Many people assume that traveling implies spending thousands of dollars on a single trip, sunbathing, and sightseeing. Did you know there are a plethora of gorgeous, jaw-dropping castles in the United States?

If you’re one of the millions who binge-watched Bridgerton, you may have developed a taste for exquisite gowns, decadent parties, and sprawling estates. While we can’t assist you to discover your own Duke of Hastings, we can point you in the direction of a stately estate where you may immerse yourself in the enchanted realm of royalty.

While huge castles are typically associated with medieval Europe, the United States is home to numerous gorgeous chateaus, estates, and palaces that are guaranteed to fascinate and thrill.

From North Carolina’s famed Biltmore Estate to California’s majestic Hearst Castle, these residential estates and castles have gorgeous landscapes, large halls, and opulent chambers. You can spend hours looking over these houses’ enormous grandeur and intricate detailing. Just don’t overdo it in any of the huge ballrooms.

Consider visiting these fairytale castles on your next road trip or solo excursion to immerse yourself in the gorgeous architecture and legends of riches and splendor.

Most Enchanting Castles in the US

1. Boldt Castle

Boldt Castle, located near Alexandria, New York, has a beautiful love tale behind it: The property was built in 1900 at the request of wealthy hotel entrepreneur George C. Boldt as a loving homage to his wife Louise—but it did not have the fairy-tale conclusion that he had planned.

Unfortunately, she died suddenly just months before the castle was completed, and the sad Bolt was forced to stop all construction work in 1904.

The castle, which was constructed to look like other castles along Germany’s Rhine River, has never been lived in, but various heart shapes carefully inserted into the castle’s architecture immortalize the love tale. Boldt had the earth blasted into a heart form, which is why the island on which this castle lies is so magnificent.

The stunning views of Alexandria Bay and the St. Lawrence River from Boldt Castle are well-known. The only way to get there these days is via boat.

2. Fonthill Castle

Fonthill Castle, in Doylestown Township, Pennsylvania, is a magnificent piece of art in many ways. This castle was built in 1912 as the residence and showplace of Henry Chapman Mercer, an archaeologist, tile craftsman, and designer.

There are 44 rooms in all, over 200 windows, and 18 fireplaces in the structure. Fonthill Castle was planned by Mercer himself, as was The Mercer Museum, a six-story reinforced concrete castle finished in 1916.

The inside of Fonthill Castle has Mercer’s famed handmade ceramic tiles, which were created during the peak of the Arts and Crafts movement. The Pennsylvania State Capitol Building’s floor, as well as a number of other significant residences and structures, are covered in Mercer’s tiles.

3. Hammond Castle

You’ll be seeing the old home of a renowned American inventor when you visit Hammond Castle, which is located on the shore of Gloucester, Massachusetts. The former owner, John Hays Hammond, Jr., gave the castle its name since he utilized it as his residence and laboratory.

Hammond is regarded as one of America’s most prolific innovators, having received 437 patents throughout his career.

The construction of this castle took three years, from 1926 to 1929, and it now serves as a museum and travel facility. The famous 14th century-style arches of the castle provide breathtaking views of the Atlantic Ocean, making it a favorite photographic location.

It’s easy to be taken aback by the majesty of the structure and the precious architectural components Hammond had the forethought to conserve and incorporate into his magnificent castle upon entering.

Each area provides a tone and experience that transports you back in time, whether it’s the sweeping ocean vistas, the splendor of the Courtyard, or the Great Hall.

4. Marble House

Marble House, in Newport, Rhode Island, was erected between 1888 and 1892 as a present to William K. Vanderbilt’s wife Alva for her 39th birthday. This site is one of 11 historic properties and landscapes in the area, seven of which are designated National Historic Landmarks.

Marble House was constructed by renowned architect Richard Morris Hunt, who took his inspiration from the one and only Petit Trianon at Versailles, France. It was originally meant to serve as a vacation house for the Vanderbilts.

The house’s name comes from the fact that it holds a massive 500,000 cubic feet of marble of various types. Alva Vanderbilt Belmont held massive women’s suffrage demonstrations at Marble House in the early 1900s, which was just included in the new National Votes for Women Trail.

5. Castello di Amorosa

Castello di Amorosa is a precise replica of a medieval Italian castle located in California’s picturesque Napa Valley. Dario Sattui, the proprietor, began building in 1994 and it opened to the public in 2007.

“Determined to make the Castello authentic in every way,” Sattui continues, “I utilized only antique, hand-made materials and built it using the exact methods and materials that would have been employed 700 to 800 years ago.

Wines are produced from vineyards throughout the North Coast, with a focus on Napa and Sonoma, and the working winery, in addition to its medieval rooms, is a state-of-the-art showpiece of equipment and techniques, all with the goal of producing wines of elegance, substance, and longevity—not to mention quality taste.

6. Belvedere Castle   

Belvedere Castle, located atop New York City’s Vista Rock, has extensive views over Central Park—the Great Lawn to the north and the Ramble to the south—and the surrounding cityscape. In Italian, “belvedere” means “beautiful view,” and this castle certainly provides that and more.

Belvedere Castle, designed by Frederick Law Olmsted and Calvert Vaux, was constructed over a period of two years, from 1867 to 1869, with no doors or windows, as it was originally meant as an observation platform.

While the outdoor pavilion is a popular viewing area, the greatest views of the castle may be obtained two levels above on the terrace, which can be reached by ascending a steep stone staircase.

The castle not only has beautiful views, but it also has essential information: Since 1919, the National Weather Service has gathered meteorological data from the castle, such as temperature, wind, and rainfall.

7. Grey Towers

Grey Towers Castle is an Arcadia University National Historic Landmark in Glenside, Pennsylvania. It was inspired by Alnwick Castle in England, the historic residence of the Dukes of Northumberland.

The castle was created by Horace Trumbauer, who would go on to become famous for trademark projects such as the Philadelphia Museum of Art and began construction in 1893, and lasted five years. Intricately detailed hand-carved woodwork is prominently exhibited throughout the castle’s interior, which was created by local craftsmen.

It was once the estate of local sugar refinery tycoon William Welsh Harrison. Today, chosen first-year university students have the chance to reside in the castle on the third story, while the second and third floors are used for offices and event facilities.

Your next stop: 15 Amazing Estate Tours in the US