23 Amazing Castles In CALIFORNIA to Visit (Most Beautiful)
People often built castles in significant locations because they were essential for safeguarding a region, just like how we know ancient history.
When people think of a castle, they often imagine a magnificent structure with turrets home to royalty, just like in movies or fairytale stories.
Did you know California has many palaces and estates that would fit a monarch?
The individuals who constructed these palaces and estates possessed imaginations as grand as the structures themselves; as you read this article, you will venture into a far more majestic and awe-inspiring land.
In California, castles and other castle-like places created by imaginative people allow visitors to have fun, go on thrilling adventures, and learn about the area’s history.
And by the way, you may also want to check out the Hidden Gems in California.
Castles in Laguna Beach & San Francisco, California
1. Crescent Bay Castle (Open For Tours & Sunset)
French architect Jean Egasse constructed his private residence and office at Crescent Bay Castle in 1926, now a historical landmark.
He used native rock, clinker brick, and big timbers to build an unbelievable structure that served as his workplace and a comfortable home for his family during the height of the “Storybook” era.
Moreover, he spent the final decade developing iconic structures in Laguna and started his career, making many creations fundamental to their essence.
When visiting the Cresent Bay Castle, you can tour the whole place or watch the sunset since their view offers the best, and they also have merchandises to choose from.
The place is open the whole week to visit; check out their website because they might not be available due to some special occasions.
Address: 1280 N Coast Hwy, Laguna Beach, CA 92651, United States
2. Pyne Castle (Normandy Revival Style)
The Normandy Revival-style Pyne Castle, built by Walter Estel Pyne just a few kilometers north of central Laguna Beach, is currently for sale for the first time in 40 years.
Since the finding of oil on his farming property, quirky and thrifty businessman Pyne has been able to build the 62-room home he dubbed Broadview Villa on 100 acres.
Built between 1927 and 1935, it features pointy and softly arched windows, Gothic architectural accents, and two slightly pitched turrets reminiscent of British architecture.
After Pyne died in 1945, the house went through various hands, and Peter Young, a builder, purchased the property in 1960 and transformed it into apartments.
When Richard Massen and Roland Greene bought it in 1971, it had passed through hands twice; however, the castle has undergone extensive remodeling throughout the years, and several areas no longer fit in with the original design.
Address: 770 Hillcrest Dr #13, Laguna Beach, CA 92651, United States
3. Albion Castle (Once Albion Brewery)
San Francisco, California, was home to the Albion Brewery between 1875 and its closure in 1919.
At 881 Innes Avenue, the historic brewery is now home to Hunters Point Springs, and the building and its surrounding grounds were assigned as a San Francisco Landmark on April 5, 1974.
The space is private and has been used for gatherings or special occasions.
Drake also adopted the historical name “Albion” for Britain upon his arrival in what is currently Point Reyes, which was initially called Nova Albion.
The structure, located on Hunter’s Point Ridge between Innes Avenue and Griffith Street, was constructed in 1870 to serve as the site of his brewery.
Also, this area might have once been home to an Ohlone community, and he constructed the structure and created the two chambers, each measuring 200 feet in length, by hand.
Address: 881 Innes Ave, San Francisco, CA 94124, United States
Also see our article on Beaches in California.
Castles in San Simeon & Laguna Hills, California
1. Hearst Castle (La Cuesta Encantada)
Hearst Castle is a medieval castle in San Simeon on the Central Coast of California, and its official name is La Cuesta Encantada.
The creation mogul William Randolph Hearst and his designer Julia Morgan designed and constructed the castle between 1919 and 1947.
Hearst’s father, George, bought the first portion of the 40,000-acre property in 1865, now the eventual site of Hearst Castle, known as Camp Hill, and was utilized for family camping holidays.
In 1919, William Randolph acquired a fortune and properties, including the San Simeon property, worth about $11,000,000, and he spent his wealth expanding his multimedia empire, which included periodicals, newspapers, and broadcasting stations, and the money he made from them allowed him to construct and collect throughout his life.
Moreover, in the months following Phoebe Hearst’s death, he authorized Morgan to construct the forerunner to the current castle.
Now, the Castle at San Simeon is her most famous masterpiece, resulting from twenty years of close partnership with Hearst.
Address: 750 Hearst Castle Rd, San Simeon, CA 93452, United States
2. Mythea Castle (Spectacular Mountain Views)
The castle’s elegant tiled flooring, rich wood panels, and opulent décor will impress you as you go through it.
