, iPad, or Android). Functionality and appearance may vary as it will adjust automatically to accommodate the most visitors. While the virtual tour has no advertising, ad blocking software or browser settings that block JavaScript and/or XML may interfere with the functionality of the virtual tour. Please let us know what you think of the tour and how the experience can be improved. Send your feedback to the NMNH Web Team .

Site Credit: Imagery and coding by Loren Ybarrondo

Equipment Used: Professional Nikon digital single-lens reflex (DSLR) camera bodies and lenses. The photography is typically done using rectilinear lenses with minimized distortion and shooting equirectangular panoramas at 22K pixels on the long side.

Software Used: No authoring software is used. The tours are hand-coded in HTML5 and JavaScript using the krpano graphics library.

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Step inside a gallery from home, the art of color, explore artworks from around the world, discover kandinsky's work in a virtual gallery, from africa to japan, explore contemporary art the jean pigozzi collection, meet vermeer, all of the artist’s paintings together for the first time, life in miniature, see indian miniatures up close, brushes with the world, an art tour of the world in sound, j. paul getty museum, discover european paintings at home, explore klimt's masterpieces, a never-before-seen gallery of the artist's works, celebrate art nouveau day..., with art nouveau lamps, learn with the museum of applied arts, budapest, recommended for you, discover popular artworks and hidden gems from around the world, el pensador, versión a partir de la escultura de auguste rodin, the thinker, by same artist, visually similar work, auguste rodin: 11 works, related story, rodin's adam, from related movement, view of the bay with sailboat, depicts same location, banks of the seine at argenteuil, depicts similar person, electrifying art, pick a glowing neon artwork to discover, james turrell, museum of fine arts houston, alfredo jaar, kochi-muziris biennale, jae eun choi, durham university, jerzy fedorowicz, u-jazdowski, iván navarro, borusan contemporary, lucio fontana, pirelli hangarbicocca, zoulikha bouabdellah, barjeel art foundation, diego esposito, tatsuo miyajima, meiji jingu forest, bruce nauman, venice biennale, find your new favorite artwork, discover new works through familiar masterpieces, you know vermeer's iconic pearl earring..., in 'girl with a pearl earring' from mauritshuis, ...but what about james denmark's hoop earring, explore 'untitled' from the harvey b. gantt center for african-american arts+culture, discover artists around the world, find your new favorite, bharti kher, artemisia gentileschi, lee krasner, zanele muholi, charles sebree, octavio medellin, manabu mabe.

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With augmented reality, discover indian miniatures, see the tiny works up close, inside the jean pigozzi collection, art from africa to japan, getty museum: immersive experience, discover paintings from los angeles' iconic collection, discover the art of color, see artworks from around the world, enjoy an audio art tour, where sound and art come together, enter a kandinsky exhibition, view the artist's work in a virtual gallery.

Abstract shapes

In contrast to the soft, biomorphic shapes in many of Krasner's earlier paintings, a number of hard-edged abstract forms can be found in this later work.

Brimming with color

The work is filled with three main colors – kelly green, carmine red, and a fuchsia pink.

Geometric forms

The geometric forms used in Krasner's ‘Primary Series’ can be seen in this work, described by the art historian Cindy Nemser as ‘expansive yet contained … stately [and] slow-moving’.

Cracks and scratches

If you get right up close to 'Palingenesis', you can start to see the cracks and scratches in the paint.

Palingenesis, Lee Krasner, 1971

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Metropolitan Mexico

Beloff was a Russian painter who lived and worked in Mexico City for most of her life. Here, she has painted one of the city's busiest streets, bustling with cars and people.

Parked by the park

The trees in Alameda Central, the city's oldest public park, are visible to the left of the picture, contrasting with the lines of parked cars nearby.

Coexisting in the city

The work reflects the liveliness of the area, with the dozens of passersby coexisting with the cars and the tram.

