If you love road trips, fairytales, and castles, then you’re going to adore this adventurous journey that will take you to some of Southern California’s most beautiful real-life castles hiding right here in SoCal. Take the whole road trip in one day, or pick out your favorite castles and only check out a few. There’s really no right or wrong way to do a road trip just as long as you’re having some fun.
We’ve traveled the entire region and have dedicated a full day of driving to this castle road trip in Southern California. The southern region of the state is perhaps best known for its gorgeous beaches, the star-studded expanse of Hollywood Boulevard and the neat hiking opportunities tucked away in the hills, but there’s something special about these majestic castles. Learn more below, and experience all the hidden beauty the region has to offer.
A Southern California road trip that will take you on a tour of SoCal’s most beautiful castles?! It’s true. It exists, and we’re here to take you to some of the most incredible hidden beauties in the SoCal region.
Google Maps
- Mt. Woodson Castle – 16302 N Woodson Dr in Ramona
yelp/Mt. Woodson Castle Who knew there was a castle hiding in the quaint town of Ramona? Built in 1909 and restored to its original condition during a recent remodel, this is one castle you won’t want to miss along this route. Find more information here
- Kimberly Crest House and Gardens – 1325 Prospect Drive in Redlands
Kimberly Crest House and Gardens What a fairytale setting! Located in the charming town of Redlands, the Kimberly Crest House and Gardens looks like it’s right out of a storybook. Make sure to time your visit on a day when they offer a public tour so you can see this beauty up close and in person. Tours run Thursday-Sunday from 1pm to 4pm. Find more information here
- The Historic Mission Inn – 3649 Mission Inn Avenue in Riverside
wikimedia commons If you’ve ever been to Riverside, there’s no question you’ve seen the stunning Mission Inn towering over the downtown area. You’ll appreciate the unique architecture style ranging from Mediterranean to Spanish to Revival. Make sure to take some time to see the interior of the Mission Inn as it’s just as magnificent on the inside. Find more information here
- Rubel Castle – 844 N Live Oak Ave in Glendora
yelp/scott r. Since 2013, the Rubel Castle in Glendora has been on the National Register of Historic Places. To receive an in depth guided tour of this unique location, you’ll want to schedule a tour through the Glendora Historical Society. It’s a must-visit on our castle road trip in Southern California. Find more information here
- Castle Green – 99 S Raymond Ave in Pasadena
wikimedia commons This stunning Victorian castle in Pasadena is an absolute treasure. It was built back in 1898 and is a Nationally Registered Historic Monument. You can drive by the castle year-round, but you’ll have to wait for December for the annual holiday tour of the castle’s interior. It’s well worth the wait! Find more information here
- Lummis House – 200 E Ave 43 in Los Angeles
wikimedia commons Just look at this stone castle – Wow! It’s perhaps one of the most unique castles in Southern California. Located in the quiet residential neighborhood of Highland Park, this beauty will stand out when you drive by. This historic home was built entirely by hand in the 1800s by Charles Fletcher Lummis. Public tours are available and offered by the city of Los Angeles. Find more information here
- Magic Castle – 7001 Franklin Avenue in Los Angeles
wikimedia commons Home to the Academy of Magical Arts, this may be the most mysterious castle on the list. Although you’ll need a membership or an invitation from a member to get a tour on the inside, there’s nothing stopping you from seeing this sprawling castle from the street. Find more information here
- Lobo Castle - 31400 Lobo Canyon Rd in Agoura Hills
yelp/grace c. A popular destination for weddings and special events, this SoCal castle is the kind of place where dreams come true. Or what if you just want to spend an overnighter in the castle? Yep, they offer that, too. You can rent a room in this sprawling mansion in the Agoura Hills and pretend like you’re a prince or princess for the evening. Find more information here
- Stimson House – 2421 S Figueroa Street in Los Angeles
wikimedia commons Although you won’t be able to tour the inside of this castle, simply driving by is a real treat. Dating back to 1891, this stone mansion reflects a Richardsonian Romanesque style of architecture. Find more information here
Be on the lookout for more Southern California road trips that will make your year epic. Please share in the Facebook comments what other types of road trips you’d like to see us put together. Will you be taking this castle road trip in Southern California?
