Castles in the United States

Location:

Tarrytown, NY

Highlights:

If you’ve ever dreamed of stepping into a storybook castle, Lyndhurst Mansion will make your fairytale moment real. With lavish rooms, original furnishings, and sweeping views of the Hudson, it’s a must-see for history lovers and architecture buffs alike.

We Recommend This For:

History enthusiasts, architecture fans, families, and couples looking for a romantic or educational day trip in the Hudson Valley.

What we Love:

The incredible Gothic Revival design, the immersive tours through period-decorated rooms, and the seasonal extras like garden walks, concerts, and special event weekends.

• Tour 19 beautifully preserved rooms on the standard guided tour and get a glimpse of life in the 1800s.
• Explore more with specialty tours through the mansion's kitchens, scenic gardens, and even the observation tower.
• Admire original furniture and decor that span over a century of American interior style and craftsmanship.
• Visit between April and December for access to tours—and check the calendar for live concerts, craft fairs, and seasonal events.

Address:

Lyndhurst Mansion, 635 S Broadway, Tarrytown, NY 10591
Phone: 914-631-4481

Location:

Surry, VA

Highlights:

If you’re fascinated by American history, Bacon’s Castle is a rare treasure—built in 1665, it’s the oldest brick house in the U.S. Wandering its halls and gardens feels like stepping into another century, with stories waiting around every corner.

We Recommend This For:

History lovers, architecture enthusiasts, garden aficionados, and anyone interested in early American heritage and preservation.

What we Love:

The striking 17th-century brickwork, the formal English garden, and the rare opportunity to see original outbuildings like the 1830 slave dwelling and smokehouse.

• Tour the oldest brick residence in America, originally built in 1665 and known for its Jacobean architecture.
• Explore the surrounding formal English garden, which dates back to the 17th century and is carefully maintained to reflect the period.
• Discover historic outbuildings including barns, a smokehouse, and a preserved slave dwelling that sheds light on the lives of those who lived and worked on the property.
• Choose between self-guided exploration or a 45-minute guided tour that dives deep into the stories of the house and its former residents.

Address:

Bacon's Castle, 465 Bacons Castle Trail, Surry, VA 23883
Phone: 757-357-5976

Location:

Calistoga, CA

Highlights:

Ever wanted to sip wine in a medieval castle without leaving California? Castello di Amorosa brings a slice of 14th-century Tuscany to Napa Valley—with grand halls, secret passageways, and world-class wines to match.

We Recommend This For:

Wine lovers, couples, architecture buffs, and anyone seeking a unique tasting experience in an unforgettable setting.

What we Love:

The detailed medieval-style architecture, the guided tour through rooms like the torture chamber and armory, and the delicious wine and food pairings—all set in the heart of Napa Valley.

• Visit a fully reconstructed 14th-century Tuscan castle with 107 rooms, 90 of which are used for winemaking and storage.
• Taste premium Napa Valley wines with your admission, which also grants access to two floors of the castle.
• Tour deeper with a guided experience that takes you into the castle’s grand barrel room, armory, and even its torture chamber.
• Pair your wines with delicious bites through curated food and wine pairings available for an added fee.
• Reserve your visit ahead of time—spots fill fast for this one-of-a-kind Napa experience.

Address:

Castello di Amorosa, 4045 St Helena Hwy, Calistoga, CA 94515
Phone: 707-967-6272

Romantic Castles in the United States:

Location:

Little Falls, NY

Highlights:

If dining in a castle sounds like a dream, Beardslee Castle makes it deliciously real. This charming replica of an Irish castle pairs old-world architecture with seasonal fine dining and a seriously cool copper bar in the dungeon.

We Recommend This For:

Couples, foodies, history buffs, and anyone looking for a memorable night out with fairytale ambiance.

What we Love:

The historic stone setting, inventive cuisine that reflects the seasons, and the moody downstairs dungeon bar for the perfect pre-dinner cocktail.

• Dine in a beautifully restored 1860 castle, originally modeled after traditional Irish architecture.
• Savor upscale, seasonal menus crafted with local ingredients and a creative culinary touch.
• Enjoy a drink in the cozy, atmospheric dungeon bar, featuring a unique copper bar setup and plenty of character.
• Celebrate special occasions in a one-of-a-kind setting that blends fine dining with historical charm.

Address:

Beardslee Castle, 123 Old State Rd, Little Falls, NY 13365
Phone: 315-823-3000

Location:

New York, NY

Highlights:

Want castle views without leaving the city? Belvedere Castle in Central Park offers sweeping skyline vistas, a hidden nature observatory, and a peaceful perch above the trees—all in the heart of Manhattan.

We Recommend This For:

Families, photographers, nature lovers, architecture fans, and anyone exploring Central Park who wants a unique stop with a view.

What we Love:

The panoramic views from Vista Rock, the quirky charm of this miniature stone castle, and the small but fascinating nature observatory tucked inside.