Hidalgo Avenue, Angelina Beloff, 1949

National Parks around the world

From the dinosaur national monument to alcatraz island, dinosaur national monument, national park service, united states, adams national historical park, stonewall national monument, alcatraz island, part of golden gate national recreation area, national park service, museum spotlight, the national museum, new delhi in its majestic building on the corner of janpath and maulana azad road is the prime museum in india., 248 years ago today, john constable was born, john constable ra was an english landscape painter in the romantic tradition. born in suffolk, he is known principally for revolutionising the genre of landscape painting with his pictures of dedham vale, the area surrounding his home – now known as "constable country" – which he invested with an intensity of affection. "i should paint my own places best", he wrote to his friend john fisher in 1821, "painting is but another word for feeling". constable's most famous paintings include wivenhoe park, dedham vale and the hay wain. although his paintings are now among the most popular and valuable in british art, he was never financially successful. he became a member of the establishment after he was elected to the royal academy at the age of 52. his work was embraced in france, where he sold more than in his native england and inspired the barbizon school., follow us on instagram, keep up with the latest from arts and culture, explore in high definition, the details you might have missed, keep exploring..., dive into culture from around the world, exploring the maya world, a journey into the past, meet the people of kenya, from the cradle of mankind, wonders of pakistan, discover the cultural treasures, wayang shadow puppets, style, epic stories, and surprises, cuban arts & culture, artworks, archives, and stories, a century of polish art, the inspirations and impact of artists, meet lee ungno, a new look at the pioneering artist, journey around mexico, unique landscapes and ancient heritage.

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40 Amazing Educational Virtual Field Trips

No permission slips needed.

Virtual field trips are a game changer. Not only do they fill in for real field trips when budgets and other roadblocks prevent in-person options, but virtual field trips also open doors to educational experiences all over the country and the world, both past and present. No fundraising or permission slips required!

(Note: For anyone who needs it, YouTube offers a closed-captioning option. Just click the CC button in the bottom right-hand corner.)

1. Amazon Career Tours

Amazon Career Tours are free virtual field trips that inspire students to pursue careers of the future. Tour whenever, wherever on Kahoot! Each tour comes with a Teacher Toolkit that includes a facilitation guide and student worksheets.

• (New!) Amazon Music: Careers Behind the Beats : From studio to streaming, check out how computer science and amazing professionals make listening to your favorite songs possible.
• Amazon Fulfillment Center Tour : Explore how packages get delivered at lightning speed and how computer science, engineering, and real people work together to make the magic happen. 
• Data Center Tour 1: Uncovering Cloud Computing : Do students know what “the cloud” actually is? Find out how we went from renting movies at the store to streaming them from anywhere at any time.
• Data Center Tour 2: Keeping Data Safe and Sustainable : Discover the infrastructure that keeps your information safe and sustainable while diving into data careers of the future.
• Space Innovation Tour : Students will learn about the amazing technology on board the Orion spacecraft in NASA’s Artemis I flight test and hear from the engineers who made it all possible.

There are so many amazing online options when it comes to zoos that we couldn’t narrow it down to just one. Most zoos have live webcams in some of their most popular exhibits, such as the KC Zoo Polar Bear Cam and the Giant Panda Cam at Smithsonian’s National Zoo . However, some zoos offer a more in-depth look. You’ll definitely want to check out the San Diego Zoo as their site for kids includes behind-the-scenes videos and stories, as well as a variety of printable activities and online games. Check out our full list of virtual zoo goodness.

3. The Aquarium

It’s a similar story with aquariums. You have your pick of live webcams, but our favorites are the Georgia Aquarium’s Ocean Voyager webcam (wait for the whale shark!) and the “Jelly Cam” at Monterey Bay Aquarium (so soothing). The Seattle Aquarium even has a 30-minute video tour . Want more under-the-sea fun? Here’s our ultimate list of virtual aquarium field trips.

4. The Farm

The classic preschool field trip goes online! You can have your pick of dairy farm field trips, but we like this one from the Dairy Alliance  and this one from Stonyfield Organic . Farm Food 360 gives students the opportunity to immerse themselves in Canadian farm and food tours—from raising pigs to making milk and cheese. We’re also loving these virtual egg farm field trips from the American Egg Board.

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5. An Art Museum

We found 20 art museums with virtual tours , including the Metropolitan Museum of Art’s # MetKids and its awesome Where’s Waldo? setup. And you can’t miss the world-famous Louvre in Paris (no passport needed!). Check out the current virtual tours: Traveling Materials and Objects, the Advent of the Artist, the Body in Movement, and Founding Myths: From Hercules to Darth Vader!

