Visit national parks in your pajamas
Exploring the great outdoors has always been a cherished experience, offering an escape from the daily grind and a chance to reconnect with nature. For those who may not have the opportunity to visit in person, virtual tours of national parks provide an extraordinary alternative. These immersive experiences allow you to wander through breathtaking landscapes, discover diverse ecosystems, and admire the natural wonders of the world—all from the comfort of your home. Whether you’re dreaming of towering mountains, sprawling forests, or serene coastal views, virtual tour of national parks bring the beauty and tranquility of these spaces right to your fingertips.
No better time to revisit Google’s virtual mapping of America’s national parks, which launched a few years ago and offers exclusive access to areas, like the ancient caves of New Mexico’s Carlsbad Caverns, aerial views above the volcanoes of Hawaii and coral reefs of Dry Tortugas, Florida.
Led by park rangers and shot in stunning 360-degree videos, the virtual tour also takes viewers kayaking through glaciers of the Kenai Fjords in Alaska, horseback riding through a canyon and shipwreck diving in Florida.
Though the temptation may be strong to escape to national parks during the lockdown, many countries around the world have closed their gates in anticipation of too many households sharing the same idea and causing overcrowding.
Other wild and open spaces you can visit via Google when you have cabin fever include the breathtaking falls of Parque Nacional Iguazú in Argentina, and Quttinirpaaq National Park, Canada’s northernmost park.
Or you can go to:
Kenai Fjords National Park, Alaska
This virtual tour lets you explore glaciers, fjords, and icebergs located in the Alaskan wilderness. Descend into an icy crevasse, kayak through majestic icebergs, and even see how a glacier melts and the effects that climate change has on this frozen terrain. Kenai Fjords has over 40 glaciers in the Harding Icefield, according to the National Park Service website, and the tour begins with a peek into Exit Glacier, one of the only accessible glaciers by road within the national park.
Hawai’i Volcanoes National Park, Hawaii
One of the most popular national parks in Hawaii is now totally accessible online. This virtual tour lets you explore the Nahuku Lava Tube, which is a cave formed by flowing lava, which can drain lava from a volcano during an eruption. On the tour, you can also enjoy the stunning view from the volcanic coastal cliffs, “fly” over an active volcano, and see the effects of an eruption from 1959.
Carlsbad Caverns National Park, New Mexico
Located in the Chihuahuan Desert of southern New Mexico, this popular park has over 100 caves. On this virtual tour, you can take a walk through the fascinating caverns, view incredible rock formations, and even see thousands of bats that live in the cave system. You can even “experience” life as a bat thanks to this park’s impressive simulation.
Bryce Canyon National Park, Utah
The beautiful, red and orange hoodoos of this famous desert landscape are now on full display, even if you’re in your living room. This virtual tour centered on Sunset Point lets you enjoy the star-filled night sky from this Dark Sky certified national park, get up close and personal with the park’s unique rock formations, and even take a horseback ride through the canyon from the comfort of your own home.
Dry Tortugas National Park, Florida
This remote and severely underrated park is located 70 miles west of Key West, according to the National Park Service website. Thanks to this virtual tour, you no longer have to book a seaplane or boat to get there. Visit the Civil War-era Fort Jefferson, swim through the third-largest coral reef in the world, and even take an exploratory dive into a shipwreck from 1907.
Final thoughts about national parks virtual tour
Virtual tours of national parks offer an incredible opportunity to explore some of the world’s most stunning landscapes without leaving home. They’re perfect for nature lovers, curious minds, and anyone seeking a moment of peace and wonder. Whether you’re planning your next adventure or simply looking for a refreshing escape, these digital experiences bring the beauty of the outdoors closer than ever. So sit back, immerse yourself in the awe-inspiring vistas, and let these virtual journeys inspire your next visit to the great outdoors.
