live camera stream of a mama bear and her baby cub in the woods near a stream

I just discovered some incredible live webcams! If you are like me, you have put your travel plans on hold for right now. You may be looking to change up the entertainment options around your house or just a different soundtrack for your workspace. Am I the only one? 

Live streams aren’t as boring they used to be. I want to share a few I recently found with you. Hopefully one of these will be just what you are looking for. 

These days, live streams allow you to see (in full HD) what’s happening around the world from your computer or web-enabled TV screen. It’s like having a window into another world, with different sights and sounds every day.

It can be fun to click around to find the perfect live stream. It can also be a pain. Whether you’re looking for a quick, relaxing break from life’s daily grind or just need something new and interesting we’ve handpicked some of our favorite streams!

33 Incredible Live Streams and Webcams You’ll Love

Live Bald Eagle Cam in Iowa

Witness this majestic bald eagle as they feed and raise their chicks. You can watch a real-time view of wild eagles nesting in a valley tucked away just north of Decorah, Iowa (depending on the time of year).

See for yourself how these amazing birds look up close or chat it up in the comments. At the time of posting this article, there are two babies and it’s easy to just sit and watch them for some time.

Frying Pan Tower Live Stream

The Frying Pan Tower is an imposing lighthouse established in 1964 by the U.S Coast Guard near Cape Fear, North Carolina to warn ships of shallow waters nearby called the “Frying pan shoals”. The tower sits 34 miles off-shore and was originally built so that sailors could avoid these dangerous waters!

This tower is no longer used for its original purpose. But it’s an important ecosystem for marine wildlife and provides a beautiful view of the sun rising and setting over the Atlantic Ocean. Visitors can now watch sharks live underwater via camera feeds right from their computer screens!

Watching the sunrise as well as sunsets can be pretty great from Frying Pan Tower.

Here’s the cam if you want to take a look!

Patagonia Webcam

The Torres del Paine National Park in Chile has some of the most pristine wilderness parks in the world. Get inspired for a future trip by watching this live stream focused on one area, Rio Serrano that is quickly becoming a tourist favorite!

Check out the live stream here.

Go Diving at Channel Islands National Park

A soothing soundtrack and the calming imagery of kelp flowing in this underwater scene from Channel Islands National Park in California make for a great experience. I couldn’t stop watching it. And it makes for a great soundtrack too.

I was watching the Atlantic Ocean here for about five minutes and all of a sudden I saw something big! It was a shark. Really fun to see.

Again a shout out to the Frying Pan Tower cam. While there are many other vibrant marine life nearby, check out the sharks that occasionally pass by as well! Check it out here.

Here is Grace Bay Beach, Turks and Caicos  

Enjoy the vast blue waters and still be able to see some of the bright coral reefs, then check out this webcam. You’ll get a glimpse into the Seven Stars Resort and that laid-back resort lifestyle!

There is another one of Grace Bay Beach here as well.

Turks and Caicos is such a beautiful island with its crystal clear water and some of the most beautiful sandy beaches in the Caribbean, alluring scenery of towering palms swaying to meet calm waves crashing on the shores as well as some of the most luxurious resorts.

See if you can see the Loch Ness Monster!

For those who are wondering if the Loch Ness Monster is a real creature, this camera will settle that debate for you. If there really is some kind of monster living in the lake, don’t be surprised to see it jump out from time to time! Here you go.

How about Nice, France

Are you looking for a place to visit? Nice, France may be the spot! With its beautiful coastline and not-so-crowded beaches in the summertime, it’s perfect for your next vacation. Or check it out anytime with this live webcam.

The South of France is typically swarming with tourists in the summer, but if you take a look now, there’s plenty of wide-open coastlines available for those who want to spend their time enjoying it rather than fighting through hordes and crowds.