• Climb the two-story staircase to enjoy one of the best views in all of Central Park—from treetops to skyline.
• Visit the on-site weather station and nature observatory, which features microscopes, bird replicas, and educational displays.
• Explore the surrounding parkland, including Turtle Pond and the Shakespeare Garden, just steps away from the castle.
• Snap unforgettable photos of this storybook structure perched atop Vista Rock—Central Park’s second-highest point.

Address:

Belvedere Castle, New York, NY 10024
Phone: 212-772-0288

Location:

Asheville, NC

Highlights:

Visiting the Biltmore Estate is like stepping into a real-life American castle—grand, elegant, and absolutely unforgettable. Whether you're wandering the mansion’s lavish halls or sipping wine on the grounds, this Gilded Age marvel never stops impressing.

We Recommend This For:

History buffs, architecture lovers, couples, families, and anyone looking for a day filled with beauty, culture, and Southern charm.

What we Love:

The soaring rooms filled with Vanderbilt history, the meticulously maintained gardens, the on-site winery, and the option for immersive guided tours through private wings of the estate.

• Tour three opulent floors of the mansion with your admission ticket—or upgrade to a premium guided tour for exclusive behind-the-scenes access.
• Stroll through formal gardens designed by Frederick Law Olmsted, as well as the tropical conservatory packed with exotic plants.
• Taste award-winning wines at the on-site winery, and browse curated shops in Antler Hill Village.
• Dine at one of the estate’s many restaurants offering everything from casual bites to fine farm-to-table cuisine.
• Experience one of America’s most iconic homes, still owned and preserved by the Vanderbilt family.

Address:

Biltmore Estate, 1 Lodge St, Asheville, NC 28803
Phone: 800-411-3812

Family-friendly Castles in the United States:

Location:

Galveston, TX

Highlights:

If you’re strolling through Galveston’s Historic District, don’t miss the chance to step into the stunning Bishop’s Palace. This Victorian masterpiece is full of intricate details and rich history, making it one of the most eye-catching homes in Texas.

We Recommend This For:

Architecture and history lovers, self-guided explorers, and anyone fascinated by Victorian-era design and Galveston's past.

What we Love:

The ornate stonework and stained glass, the fascinating history of both the Gresham family and the Catholic Church’s ownership, and the option to explore all four floors with or without a guide.

• Explore a beautifully preserved 1892 Victorian mansion known for its intricate design, grand staircases, and decorative woodwork.
• Tour all four floors of the home on a self-guided tour—or opt for a private guided experience with richer historical context.
• Learn about the home’s transformation from the Gresham family residence to the Catholic bishop’s official home.
• Use audio guides to enhance your visit and uncover details about the home’s architecture, furnishings, and original features.

Address:

Bishop’s Palace, 1402 Broadway Avenue J, Galveston, TX 77550
Phone: 409-762-2475

Location:

Alexandria Bay, NY

Highlights:

If you're a fan of fairytale settings with a touch of real-life romance, Boldt Castle will capture your heart. Built on its own island and inspired by German castles, it’s one of the most magical places to visit in the Thousand Islands region.

We Recommend This For:

Couples, history buffs, architecture lovers, and anyone looking for a romantic and scenic day trip by boat.

What we Love:

The love story behind the castle, the 120 rooms and exhibits that bring the past to life, and the experience of arriving by boat to explore this grand island estate.

• Visit a stunning Rhineland-style castle built as a tribute of love by George C. Boldt to his wife.
• Explore 120 rooms, including a beautifully restored first floor filled with historical exhibits on the Boldt family and the Thousand Islands region.
• Arrive by boat from the U.S. or Canada—Heart Island is only accessible via water, adding to the castle’s enchanted vibe.
• Tour from May to October during the castle's open season and enjoy sweeping views of the St. Lawrence River.

Address:

Boldt Castle, 1 Heart Island, Alexandria Bay, NY 13607
Phone: 315-482-9724

Location:

Cold Spring, NY

Highlights:

If exploring a mysterious, crumbling castle on its own island sounds like your kind of adventure, Bannerman Castle is calling. Once used to store military surplus, it’s now one of the Hudson Valley’s most fascinating and atmospheric historic sites.

We Recommend This For:

History buffs, curious travelers, photographers, and anyone up for a unique river excursion with a Gothic twist.

What we Love:

The Scottish-style ruins, scenic boat or kayak access, and the monthly concerts that turn this remote island into a truly unforgettable cultural experience.

• Tour the remains of a turn-of-the-century Scottish-style castle that once stored ammunition for the U.S. military.
• Travel by boat (included in most tours) or opt for a special kayak adventure for a more active experience.
• Visit during May through October when the island is open to the public for guided or self-guided tours.
• Enjoy live music and explore at your own pace during special monthly self-guided Sundays with concerts.

Address:

Bannerman Castle, Bannerman Island, Cold Spring, NY
Phone: 855-256-4007