All photos by Bryan Dearsley / LuxuryVirginia
Commissions may be earned from LuxuryUnitedState’s affiliate partners.
Just because you’re not jetsetting right now doesn’t mean you can’t still see the world from the comfort of tour living room or office (or wherever else you enjoy surfing the Internet!).
Thanks to the magic of technology, there are plenty of ways you can travel to your favourite museums, listen to your favourite musicians, or even visit your favorite attractions and landmarks, all with just the click of a mouse.
To help you get the most out of your ‘stay-at-home’ time, we’ve put together our very own list of a few of our favourite places to enjoy some virtual travel. We hope you’ll join us and enjoy our recommendations of some of the best American travel websites to visit.
The Best American Travel Websites
Hawai’i Volcanoes National Park
Take a ranger-led tour and witness stunning images of the rippling black rock formations and the still-fiery lava flows that feed them in Hawai’i Volcanoes National Park. You’ll also stand inside a rainforest, go underground to tour a lava tube, and take a helicopter flight over an active volcano, a vantage you’d be hard pressed to find on an actual visit. Check out this incredible virtual travel adventure here.
Go Diving With National Marine Sanctuaries
Take part in a series of thrilling virtual dives through National Marine Sanctuaries, whether you want to visit the waters around American Samoa (don’t miss Big Momma), the Florida Keys (have a look at the Aquarius Reef Base research centre), or any of several spots in between. And while you’re at it, check out ur story about swimming with manatees in Florida.
Join a Ranger Tour in Bryce Canyon
The amazing topography of Bryce Canyon in Arizona is a sight to behold. Take a virtual tour that takes you into the canyon’s corners and over its swells, accompanied by fascinating behind-the-scenes notes throughout the journey. It’s the next best thing to being there.
The National Gallery of Art in Washington, DC
View exhibits and more than 42,000 works on display at Washington’s National Gallery of Art. Click here to start your journey.
National Portrait Gallery in Washington, DC
The intimate nature of portraiture makes this museum a particularly great option for a home browse. Check it out here.
African American History and Culture Museum, Washington, DC
If you’ve ever wanted to visit an extremely popular museum but couldn’t seem to nab tickets, a virtual tour is the next best thing. This virtual tour of Washington’s African American History and Culture Museum can give you a small peak into everything it has to offer.
Smithsonian Museum of Natural History: Washington, DC
Dinosaurs! Snakes in jars! Giant diamonds! The Smithsonian Museum of Natural History is a great option for keeping the grandkids – or the kid in you – busy. Check out the Ocean Hall, The Hall of Mammals, or the Hall of Fossils.
Banksy Murals Around the World
If street art is your jam, why not go on an artistic scavenger hunt without leaving the comfort of your own home? Check out these amazing murals by graffiti artist Banksy.
Street Art tours
Go beyond Banksy and explore the stories behind street art across the USA with audio-guided tours and online exhibitions, offered by the Google Cultural Institute.
Van Gogh’s Starry Night at the Museum of Modern Art in New York City
Enjoy a close up look at some of Vincent Van Gogh’s most famous paintings, including the remarkable Starry Night, at the online home of the Museum of Modern Art in New York City.
The White House: Washington, DC
Want to hang out in the Oval Office? Don’t mind if we do! By the way, the online exhibit sections of Google Arts & Culture’s offerings are like having your own personal tour guide. Our suggestion (and one of the very best American travel websites) is The Virtual Tour of the Eisenhower Executive Office Building where you’ll get you acquainted with stunning spaces you’ve only ever seen on TV.
The Cincinnati Zoo
Every day, the Cincinnati Zoo (home of the famous Fiona the hippo), will be hosting a Home Safari on their Facebook Live Feed at 3 pm ET. They’ll have up-close animal experiences. Check it out at www.facebook.com/cincinnatizoo/.
The Shedd Aquarium: Chicago, Illinois
The Shedd Aquarium has already captured hearts with the antics of its resident penguins, which have been filmed roaming the now-empty halls of the aquarium, looking at all of the other exhibits. But animal lovers will want to follow their Facebook page, too. Here they’re sharing all kinds of behind-the-scenes videos and fun virtual experiences. Visit their website at www.sheddaquarium.org.
The San Diego Zoo
Want to have something fun going on in the background while you’re working, or merely to pass the time? Your favourite zoo probably has live cams so you can check in on all the animals. The San Diego Zoo is a great place to start.
The Georgia Aquarium: Atlanta
The Georgia Aquarium in Atlanta also has live streams worth checking out, too! Best of all, you can pick what animal you want to watch at your leisure. Here’s a link to one of our favourites, the aquarium’s awesome African penguins: https://www.georgiaaquarium.org/webcam/african-penguin-cam/