Catch a glimpse of orcas in BC

Explore’s live stream cameras offer viewers views of the orca population in Johnstone Strait. This strait is a protected body of water where killer whales spend their summers. You might try what I do from time to time and open up one of these links, leave it running, and go about your day. If you hear some whale activity going on, then pay attention!

The whales aren’t always live. If they’re not, you’ll find highlights from their previous broadcasts on the site. Here’s a clip of them in action. Not only can you see them swim by from time to time, but you can hear them too! Pretty cool. 

If we want to learn more about these majestic mammals, or just enjoy some beautiful footage for our viewing pleasure, these cameras make it a lot easier to observe them and enjoy another place besides the same old thing every day. 

Here in sunny Nassau, Bahamas

The Bahamas are known to be a haven of warmth, relaxation, and fun in the sun with plenty of things to do on land or sea. This tropical paradise has it all from luxurious resorts perched atop white sand beaches where you can sip umbrella drinks by day then unwind at night listening to live music; crystal clear waters perfect for snorkeling adventures through coral reefs teeming with colorful fish waiting just below the surface; pristine lagoons that border private beachfront homes complete with their own infinity pools overlooking stunning turquoise seas – we could go on!

Enough of that though… If you want to get a feel of Nassau right now, check out the Albany Marina Cam in Nassau, Bahamas right here.

And check out our most frequently asked questions about a trip to The Bahamas right here.

How about a South African Safari

Don’t know when you’ll be able to visit Africa? Don’t worry, we have a couple of options for you.

WildEarth TV has been broadcasting live interactive online safaris for over a decade. Join them in watching the animals go about their daily routine every sunset and sunrise against the brilliant African landscape.

The professional gamekeepers and park rangers in the video will take you on a safari through Kruger National Park and Maasai Mara National Reserve to find wildlife, like elephants, zebras, giraffes.

And you can watch it all from your couch or favorite comfy chair.

Check them out here and then set some time aside to hop on your very own safari from home.

With Africam’s internet live streaming cameras you can see all the animals up close in real-time. Just select from one of their many views and enjoy a virtual safari as it happens!

Behind the wheel of a big rig on the open road

Big Rig Travels has been broadcasting for more than 13 years. Ride along with your “tour guide to the American Highway” and get a glimpse into the real working life of an American trucker!

You can tune in and see everything they do, from taking care of their fleet at home base to hauling freight for a living!

It’s a live first-person account of what it’s like to criss-cross the country in an 18-wheeler from Steve, who has been driving for over 30 years.

Check out the surf in Hawaii

From the safety of your computer, you can take in a live stream set up at one of the world’s most popular surfing destinations, the Pipeline break on Oahu’s North Shore in Hawaii. Check out beachgoers and surfers as they catch waves on this North Shore beach. At North Shore, you may even be able to enjoy what many people consider “the world’s best big wave.”

Here’s Yosemite

This live stream of the park’s Upper Yosemite Falls shows the water cascading down is so soothing and calming in person that it has many people coming to see the falls all year round. With 2,425 feet of cascading waterfalls and an incredible view from the top, it’s clear why people want to see this beautiful sight in person. You can watch for peak flow near early summer as the snow melts down into the valley below.

And HalfDome.net has a bunch of webcam time-lapses – all the way from sunrise until sunset.

Queenstown, New Zealand

Start dreaming about a trip to Queenstown, the epicenter of adventure on the country’s South Island. Watch the light change on Lake Wakatipu and the Remarkables Mountain Range that surrounds the small town.

Check out an active volcano!

This live stream is the Arenal Volcano in Costa Rica, one of many volcanoes found there. It’s been on hiatus for a few years. But you can sometimes see spews of water vapor and gas to keep things interesting!

Check it out: Costa Rica volcano live stream

Here is Sydney, Australia

The view from this live stream is breathtaking. You can see the Sydney Opera House, the Sydney Harbour Bridge and the city skyline in all their glory. On a nice day, you might even catch a boat or two gliding across the water below!

Here is the Sydney live stream.