6. A National Park

From webcams at Hawaii volcanoes to a virtual run along the rim of the Grand Canyon , you have tons of options here. Our top pick would have to be Yellowstone. The interactive maps are a great way to see the Mammoth Hot Springs and Mud Volcano, but we think kids will be psyched about the Old Faithful Geyser livestream and the opportunity to make their own predictions for its next eruption . Check out everything the National Park Service has to offer virtually.

7. A Planetarium

Through Stellarium Web , kids can explore over 60,000 stars, locate planets, and watch sunrises and solar eclipses. If you enter your location, you can see all the constellations that are visible in the night sky in your corner of the world.

8. A Recycling Center

Take your students on a virtual field trip of a recycling center and a modern landfill . Plus, there’s a full-on curriculum that includes lesson plans, take-home handouts, and more.

9. Slime in Space

Nickelodeon teamed up with two astronauts on the International Space Station to demonstrate how slime reacts to microgravity and had kids reproduce those same demonstrations back here on Earth. It makes for an amazing 15-minute virtual field trip .

10. Nature Lab

The Nature Conservancy has a brand-new virtual field trip entitled “You’re the Scientist! Citizen Science, Frogs & Cicadas.” Check out their full library of videos on topics like climate change and water security.

11. Discovery Education

Discovery Education hosts a variety of virtual events —each with a companion guide with hands-on learning activities. Current offerings include “Making a New Life: The Courage of a Refugee” and “The Future Is Now” (architectural and engineering innovations). Stay tuned for their upcoming civics virtual field trip, “The American Ideal.”

12. The Great Lakes

This virtual field trip from Great Lakes Now has three components: coastal wetlands, algae, and lake sturgeon. Each video is a quick five minutes long.

13. The Strong National Museum of Play

Explore online exhibits and discover the history and evolution of play. Check out board games that changed play, sports video games that shaped digital play, and the making of Monopoly to name a few.

14. U.S. Census Bureau

Kids can learn about the most recent Census and how census data is collected and used. This virtual field trip also features interviews with subject matter experts and an interactive challenge.

15. National Constitution Center

The “Museum of We the People,” the Constitution Center serves as a “headquarters for civic education.” Check out the Interactive Constitution section , and be sure to watch the virtual tour .

16. The Johnson Space Center

Houston, we have a virtual field trip. Three, actually. All with companion educator guides. The star of the show is the behind-the-scenes tour of the Johnson Space Center .

17. Birthplace of Music

Boise State put together this fully interactive virtual field trip with text, photos, audio, and video about the history of music. The four featured music locations are: Vienna, Austria; New Orleans, Louisiana; Cleveland, Ohio; and Bristol, Tennessee-Virginia.

18. Colonial Williamsburg

This living-history museum provides a look into life in an early American community. The website offers five different webcams featuring areas such as the tavern and the armory.

19. Mount Vernon

This virtual experience of George Washington’s home is incredibly well done. Enter the different buildings—from the opulent mansion to the chilling slave quarters—and click on different items for video and text explanations.

20. Mount Rushmore

This virtual tour comes with a real tour guide! Blaine Kortemeyer is the Assistant Chief of Interpretation and Education, who lends his expertise on the building of this national monument. The 3D Explorer is also an excellent tool.

21. The Manhattan Project

Take a visit to the National WWII Museum for “a cross-country virtual expedition to discover the science, sites, and stories of the creation of the atomic bomb.” Don’t forget to download the classroom guide!

22. The White House

For a look inside the iconic building, check out the 360° tour of some of the most historic rooms of the People’s House, from the Situation Room to the Oval Office. Examine each room and check out the contents up close.

23. The Smithsonian

The National Museum of Natural History’s virtual experiences are self-guided, room-by-room tours of permanent, current, and past exhibits. Be sure to send kids to the second floor Bone Hall so they can take a look at all different kinds of skeletons.

24. Google Arts & Culture

A collaboration with over 1,200 leading museums and archives, Google Arts & Culture is an incredible storehouse of monumental works of art. We recommend the Street View and Play sections.

25. 360 Cities

Boasting the world’s largest collection of 360° image videos, 360 Cities provides kids with the opportunity to see stunning panoramas across the globe, including their video of the ice floe on the Vistula River in Poland.

