Bring the nation's most iconic places right into your living room with these landmark virtual tours
13 U.S. Landmark Virtual Tours You Can Take from the Couch
Updated on Jul. 23, 2025
Gettysburg National Battlefield
The Battle of Gettysburg, in 1863, raged for three days and claimed the lives of 50,000 soldiers, making it the deadliest battle of the Civil War. Today, the site has been preserved for visitors who wish to walk the grounds or explore virtually from home. The virtual tour is hosted by Chief Interpretive Officer Christopher Gwin through 16 tour-stop videos, each explaining the historical significance of the featured areas and immersing you in key moments of the battle. The tour ends at the National Cemetery, where Lincoln made his famous Gettysburg Address.
The White House
It takes a little planning to visit the White House in person. Not only do you have to be in Washington, D.C., but you have to write your representative in Congress to put in a request in advance. Taking a virtual tour of the White House is a lot easier. The White House Historical Association offers free virtual tours of the interior of the White House, its storied grounds and even its impressive collection of art and decor. It’s an incredible chance to get an up-close look at what is arguably the most important and iconic building in American history.
Ellis Island
Many of us have relatives who passed through Ellis Island when they immigrated to America, and you can get a glimpse of what they saw by taking an interactive virtual tour of Ellis Island. The tour includes historic images from the National Archives that contrast what the area looks like now with what it looked like back then. It also lets you into buildings (like the hospital) that are not open to the public. It’s a chance to venture back in history without booking a plane ticket—or even putting on your coat and shoes.
Mount Vernon
If you’ve ever wanted to visit George Washington’s Virginia estate, Mount Vernon, you’re in luck. During this virtual tour, you’ll walk through the front door to admire the woodwork, architecture and art of the first president of the United States. It’s an intimate look at what life was like back then for people with wealth and stature. You can explore on your own or through an educational video that provides context and historical background to the tour.
The Alamo
There is perhaps no landmark in Texas more famous than the Alamo. This San Antonio fort was the site of the most famous and pivotal battle of the Texas Revolution. History buffs can explore the Alamo from the comfort of their living room to see what Sam Houston and Davy Crockett saw as they waged war with the government of Mexico. This easy-to-navigate virtual tour puts a modern twist on remembering the Alamo and includes the church, the courtyard, Long Barrack, fountain and more.
Yosemite National Park
If spectacular photos of America’s national parks leave you awestruck, you’re going to love this virtual tour of Yosemite National Park in California. Surrounded by forests, Yosemite is a nature lover’s dream. This tour explores Yosemite’s meadows, trails, rivers and, of course, the most famous spot in the park—the Half Dome, a 4,700-foot granite rock face. The tour is easy to navigate and offers glimpses of the park during various seasons. You can even tour the Ansel Adams Gallery to marvel at the work of the famed photographer.
Lincoln Home National Historic Site
Abraham Lincoln was the 16th president of the United States, and he was known for his integrity and decency. He signed the Emancipation Proclamation in 1863, granting enslaved people their freedom and making him what many consider to be the best president in U.S. history. His home in Springfield, Illinois, has been preserved, and this online tour allows you to walk through its rooms and see the colorful carpet, wallpaper and original furnishings used by the great man himself.
Castillo de San Marcos
St. Augustine in Florida is the oldest city in the U.S., and it’s absolutely beautiful. Do yourself a favor and take a virtual tour of the city’s Castillo de San Marcos National Monument. It’s the oldest masonry fort in the country and the best example of a Spanish colonial fort in the continental United States. The tour allows you to explore the fort’s interior rooms and grounds, and from the upper gun deck you can take in views of the area from a vaulted perspective. There are also 3D models available throughout the tour, so you can get up close and personal with some of Castillo de San Marcos’ most fascinating areas.
Space Center Houston
Space Center Houston is one of the premier space exhibits in the world, and it has one of the best landmark virtual tours too. Originally called the Johnson Space Center, this amazing facility was the base of operations for some of the most iconic space flights in history, including the miraculous Apollo 13 mission, which was recounted in the movie starring Tom Hanks. The Space Center’s virtual field trip videos cover life in space, the International Space Station and even the Apollo 13 mission. It’s a great place to learn and be inspired.
Mesa Verde National Park
If you’ve always wanted to learn about Native American culture by visiting Colorado’s Mesa Verde National Park, you’ll be delighted to know that dreams do come true on this virtual tour. Famous for the cliff dwellings that the Native American Puebloans called home for more than 700 years, this national park is truly amazing. This tour includes videos of the cliff dwellings, educational videos with park rangers and 360-degree tours of specific spots of interest. There’s also a free podcast series that focuses on tying the past with the future of the area.
The Library of Congress
If you’ve never visited the Library of Congress, it might surprise you to learn that the library is spread out over multiple buildings. Virtual tours are now available for anyone who wants to explore the Thomas Jefferson Building, the James Madison Memorial Building and the John Adams Building. The Library of Congress was established during John Adams’ presidency by an act of Congress, and continues to be one of our most important American institutions. It also has the distinction of being the largest library in the world.
The Statue of Liberty
Of all the landmarks in America, there is perhaps none more symbolic of the concept of American promise and freedom than the Statue of Liberty. This virtual tour allows you to see Lady Liberty in all her glory, without needing to hop on a ferry to do so. Start with the view from the torch, then click through to other areas such as the base, museum and grounds. You can contrast the tour with historic images and read background materials while you’re there.
The Owens-Thomas House and Slave Quarters
Slavery was an ugly blight on our nation’s history, and America is still dealing with its ramifications today. This virtual tour of the Owens-Thomas House and Slave Quarters in Savannah, Georgia, takes you through a Regency-style mansion built in 1819 and its adjacent slave quarters. It’s a stark contrast, and there are educational materials and lesson plans provided for parents and educators who want to make the tour a learning experience for children.
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