Within its 12,500 square feet, this luxurious residence features seven roomy bedrooms and ten full bathrooms.
You and your friends can unwind in the in-room sauna, watch a movie in the 12-seat cinema, or drink or bottle from the underground wine cellar; if you prefer the outdoors, you can swim in the pool, soak in spa tubs, play a round of miniature golf, or play a game of chess with life-size pieces.
Also, you can stroll through the backyard and take in the abundant vegetation, running water features, and vintage lighting.
Take advantage of the spectacular Perspectives of the Saddleback Mountains, which perfectly capture the splendor of Southern California.
The estate is bathed in light from sunrise and sunset, each with a hypnotic quality beyond description.
Address: 26192 Oroville Pl, Laguna Hills, CA 92653, United States
Also see our article on National Parks in California.
Castles in Pacifica & Albany, California
1. Sam’s Castle (Unique Antiques & Art)
Henry Harrison McCloskey, the granddad of Congressman Pete McCloskey, constructed Sam’s Castle in San Francisco in 1908 after seeing pictures of the castle his wife Emily had grown up in during a trip to Scotland.
After the 1906 San Francisco earthquake badly wrecked the house he owned, McCloskey built the seaside castle as a refuge and after over 100 years of use as a speakeasy, an illegal abortion facility, a nightclub, and a Coast Guard military building during World War II, the castle became available for sale.
It was re-established in 1959 by the late Sam Mazza, a performing arts painter for 20th Century Fox, and the castle now houses unique pieces of antiques and art acquired by Mazza.
Thanks to the generosity of the Sam Mazza Foundation, the Pacifica Historical Society can offer visits to the castle on occasion.
Address: 900 Mirador Terrace, Pacifica, CA 94044, United States
2. Mad Marc’s Castle (Panoramic Bay Area Views)
Constructed by handmade from salvaged materials like steel rebar, concrete, and plaster, Mad Mark’s Castle sits above the Albany Bulb in San Francisco Bay and boasts a breathtaking panorama of the city and the Golden Gate Bridge.
A beautiful work of one-person artwork and the conclusion of Mark’s life’s work, the Bulb was finished in 2000 and is currently used as a constantly shifting painting canvas by the countless painters who haunt the building.
Also, the castle’s parking lot is opposite the racetrack and at the end of Marin Street in Albany.
If you are still getting familiar with the area, Albany is the city that lies just north of Berkeley, or if ever you get lost, you can track the place using google maps.
Address: Albany, CA 94710, United States
Also see our article on Bakeries in California.
Castles in Glendora & Modesto, California
1. Rubel Castle (Folk Art Masterpiece)
In the Glendora foothills, Rubel Castle is a stunning example of traditional design suited for those who love historical art.
Michael Rubel and his “farmhands” laboriously assembled it by hand over many years, and the river rock, materials that can be recycled, and antiques from Glendora’s historic farming and economic eras that went into its stone masonry were all sourced locally.
In the setting of California’s folk art surroundings, Michael’s Rubel Castle is a groundbreaking masterpiece due to his inventive use of both cultural and natural resources.
It’s a unique historical artifact that helps to illustrate how the citrus trade shaped the region in the late 19th and early 20th centuries.
Located next to Route 66, this 26-year-long construction took place, and at the tender age of eighteen, Michael Rubel purchased a packing house to construct the castle of his dreams.
Address: 844 N Live Oak Ave, Glendora, CA 91741, United States
2. Hawke Castle (Modesto Landmark)
Created in 1929 in the traditional Norman design, the Hawke Castle is a notable Modesto, California, house.
Mr. Edward Hawke, director of the J. C. Penney shop in Modesto, lived there, and her wife leased the house to engineer Al Goldschmidt after her husband passed away.
Bertha, the wife of Dr. Burnett Tonge, arrived next as the owner, and the Thayer Family Trust is the following owner of the residence.
The home boasts a finished basement and loft, six bedrooms, and four bathrooms in a two-story central section and twin towers on either side.
Moreover, the more prominent tower features a spiral staircase with diamond-shaped panes of leaded glass reminiscent of Gothic architecture.
The towers are topped with conical slate roofs, and the hipped main roof is high and composed of slate-colored stone.
At the very pinnacle of the carport roof sits a bronze peacock, and a modest stone-lined entrance leads to a covered door with a circular head that is set into the wall.
