Travel Back in Time with Google Street View

Clear your schedule: a new feature on Google Street View allows users to click through images from the past.

1 minute read

April 24, 2014, 11:00 AM PDT

By James Brasuell @CasualBrasuell


Here’s good news for those of us who like to peruse Google Street View and imagine ourselves in Weaverville, California or the bottom of the Grand Canyon every now and then: “starting today, Google is rolling out a new Street View feature that lets you travel back in time virtually anywhere,” reports Ashley Feinberg. So not only can we now explore cities and towns all over the world at the click of a mouse button, we can also explore the recent history of cities and towns all over the world at the click of a mouse button.

Many Google Street View users have already begun compiling gifs of buildings and street art transforming around the world.

The feature is so far available in limited locations (Weaverville, California, for instance, but not the Grand Canyon). Adds Feinberg: “while the new 'digital time capsule' feature isn't available across the board quite yet, checking out the evolution of places like the 2014 World cup Stadium and Japan both pre- and post-devastating tsunami should keep you plenty busy for now.”

Thursday, April 24, 2014 in Gizmodo

portrait of professional woman

I love the variety of courses, many practical, and all richly illustrated. They have inspired many ideas that I've applied in practice, and in my own teaching. Mary G., Urban Planner

I love the variety of courses, many practical, and all richly illustrated. They have inspired many ideas that I've applied in practice, and in my own teaching.

Mary G., Urban Planner

Get top-rated, practical training

Red 1972 Ford Pinto with black racing stripes on display with man sitting in driver's seat.

Analysis: Cybertruck Fatality Rate Far Exceeds That of Ford Pinto

The Tesla Cybertruck was recalled seven times last year.

July 2, 2025 - Mother Jones

Close-up of park ranger in green jacket and khaki hat looking out at Bryce Canyon National Park red rock formations.

National Parks Layoffs Will Cause Communities to Lose Billions

Thousands of essential park workers were laid off this week, just before the busy spring break season.

February 18, 2025 - National Parks Traveler

Paved walking path next to canal in The Woodlands, Texas with office buildings in background.

Retro-silient?: America’s First “Eco-burb,” The Woodlands Turns 50

A master-planned community north of Houston offers lessons on green infrastructure and resilient design, but falls short of its founder’s lofty affordability and walkability goals.

February 19, 2025 - Greg Flisram

Screenshot of shade map of Buffalo, New York with legend.

Test News Post 1

This is a summary

0 seconds ago - 2TheAdvocate.com

Red 1972 Ford Pinto with black racing stripes on display with man sitting in driver's seat.

Analysis: Cybertruck Fatality Rate Far Exceeds That of Ford Pinto

The Tesla Cybertruck was recalled seven times last year.

18 minutes ago - Mother Jones

test alt text

Test News Headline 46

Test for the image on the front page.

March 5 - Cleantech blog