5 Incredible Virtual Tours to Explore at Home
Bored? Yearning to explore the great outdoors? Clearly, Maryland’s stay-at-home order in light of the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic has made us realize how important our freedom is. However, did you know that you can still satisfy your wanderlust right in the comfort of your home? With virtual tours, you can take interactive online excursions to some of the most popular landmarks, museums, and parks in the country.
Must-See Virtual Tours to Beat Your Boredom
Virtual tours are simulations of existing locations composed of a sequence of still images or videos, usually accompanied by sound effects, narration, music, or text. And, what better way to ease your symptoms of cabin fever than with an explorative journey inside a captivating, historic location! So, grab the kids and enjoy some awesome virtual tours from the comfort of your home.
1. Smithsonian National Museum of Natural History
Located in D.C., this museum offers self-guided virtual tours where you can catch a glimpse of current and past exhibits – all in high-resolution images.
For an elaborate room-to-room virtual tour of the museum, simply use the navigation map on the top right of the presentation dashboard. Popular attractions in this tour include the David H. Koch Hall of Fossils and the Sant Ocean Hall that focusses on the history of marine life.
2. Yosemite National Park
Pictured: Yosemite National Park in California’s Sierra Nevada mountains.
Tucked away in the scenic Sierra Nevada region of California, Yosemite National Park is nothing short of breathtaking. Needless to say, you can experience it all from your couch. The park’s management offers a realistic virtual tour of the park complete with the real sounds of nature. Specifically, the tour will take you through Yosemite’s 200+ attractions, including the Yosemite Falls and the Mariposa Grove of Giant Sequoias.
3. White House East Wing
A visit to D.C. is never complete without checking in at the White House. You can now enjoy a virtual tour of the White House’s East Wing at no cost. Built in 1792, the East Wing section of the complex is an architectural marvel that’ll leave you dazzled.
In addition, you can take in the elegant and lavish décor of the Red Room, a recreational section where most White House dinner parties and music balls take place. Visitors can also virtually browse the Blue Room, the China Room, and the family theatre. Each of these rooms boasts antique paintings and luxurious furniture.
4. National Aquarium, Baltimore
Grab a front-row seat and venture into one of Baltimore’s most exhilarating destinations – the National Aquarium. This animal care and rescue facility offers various virtual tours that allow visitors a detailed view inside the lives of the animals.
One of the popular virtual tours available on the site is the “Reef Behind-the-Scenes Tour” that showcases footage of expert-guided reef exhibits. Also, other adventurous scenes worth exploring include the behind-the-scenes footage of the lives of alligators and sea turtles.
5. Carnegie Hall
Pictured: Carnegie Hall in New York. Image Source: Terri Maxfield Lipp
If you’re a fan of the theatre and performing arts, you’ll certainly enjoy a virtual tour of Carnegie Hall. Located in New York, this performing arts center offers a virtual tour complete with a 360 degree performance of the Philadelphia Orchestra. Named after one of America’s most successful industrialists of the 19th Century, Andrew Carnegie, the tour will include a brief history of the Carnegie Hall. Overall, it’s sure to leave you feeling like you’re part of the live audience.
It’s Safer to Stay at Home
For parents who are home-schooling during this quarantine period, the virtual tours above provide excellent learning opportunities for your kids. You can also use them to spend some quality time with your family. On behalf of the folks at Chesapeake Charter, we hope you’re healthy and staying safe at home during this difficult time.