Address: 100-198 Magnolia Ave, Modesto, CA 95354, United States
Also see our article on Night Club in California.
Castles in Barstow & Agoura Hills, California
1. Castle Mountains National Monument (Joshua Tree Forests)
Several of the finest and most exciting features of the Mojave Desert can be found in the Castle Mountains, and almost 21,000 acres comprise the Castle Mountains between the state boundary of Nevada and the Mojave National Preserve.
They are home to Joshua tree forests, uninterrupted natural landscapes, uncommon desert pastures, and a wealth of human history.
Also, this fascinating region is a peaceful escape from the bustle of neighboring cities.
Combined with the Mojave Trails National Monument and the Sand to Snow National Monument in Southern California, it became a national monument by the Obama administration on February 12, 2016.
The remaining two are under the jurisdiction of the Bureau of Land Management and the United States Forest Service, but the National Park Service has administered this.
Address: Barstow, CA 92311, United States
2. Lobo Castle (Unique Lobo Castle Productions)
Visit a realm where you will be treated like a king or queen, and it is a perfect place for a gathering spot for creative types.
If you need a castle for a shoot in Los Angeles, go no further than Lobocastle; tucked up in the Santa Monica Mountains, it features a tiered garden and towering oak trees.
You can buy yourself a unique item at the castle that you won’t find anywhere, and the culinary skills of Lobo Castle Productions have been featured on shows making it a perfect place for weddings or any special celebrations.
They got over 30 years in the business, and we’re famous for their one-of-a-kind menus and catered affairs.
Also, they have teamed up with an eclectic group of event suppliers to accommodate a wide range of attendees’ preferences.
Thus, these businesses focus on every facet of events, so you can trust that your vision will be realized.
Address: 31400 Lobo Canyon Rd, Agoura Hills, CA 91301, United States
Also see our article on Neighborhoods in California.
Castles in Ione & Snelling, California
1. Preston Castle Foundation (Preservation & Restoration)
One of the most well-known reform schools in the United States is located in Preston Castle, built in 1890; it first welcomed guests in June 1894 and stayed open until 1960.
The structure was abandoned and falling apart until September 2001, when a fifty-year lease was granted to The Preston Castle Foundation.
In addition, the Preston Castle Foundation’s goals include preserving, restoring, and using the Preston Castle site.
Thus, their goals for Preston Castle resulted in starting work on fundamental stabilization, updating the National Register selection to include the castle in a National Register District of National Significance, installing modified rain gutters and downspouts, and fire sprinkler systems, and conducting a financial feasibility study.
The place is great to visit if you want a historical appreciation of castles in California.
Address: 900 Palm Dr, Ione, CA 95640, United States
2. Castle Noz (Ideal For Ceremonies)
The creation of Castle Noz has been an effort of love, and it was constructed by hand by Casper Noz to express his innovative and creative phase through the interior and exterior design of the castle.
It is situated on 20 acres of land, making it ideal for your marriage ceremony or other special occasion filling your big day with enchantment when you celebrate it at Castle Noz, located on a sprawling property of 20 acres.
If you seek a unique setting to host the wedding of your dreams, there is no need to continue your search because this place is perfect for you since they have an intimate vibe, expresses elegance, and spacious space.
You can contact them by calling (209) 667-2061, emailing castlenoz@gmail.com, or going to their website, www.castlenoz.com.
Address: 6101 Keyes Rd, Snelling, CA 95369, United States
Also see our article on Mountains in California.
Castles in Ben Lomond & Calistoga, California
1. Howden Castle (Scottish Design)
Ben Lomond, California, is home to the Howden Castle, which can be found on Highway 9, and the building was not finished until 1932, having first broken ground in 1927.
Robert Howden was the one who erected it, and he based its design on that of Scottish castles because that was where he was born.
The stones that made up the exterior walls of the ancient castle foundation were selected and laid by hand.
Also, the openings of the castle were imprinted with poems and scenes written by Scottish poets Sir Walter Scott and Robert Burns.
Howard Sullivan, a physician who practiced in Santa Cruz, and his wife owned the castle from 1939 until 1946.
In 1946, George and Ivy Weatherley bought the property, and after they moved in, they extended the existing structure.
Mrs. Weatherley served as an overview guide at the castle for nearly two decades, and it is still a popular destination for vacationers.
The National Park Service then decided in 1979 that it met the requirements to be included in the National Register of Historic Places.