Fancy a trip to the zoo or aquarium?

There are a number of zoos currently offering choice live streams of the critters they house. If you need a quick break from your stressful day, look no further than live stream feeds at zoos and aquariums. These camera feed sites offer the opportunity to view animals in their natural habitat without having to leave your computer! You can explore different habitats of animals like seahorses, porpoises, sharks, or even birds.

On these cams, you will see lions prowling around their pen looking for prey or giraffes lazily eating leaves off trees. And don’t forget about the penguins!

Oakland California Zoo

Currently, the Oakland Zoo has a couple of live streams that allow you to get up close and personal with the bears and elephants.

San Diego California Zoo

San Diego Zoo has 13 different animals with webcams on them. Check them out, there are even a few babies to watch.

Monterey Bay Aquarium

Monterey Bay Aquarium. There are 9 different animals on camera at Monterey Bay! And everything from penguins and otters to sharks and jellyfish.

Between all of these, you’ve got live streams dedicated to at least one of your favorites. Give them a try and let us know what you think!

And try getting on your local zoo or aquarium’s website. Or, use Google to find others around the world and see what fun exhibits you can see for free around the world!

Dorset, England

The harbor in Dorset, with its prime location on the English Channel and constant activity of boats coming and going, is a spectacular sight. If Dorset is what you are craving, and you happen to be looking while it is still light out over there (They are 7-ish hours ahead if you are watching from the U.S.) then you might enjoy this live stream from Haven Hotel.

So, you can blow bubbles

Then there is Andie & Mike’s bubble cam in their south Florida backyard. All you have to do is click the button labeled “Bubbles” on this couple’s backyard live stream and a stream of bubbles floats across their patio. It’s a fun interactive one.

Kind of a fun twist on the live stream.

An expedition to the South Pole

Here is a cool South Pole live stream that is in Antarctica at the Amundsen-Scott South Pole Station. As you might expect, Antarctica is the coldest and windiest continent.

Here is the South Pole live stream.

Red River New Mexico Live Stream

Red River, New Mexico is a destination for people who enjoy experiencing the outdoors. With outdoor adventures in every season and cultural experiences that you or your family will remember forever!

The Red River Ski & Summer Area has skiing opportunities all year long with cross-country trails available during the winter months. For those more adventurous types, there are plenty of off-road OHV options. You can also try horseback riding if it’s too cold outside or if you prefer horses over snowmobiles. 

If water activities sound like they might be more up your alley then try fishing at one of the two lakes or tubing through some rapids on an inner tube down the river…the possibilities here seem endless!

Here are a couple of live streams that you can check on the weather up there before you plan your weekend trip up there.  Cam #1 and then these ones too.

Dogs, some young and some old

So, if you are an animal lover, you likely have your favorites. If you love dogs and have a soft spot in your heart for senior dogs, you will enjoy this feed from the entry at Old Friends Senior Dog Sanctuary in Mount Juliet, Tennessee.

Click over to watch senior dogs sleep, eat, and play. Find out when to catch what you want to see most live over at Explore.org or on their dog YouTube channel

If you have never seen inside a real dog shelter, check it out for sure. You’ll see all different breeds living together peacefully free from abuse and neglect. 

These dogs are seniors who may have been abandoned by their previous owners due to illness, old age, or the life circumstances of the owners.

But they also have other really great dog-oriented live feeds as well, like this Great Dane service dog web stream where you can see puppies that are being raised to be service dogs.

The perfect place to watch the comings and goings of Great Danes, including current service dogs and future service dogs (also known as puppies) – who are having a lot of fun! Meet staff members from SDI’s volunteer team in training.

Notre Dame Cathedral Live

Notre Dame is a cathedral located on the Île de la Cité in Paris. The church’s Gothic architecture, its vast rose windows, and abundance of sculptural decoration set it apart from other styles used during this time period. Some distinct features include its grand organ as well as beautiful church bells that provide an enchanting sound to visitors near or far.