Google Maps
yelp/Mt. Woodson Castle
Who knew there was a castle hiding in the quaint town of Ramona? Built in 1909 and restored to its original condition during a recent remodel, this is one castle you won’t want to miss along this route. Find more information here
Kimberly Crest House and Gardens
What a fairytale setting! Located in the charming town of Redlands, the Kimberly Crest House and Gardens looks like it’s right out of a storybook. Make sure to time your visit on a day when they offer a public tour so you can see this beauty up close and in person. Tours run Thursday-Sunday from 1pm to 4pm. Find more information here
wikimedia commons
If you’ve ever been to Riverside, there’s no question you’ve seen the stunning Mission Inn towering over the downtown area. You’ll appreciate the unique architecture style ranging from Mediterranean to Spanish to Revival. Make sure to take some time to see the interior of the Mission Inn as it’s just as magnificent on the inside. Find more information here
yelp/scott r.
Since 2013, the Rubel Castle in Glendora has been on the National Register of Historic Places. To receive an in depth guided tour of this unique location, you’ll want to schedule a tour through the Glendora Historical Society. It’s a must-visit on our castle road trip in Southern California. Find more information here
This stunning Victorian castle in Pasadena is an absolute treasure. It was built back in 1898 and is a Nationally Registered Historic Monument. You can drive by the castle year-round, but you’ll have to wait for December for the annual holiday tour of the castle’s interior. It’s well worth the wait! Find more information here
Just look at this stone castle – Wow! It’s perhaps one of the most unique castles in Southern California. Located in the quiet residential neighborhood of Highland Park, this beauty will stand out when you drive by. This historic home was built entirely by hand in the 1800s by Charles Fletcher Lummis. Public tours are available and offered by the city of Los Angeles. Find more information here
Home to the Academy of Magical Arts, this may be the most mysterious castle on the list. Although you’ll need a membership or an invitation from a member to get a tour on the inside, there’s nothing stopping you from seeing this sprawling castle from the street. Find more information here
yelp/grace c.
A popular destination for weddings and special events, this SoCal castle is the kind of place where dreams come true. Or what if you just want to spend an overnighter in the castle? Yep, they offer that, too. You can rent a room in this sprawling mansion in the Agoura Hills and pretend like you’re a prince or princess for the evening. Find more information here
Although you won’t be able to tour the inside of this castle, simply driving by is a real treat. Dating back to 1891, this stone mansion reflects a Richardsonian Romanesque style of architecture. Find more information here
Make sure to take a look at our Only In Your State homepage where you can find many more Southern California adventures. Whether you like SoCal dining, hiking, day trips, or waterfalls, there’s a little something for everyone to enjoy and explore.
OnlyInYourState may earn compensation through affiliate links in this article.
Address: 16302 N Woodson Dr, Ramona, CA 92065, USAAddress: 1325 Prospect Dr, Redlands, CA 92373, USAAddress: Mission Inn Hotel & Spa, 3649 Mission Inn Avenue, Riverside, CA 92501, USAAddress: 844 N Live Oak Ave, Glendora, CA 91741, USAAddress: 99 S Raymond Ave, Pasadena, CA 91105, USAAddress: 200 E Ave 43, Los Angeles, CA 90031, USAAddress: 7001 Franklin Ave, Los Angeles, CA 90028, USAAddress: 31400 Lobo Canyon Rd, Agoura Hills, CA 91301, USAAddress: 2421 S Figueroa St, Los Angeles, CA 90007, USA
The OIYS Visitor Center
Unique Experiences In Southern California December 17, 2020 Meghan Kraft Can I stay in a treehouse in Southern California? Perhaps one of the best-kept secrets in Southern California are the treehouse destinations hidden away in the region. If you’re looking to get away from the wilds of the world, then you’ll want to head to the Idyllwild Treehouse in Idyllwild, California. It’s the perfect mountain getaway, secluded just a mile from the town but almost two hours from Los Angeles. You’ll find this dreamy little space perfectly adept for relaxing in the great outdoors, and with breathtaking views of the treetops and crestline, the photography opportunities are fantastic as well. What are the most beautiful churches in Southern California? Southern California may not be exactly known for its religious ties, bt it is home to some of the most beautiful churches in the state. The Wayfarer Chapel in Rancho Palos Verdes is known as the “Glass Church,” and offers views of the outdoors while inside the glass and wood structure. The San Diego California Temple is also a feat of architecture, with its magnificent white spires stretching towards the sky. Head to the Chapel at Mission Santa Barbara for an infusion of history and beauty, and Saint Sophia Cathedral in Los Angles is a great example of Greek Orthodox architecture. What are the most famous bridges in Southern California? Whether you’re traveling from one city to the next or perhaps looking to hike someplace beautiful, there’s a whole slew of famous bridges in the SoCal geographical region. The Coronado Bridge is famed by commuters and travelers alike, and the Bridge to Nowhere and Goat Canyon Trestle make for perfect hiking destinations. Shakespeare Bridge, the Colorado Street Bridge, and the 6th Street Aqueduct are also known for their beauty and historical integrity.