Address: 9699 CA-9, Ben Lomond, CA 95005, United States
2. Castello di Amorosa (Tuscan Castle Vineyard)
Castello di Amorosa, known as the Castle of Love, is a Tuscan castle vineyard in the Napa Valley that is genuinely designed to look like it was built in the 14th century.
Tourists can only enter if they have made a taste or tour appointment, and every one of their one-of-a-kind experiences comes with a complimentary tasting of five wines selected from their vast wine menu.
If you’d instead try something non-alcoholic, ask your waitress about their world-famous Muscat grape juice and exclusive tasting while seated.
Enjoy sampling five wines selected from their comprehensive wine menu, including their reserves and the alcohol-free Muscat grape juice.
You also have unrestricted access throughout the castle’s two primary levels, allowing you to wander around the structure at your own pace.
Address: 4045 St Helena Hwy, Calistoga, CA 94515, United States
Also see our article on Chinese Restaurants in California.
Castles in Tahoma & Vallejo, California
1. Vikingsholm (Scandinavian Design)
After purchasing the land in 1892, the Armstrong family, headed by William Henry, spent more than three decades making the cabins their primary summer retreat.
Mrs. Lora Josephine Knight purchased the Armstrong property in 1928, intending to construct a holiday residence there.
She had traveled extensively in Scandinavia and found Emerald Bay reminiscent of the fjords she had visited there.
Moreover, she hired her Swedish designer nephew Lennart Palme to create the house, and in the late fall of 1929, Vikingsholm was finally finished.
Then, Nevada rancher Lawrence Holland purchased the property and sold it to a California lumber merchant named Harvey West, who lived in Placerville.
Mr. West, a prominent benefactor, bargained with the State of California at the beginning of the 1950s, offering to give away the land and Vikingsholm free and clear in exchange for half the appraised initial worth of the site.
The state agreed to these requirements and purchased the home and surrounding land in 1953.
Regarding Scandinavian design in the United States, Vikingsholm is among the best, and it is currently a section of Emerald Bay State Park known as the Harvey West Unit.
Those who wish to visit this stunning setting can do so at any time of the year; the home is open for visits throughout the summertime.
Address: CA-89, Tahoma, CA 96142, United States
2. The Julia Morgan House (Mediterranean Mansion)
Julia Morgan, the first female architect in California, built the Julia Morgan House, a classic Mediterranean mansion in Sacramento’s Elmhurst district.
After Charles Goethe’s passing in 1966, he left the house to Sacramento State University, which has since been restored as part of the National Register of Historic Places.
Charles Goethe commissioned Julia Morgan to develop the home’s blueprints in 1918.
After Goethe passed away in 1966, he left his home, library, documents, and money to California State University, Sacramento.
Since then, it has been cared for by University Enterprises, Inc, which welcomes visitors and opens every weekday at 9 in the morning.
The house is also open for catering services and hosting celebrations, but you have to contact them because there are specific guidelines to be followed.
Address: 728 Capitol St, Vallejo, CA 94590, United States
Also see our article on Aquariums in California.
Castles in Death Valley & Riverside, California
1. Scotty’s Castle (Roaring ’20s Getaway)
The Death Valley Ranch, or “Scotty’s Castle” as it’s popularly referred to, is a glimpse into the lifestyle and eras of the Roaring ’20s and Depression ’30s and is located in the lush sanctuary of Grapevine Canyon in the remote northern Death Valley.
It has served as the hideaway of an individual of mystery, the weekend getaway of a wealthy matron, and the engineer’s ideal home.
Albert Mussey Johnson constructed the home for his wife, Bessie, to use during their vacations.
Walter Scott, frequently called “Death Valley Scotty,” fooled the locals into thinking he constructed the castle with profits from his hidden mines.
Scotty was not only a friend but also unfathomable, a rancher, and an entertainment.
Albert had the ideas and the capital, but a dream united two guys who couldn’t have been more different in appearance, upbringing, or outlook on life.
Address: 123 Scotty’s Castle Rd, California, United States
2. Castle Park (Roller Coasters & Dark Ride)
Riverside, California, is home to Castle Park, previously called Castle Amusement Park, a 25-acre theme park and community entertainment center.
The area has 22 rides, featuring two roller coasters with different lengths; both offer the same thrills, a miniature golf course for those sports enthusiasts, and a medieval “castle” motif.