The Notre Dame live stream is an up-to-date look at the famous cathedral, which just reopened to visitors after a year of repairs. It was a popular live stream for some time as the iconic landmark was closed and shuttered for most of 2019 as it recovered from the damage caused by a fire.

Check out the Notre Dame live stream here.

Check-in on some beautiful wolves

There are some really cute cubs in the wolf dens at the Wolf Conservation Center in New York. You just have to catch them at the right time of year. But even if the cubs aren’t around or as little as they were last Spring, there is still plenty to see of these fascinating creatures in their live streaming cameras.

They have red wolves, Mexican gray wolves, and ambassador wolves. And with the help of webcams, you can watch them live their daily lives. You can also see seven different packs and are always on the lookout for any interesting activity that might pop up!

You can even reach out to the center if you see anything interesting happening on their live feeds.

Would you like to go to Venice, Italy?

This collection of live webcam streams footage from various cameras around Venice’s beautiful canals and is set to the music of Interpreti Veneziana.

It’s nice that it rotates through a number of different cameras. And the soundtrack they have given us is fantastic! 

A few times while writing this article I have put it on in the background just to listen while I write or get distracted and work on other projects.

Get out on a river!

I don’t know which is more relaxing if the sounds of ocean waves crashing or of a river flowing over rocks. 

If you love river sounds as much as I do, you will enjoy this one. It’s the Smith River in Jedediah Smith Redwoods State Park in California. This literal “live stream”, sorry had to insert the pun there, sounds so great. Get a glimpse of it here.

Sometimes you will see a kayaker or fisherman or some wildlife using the river. Or you might catch some kayakers playboating on North Carolina’s famous Nantahala River.

Another fun one is the Nantahala River webcam shows rotating views of the river. If you didn’t know, this is where world champion kayakers practice, and in 2013 they competed in the Freestyle World’s Wave, a world championship competition for the sport. 

Can’t go wrong with bears, salmon, eagles and wolves

Spoiler alert. This is a highlight reel from a live webcam, but it is still fantastic! The wolves, bears, and occasional eagles hunt together and provide ample entertainment.

You get to watch salmon venturing up the falls, while brown bears, wolves, and eagles all compete with each other for the best spots. The site says, “the largest and most successful bears catch and eat up to 30 salmon (that’s more than 120 pounds of fish) each day!” 

Another quick volcano live webcam

The live stream is from an area that is not publicly accessible. This live wide angle of Halemaʻumaʻu is courtesy of the USGS Hawaiian Volcano Observatory.

Did you know there is a live stream from the International Space Station?

This one is fun. Live streaming 24/7 from the International Space Station, Earth is seen from cameras aboard the International Space Station. Every 45 minutes when there isn’t any transmission due to nightfall or other breaks in transmission, they do show some prerecorded footage. 

Here, let’s watch the grass grow, literally!

Did you know there’s a live webcam in Colorado that allows people to watch grass grow from the comfort of their living rooms, and even on Saturdays? It started as an experiment for one homeowner who wanted to document his drought-stricken lawn. If they’re lucky enough, viewers may even catch him out mowing it!

Live streams for days!

If you still can’t get enough, there are also some really great streaming options right now if you head over to YouTube and search “webcam live”. You can see some streams of some really cool stuff like the northern lights or volcanoes erupting, any number of beaches, even Times Square. Check those out here

The best way to do it is to search for a general term that you are interested in and then change the filters at the top of the page to only show the live options. So you could search the word “news” or “puppies” or “outer space.” Just like that, you have so many options!

I hope you enjoyed these live streams and webcams!

I hope you found something interesting in that collection. I enjoyed poking around the web and seeing what options were out there these days. If you want to see what life is like in other parts of the world or just have an interesting time exploring something new, then these live streams are a fun way to do just that! 

I hope that you enjoyed watching them as much as we did.

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