The OIYS Visitor Center
Unique Experiences In Southern California
December 17, 2020
Meghan Kraft
Can I stay in a treehouse in Southern California? Perhaps one of the best-kept secrets in Southern California are the treehouse destinations hidden away in the region. If you’re looking to get away from the wilds of the world, then you’ll want to head to the Idyllwild Treehouse in Idyllwild, California. It’s the perfect mountain getaway, secluded just a mile from the town but almost two hours from Los Angeles. You’ll find this dreamy little space perfectly adept for relaxing in the great outdoors, and with breathtaking views of the treetops and crestline, the photography opportunities are fantastic as well. What are the most beautiful churches in Southern California? Southern California may not be exactly known for its religious ties, bt it is home to some of the most beautiful churches in the state. The Wayfarer Chapel in Rancho Palos Verdes is known as the “Glass Church,” and offers views of the outdoors while inside the glass and wood structure. The San Diego California Temple is also a feat of architecture, with its magnificent white spires stretching towards the sky. Head to the Chapel at Mission Santa Barbara for an infusion of history and beauty, and Saint Sophia Cathedral in Los Angles is a great example of Greek Orthodox architecture. What are the most famous bridges in Southern California? Whether you’re traveling from one city to the next or perhaps looking to hike someplace beautiful, there’s a whole slew of famous bridges in the SoCal geographical region. The Coronado Bridge is famed by commuters and travelers alike, and the Bridge to Nowhere and Goat Canyon Trestle make for perfect hiking destinations. Shakespeare Bridge, the Colorado Street Bridge, and the 6th Street Aqueduct are also known for their beauty and historical integrity.
The OIYS Visitor Center
The OIYS Visitor Center
Perhaps one of the best-kept secrets in Southern California are the treehouse destinations hidden away in the region. If you’re looking to get away from the wilds of the world, then you’ll want to head to the Idyllwild Treehouse in Idyllwild, California. It’s the perfect mountain getaway, secluded just a mile from the town but almost two hours from Los Angeles. You’ll find this dreamy little space perfectly adept for relaxing in the great outdoors, and with breathtaking views of the treetops and crestline, the photography opportunities are fantastic as well.
What are the most beautiful churches in Southern California?
Southern California may not be exactly known for its religious ties, bt it is home to some of the most beautiful churches in the state. The Wayfarer Chapel in Rancho Palos Verdes is known as the “Glass Church,” and offers views of the outdoors while inside the glass and wood structure. The San Diego California Temple is also a feat of architecture, with its magnificent white spires stretching towards the sky. Head to the Chapel at Mission Santa Barbara for an infusion of history and beauty, and Saint Sophia Cathedral in Los Angles is a great example of Greek Orthodox architecture.
What are the most famous bridges in Southern California?
Whether you’re traveling from one city to the next or perhaps looking to hike someplace beautiful, there’s a whole slew of famous bridges in the SoCal geographical region. The Coronado Bridge is famed by commuters and travelers alike, and the Bridge to Nowhere and Goat Canyon Trestle make for perfect hiking destinations. Shakespeare Bridge, the Colorado Street Bridge, and the 6th Street Aqueduct are also known for their beauty and historical integrity.
