Get ready to see some spectacular castles. Big castles. Impressive castles. No dinky castles on this list. And these towering beauties, many of which are on the National Register of Historic Places, are all right here in Southern California. Who knew! So hop in your car and take a Sunday drive and go see these famous spots for yourself to truly appreciate the history and stunning architecture that surrounds us right here in SoCal.
- Castle Green
Wikimedia Commons A nationally registered historic monument located in Old Pasadena near Central Park. Originally built as an annex to the Hotel Green in 1898, it has since been restored and turned into condominiums. Twice per year Castle Green opens its doors to the public for a private tour.
- Rubel Castle
Wikimedia Commons This castle was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 2013. The Glendora Historical Society offers tours by reservation only where you can learn about the colorful history of the Rubel Castle.
- Kimberly Crest House and Gardens
Wikimedia Commons This beautiful castle in Redlands in San Bernardino County looks like a perfect spot for a fancy tea party.
- Sleeping Beauty Castle
Flickr/HarshLight It may only be a fairytale castle, but it’s still a castle in my book and it’s right here in Southern California at Disneyland. Fun fact: The Sleeping Beauty Castle opened in 1955 which makes it the oldest of all the Disney castles.
- Stimson House
Wikimedia Commons Built in 1891, this Los Angeles landmark on the National Register of Historic Places is a popular filming location for television shows and movies.
- Knapp’s Castle
Flicker/Damian Gadal Please note, Knapp’s Castle has permanently closed.
It’s hard to believe, but this isn’t a picture of ancient ruins. It’s right here in SoCal near Santa Barbara. And it isn’t exactly a castle but it’s what’s left of Knapp’s Castle after a devastating fire in 1940 .
- Lobo Castle
Yelp/Karen K. The Lobo Castle came about in 2008 after it was given a major transformation inspired by the architecture of the great castles in Scotland. It is currently a destination for weddings and special events in the Agoura Hills.
- Mt. Woodson Castle
Yelp/Mt. Woodson Castle Built in 1909 as the dream home of a dress designer in San Diego, this stunning castle on a ranch in Ramona has since been restored to its original charm. It’s another popular venue for weddings and special events.
- The Lummis House
Wikimedia Commons This stone house was built entirely by hand over a thirteen-year period by the multi-talented Charles Fletcher. You can take a tour of this popular landmark located in the Highland Park area of Los Angeles on Saturdays and Sundays as it’s open to the public most weekends.
- Mission Inn
Wikimedia Commons The sprawling Mission Inn is quite the landmark in the center of downtown Riverside. With an eclectic mix of architectural styles that range from Spanish to Mediterranean to Revival Style, The Mission Inn (which is now a popular hotel and spa) is an absolute must-see on your castle tour.
- Magic Castle
Wikimedia Commons It’s no wonder the Magic Castle feels like it’s right out of a Harry Potter novel as this castle, located in the heart of Hollywood, is the home to the Academy of Magical Arts – a super secret (yet not-so-secret) organization that’s all about the advancement of magic and magicians.
Aren’t these places pretty amazing? If there are other castles you think would make a nice addition to this list we’d love to know. Give a shout out to your favorite castle in the comments below.
Wikimedia Commons
A nationally registered historic monument located in Old Pasadena near Central Park. Originally built as an annex to the Hotel Green in 1898, it has since been restored and turned into condominiums. Twice per year Castle Green opens its doors to the public for a private tour.
This castle was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 2013. The Glendora Historical Society offers tours by reservation only where you can learn about the colorful history of the Rubel Castle.
This beautiful castle in Redlands in San Bernardino County looks like a perfect spot for a fancy tea party.
Flickr/HarshLight
It may only be a fairytale castle, but it’s still a castle in my book and it’s right here in Southern California at Disneyland. Fun fact: The Sleeping Beauty Castle opened in 1955 which makes it the oldest of all the Disney castles.
Built in 1891, this Los Angeles landmark on the National Register of Historic Places is a popular filming location for television shows and movies.
Flicker/Damian Gadal
Please note, Knapp’s Castle has permanently closed.
It’s hard to believe, but this isn’t a picture of ancient ruins. It’s right here in SoCal near Santa Barbara. And it isn’t exactly a castle but it’s what’s left of Knapp’s Castle after a devastating fire in 1940 .
Yelp/Karen K.
The Lobo Castle came about in 2008 after it was given a major transformation inspired by the architecture of the great castles in Scotland. It is currently a destination for weddings and special events in the Agoura Hills.
Yelp/Mt. Woodson Castle
Built in 1909 as the dream home of a dress designer in San Diego, this stunning castle on a ranch in Ramona has since been restored to its original charm. It’s another popular venue for weddings and special events.
This stone house was built entirely by hand over a thirteen-year period by the multi-talented Charles Fletcher. You can take a tour of this popular landmark located in the Highland Park area of Los Angeles on Saturdays and Sundays as it’s open to the public most weekends.
The sprawling Mission Inn is quite the landmark in the center of downtown Riverside. With an eclectic mix of architectural styles that range from Spanish to Mediterranean to Revival Style, The Mission Inn (which is now a popular hotel and spa) is an absolute must-see on your castle tour.
It’s no wonder the Magic Castle feels like it’s right out of a Harry Potter novel as this castle, located in the heart of Hollywood, is the home to the Academy of Magical Arts – a super secret (yet not-so-secret) organization that’s all about the advancement of magic and magicians.
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