26. Buckingham Palace

It’s the official residence of the Queen of England, and boy, is it opulent! Get a peek inside the gorgeous Grand Staircase, White Drawing Room, Throne Room, and Blue Drawing Room.

27. The Great Wall of China

See one of the wonders of the world with this amazing, thousands-year-old fortification system known the world over. This virtual tour has four scenes available (you have to pay to get access to all 14). The bird’s-eye view of Mutianyu pass is a highlight.

28. Easter Island

Most of us recognize the giant stone statues of Easter Island, but what’s the story behind them? Nova’s online adventure “Secrets of Easter Island” delves into the mystery with a virtual tour.

29. Son Doong Cave

National Geographic lets you explore the world’s largest cave, located in Vietnam. Use the interactive map to enjoy the fully immersive experience (sound on!).

30. Ancient Egypt

You don’t need a time machine! Discovering Ancient Egypt has a ton of free resources, but it’s the interactive pyramid map and 3D temple reconstructions that really give it a field trip feel.

31. Back Through Time

Virtually visit Turn Back the Clock , a museum exhibit that ran for two years at the Museum of Science and Industry, Chicago. Through compelling personal stories, innovative interactive media, and pop culture artifacts, the exhibit takes guests through seven decades of history—from the dawn of the nuclear age to significant policy questions our leaders face today.

No, really! You can absolutely “go” to the red planet. With Access Mars , you can see the actual surface of Mars, recorded by NASA’s Curiosity rover. Trust us—don’t skip the intro. And if your kids liked that, check out this 4K tour of the moon . These may go down in history as some of the best virtual field trips your students get to experience.

33. The Battleship New Jersey

Take a virtual tour of this historical battleship located on the Camden waterfront. This battleship has traveled more miles than any other!

34. The Vatican

No need to travel to Rome! Take in the amazing art and architecture located in the Vatican Museums with these 360-degree views.

35. Space Center Houston

Download the app and climb aboard the virtual tram line! Take a virtual walk through the Space Center Houston with informational stops along the way.

36. The Louvre

Virtually visit museum rooms in the famous Louvre located in Paris. Even check out The Louvre kids’ site for student-friendly galleries and stories. You can’t visit The Louvre without seeing the Mona Lisa , so check out their immersive Mona Lisa experience available in the app store.

37. Ellis Island

This interactive tour of Ellis Island lets students explore places like the Baggage Room and the Stairs of Separation through short stories, historical photographs, videos, and audio clips. Students can also hear the stories of real kids who recently immigrated to the United States, explore colorful charts and graphs with immigration data, and watch a 30-minute movie that includes a Q&A with National Park Service Rangers who explain what coming to America was like for many immigrants.

38. Plimoth Patuxet Museums

Travel back to the 17th century with options for free, on-demand, digital resources or a live, 1-hour virtual school program led by a Plimoth Patuxet Contemporary Indigenous Museum Educator. Students explore Wampanoag daily life and history; discover the real history of Thanksgiving and the legend behind it; meet a 17th-century Pilgrim; get an interactive sneak peak into 17th-century wardrobes; and learn about simple machines and water power at the Plimoth Grist Mill. There are also options for virtual hands-on history workshops, including Wampanoag Pottery and Write Like a Pilgrim.

39. Children’s Museum Houston

When you can’t visit the museum in person, 3D virtual field trips to the Children’s Museum Houston are the next best thing. All videos are produced and curated by museum educators and feature hands-on activities that can be done in the classroom. Topics include nutrition, math, states of matter, forces and properties of water, and more.

40. Museum of the American Revolution

Beyond the Battle Field is a virtual field trip for grades 2-8 hosted by Lauren Tarshis, author of the I Survived historical-fiction series for kids. Students will meet a museum educator as well as the museum curator, and explore artifacts and documents from the American Revolution. Plus they’ll hear the stories of teens who served during the war. There’s also a Classroom Kit available with a vocabulary list and discussion questions by grade level.

If you liked this roundup of the best virtual field trips and want more resources like this, be sure to  subscribe to our newsletters.

Plus, check out the best field trip ideas for every age and interest (virtual options too) ..

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