Also, the arcade and the park’s lone dark ride, Ghost Blasters, an interactive experience built by Sally Corporation and discovered at other North American amusement parks, are in the main “castle” styled building.
Bud Hurlbut, who also created rides at Knott’s Berry Farm, was responsible for the park’s concept, construction, and operation.
Palace Entertainment is Castle Park’s current owner and operator, which opens at 1 pm and closes at 11 pm; you can also check out their website for openings and special occasions.
Address: 3500 Polk St, Riverside, CA 92505, United States
Also see our article on Fishing Lakes in California.
Castles in Pasadena & Lake Arrowhead, California
1. Castle Green (Hidden Pasadena Gem)
If you are looking for a special place to visit, you have found Castle Green, the hidden gem.
This mysterious and beautiful place, where modernity and antiquity mingle, makes the perfect location for your gathering, offering a stunning stage for grand and small events, conventional and out of the ordinary.
The Castle Green, a Pasadena landmark since its construction in 1898, was originally an addition to the city’s more well-known Hotel Green.
At the corner of Raymond and Green Street in Old Pasadena is a massive seven-story Moorish Colonial and Spanish-style tower overlooking Central Park. Col. George G. Green, who worked in the Patent Medicine Business, erected the Castle Green.
The Castle Green, the middle of the Hotel Green’s three structures, first welcomed guests in 1899, and it was a luxurious getaway for people from the East who wanted to escape the harsh winter.
Address: 99 S Raymond Ave, Pasadena, CA 91105, United States
2. The Water Tower of Lake Arrowhead (Lake Arrowhead Landmark)
Los Angeles developer Arthur S. Bent constructed the iconic blue tower in the center of Lake Arrowhead in 1908 and was built initially to disperse water for agricultural use in the San Bernardino Valley.
According to the historical topography chart of the lake bottom in that location, the tower is about 500 feet off Eagle Point in 145 feet of water and rises 43 feet above the water when the lake is entire.
On July 5, 1908, a reinforced concrete building was officially dedicated, and boaters who went by the structure on the lake were treated to a birthday cake as part of a celebration organized by the Arrowhead Lake Association and the Rim of the World Historical Society.
Lake Arrowhead is a secure, substantially smaller lake, and it is only for residents of the “Arrowhead Woods” subdivision, which has approximately a mile of lakefront land.
Address: Lake Arrowhead, CA 92352, United States
Also see our article on Attractions in California.
Castles in Ramona & San Luis Obispo, California
1. Mt. Woodson Castle (Craftsman Movement Style)
You probably wouldn’t picture a mysterious castle with 27 rooms near Ramona, San Diego; this mysterious Mt. Woodson Castle still stands today.
Amy Strong, an accomplished dressmaker, commissioned the castle’s completion in 1921, during the height of the Craftsman Movement.
She used to have a job and reside in the Grant Building in central Ramona before she moved to Ramona, and at the same time, Amy would frequently visit the Hotel Del Coronado, where she would mingle with the city’s elite.
Moreover, she did a lot of volunteer work and made annual trips to Europe to stock up on fabric for her high-end clientele’s wardrobes.
It took her five years and $50,000 to build her house, and it was created with the help of many skilled people and served as a symbol of the bond connecting her and her community.
The boulders were chosen and carefully selected from the mountain’s side for their strength based on their dimensions, form, and hue.
Also, the clay soil alongside the watercourse provided a plentiful supply of adobe bricks to construct the second story.
Address: 16302 N Woodson Dr, Ramona, CA 92065, United States
2. Château Noland (Ideal For Celebrations)
The tranquil setting of Chateau Noland is perfect for commemorating special occasions and beginning exciting new chapters in life.
Daniel and Lindsey Noland, members of the Noland family, manage Chateau Noland.
Also, Dan, who grew up on the Central Coast, moved back to raise his household with Lindsey, who shares his interest in creating lifelong memories for children.
Taking over the land felt like a natural progression and a lifelong goal that had finally come true.
Dan’s parents invested 25 years in constructing the house, and Dan’s dad wanted to do it, and he knew it would be difficult.
Later, Dan and Lindsey rebranded Chateau Noland to include a piece of their story, despite Dan’s father initially creating it with his Irish history in mind.
Address: 6445 Monte Rd, San Luis Obispo, CA 93401, United States
If you liked this article, you may also like to read about the best Places to Surf, Playgrounds, and Planetariums in California.
Looking beyond California? Check out our article on the Beautiful Castles in Texas and Florida.