Chances are, when you think of castles, images of medieval Europe come to mind. But you don’t have to travel abroad to find majestic structures fit for royalty.

Architects, builders, and dreamers across the United States created these gorgeous works of art that pay homage to — and, in some cases, use materials from — older European edifices. The beautiful buildings are found across the country, from California’s Pacific Coast to an island in Upstate New York.

While we included a couple of locations that don’t have the word “castle” in the name, these palaces and mansions have such a regal look and feel, we’d be remiss not to. Here are 22 of the most beautiful castles in the United States.

Hearst Castle, San Simeon, California

Newspaper magnate William Randolph Hearst began building his estate in 1919. Formally known as “La Cuesta Encantada” (Spanish for “The Enchanted Hill”), Hearst Castle boasts 165 rooms, a legendary art collection, and elaborately tiled pools. But the property’s most notable treasure is its 123 acres of gardens and Pacific Ocean views. Its location right off the Pacific Coast Highway makes it a popular stop that lives up to the hype.

Biltmore Estate, Asheville, North Carolina

What was once a French chateau-style home built for George Washington Vanderbilt II is now a North Carolina destination for tourists from around the globe. The 8,000-acre Biltmore Estate features three spots to spend the night — The Inn, the Village Hotel, and the Cottages — plus a spa, winery, restaurants, shops, and 22 miles of trails.

Fonthill Castle, Doylestown, Pennsylvania

With its 44 rooms filled with hand-crafted ceramic tiles and prints, Fonthill Castle is a destination for lovers of the decorative arts. The concrete castle was built between 1908 and 1912 and was the home of archaeologist, anthropologist, and scholar Henry Chapman Mercer. Today, visitors can join a one-hour tour of the building and visit the permanent and rotating exhibits at the Mercer Museum.

Boldt Castle, Alexandria Bay, New York

When it comes to location and awe-factor, it’s hard to top Boldt Castle, which sits on Heart Island in the St. Lawrence River near the U.S.–Canada border. Dating from the early 1900s, the castle was intended to be a summer retreat for millionaire hotelier George C. Boldt and his wife, but she died before it was completed. Boldt was so heartbroken that he ceased construction and never returned to the island, leaving the castle abandoned for more than 70 years. In 1977, the Thousand Islands Bridge Authority took over the property and began restoring the structures, which are now open to visitors from mid-May to early October. Everything from the gardens to the freestanding German-style Alster Tower is elaborate and photo-worthy, but the six-story castle is the real showstopper.

Singer Castle, Chippewa Bay, New York

Located on Dark Island, Singer Castle is another St. Lawrence River property constructed in the early 20th century. The imposing granite structure, shaped by Italian stonemasons, served as the summer home of Frederick Bourne, onetime president of the Singer Sewing Machine Company. Today, visitors arriving by boat can explore its many rooms, secret passageways, and manicured grounds.

The Breakers, Newport, Rhode Island

Newport is renowned for its collection of palatial Gilded Age summer homes, and The Breakers is one of the most opulent. Commissioned by Cornelius Vanderbilt II, the Italian Renaissance-style mansion was completed in 1895. The castlelike structure overlooking Easton Bay is visible from the 3.5-mile-long Cliff Walk, but history lovers can explore the gardens and ornate rooms of the National Historic Landmark. Go deeper on a behind-the-scenes tour that reveals the complex underground network used to light, heat, and maintain the massive residence.

Iolani Palace, Honolulu, Hawaii

Built between 1879 and 1882, the former royal residence of the rulers of the Hawaiian Kingdom now tells the story of grand balls, hula performances, and the overthrow and imprisonment of Queen Liliuokalani. Visitors can join a guided tour or take a self-led exploration of the restored first and second floors to learn more about the Hawaiian monarchy’s complex history.

Bishop’s Palace, Galveston, Texas

Bishop’s Palace, also known as Gresham’s Castle, is an eye-catching Victorian-style house that’s over 19,000 square feet in size. Visitors can embark on a thrilling self-guided tour through the National Historic Landmark — from its basement to its attic and everywhere in between.

Gillette Castle, East Haddam, Connecticut

Built on a former private estate, the medieval-style Gillette Castle lures architecture enthusiasts with its whimsical stone and woodwork. The property was conceptualized by actor William Hooker Gillette (best known for playing Sherlock Holmes on both stage and screen) between 1914 and 1919. It now sits within a namesake 184-acre state park with stunning trails, picnic areas, and views over the Connecticut River.

Bishop Castle, Rye, Colorado

With exterior walkways along the roof and a fire-breathing dragon, Bishop Castle (made entirely by one man, Jim Bishop) is a Colorado roadside attraction well worth the stop. Plus, there’s no entry fee, and it boasts impressive views of the surrounding San Isabel National Forest.

Castle in the Clouds, Moultonborough, New Hampshire

Created by shoe manufacturing mogul Tom Plant and his wife in 1913, the Lucknow Estate features a 16-room Arts and Crafts-style mansion. It wasn’t until the 1950s — when the property opened to the public — that it earned its current name, the Castle in the Clouds. Today, between late May and late October, visitors can tour the historic home and have lunch at the Carriage House Restaurant. The mansion and restaurant are also open for select winter events, and hikers can explore more than 28 miles of trails year-round.

Bannerman Castle, Beacon, New York

Scottish-born businessman Frank Bannerman built this replica castle on an island in the Hudson River in the early 1900s. Devastated by a 1969 fire, the atmospheric ruin now welcomes visitors who book ferry, kayak, or canoe tours. To support the continued stabilization of Bannerman Castle, you can also purchase tickets for movie nights, shows, or musical events on the grounds.

Belvedere Castle, New York City

With the Manhattan skyline in the background, this Central Park folly feels slightly out of place, which only makes it that much more iconic. The Belvedere Castle is built on the second-highest natural point in Central Park — Vista Rock — making the park views almost as enticing as the castle itself. Climb the steep steps inside the tower for an even more elevated perspective.

Marble House, Newport, Rhode Island

Built between 1888 and 1892, the Marble House was one of Rhode Island’s first high society hubs. This Gilded Age mansion, formerly owned by William Vanderbilt, was inspired by the Petit Trianon château at Versailles and features a whopping 500,000 cubic feet of imported marble. While its temple-front portico is a sight to behold, its ornate rooms are even more impressive. To enhance your visit, make a reservation for brunch or afternoon tea at the estate’s seasonally open Chinese tea house, where Alva Vanderbilt once held rallies for women’s suffrage.

Castello di Amorosa, Calistoga, California

The owners of one California winery took their connection to the wine world (and Italian heritage) seriously, building a medieval-style Tuscan castle on their estate. Dream of sipping a glass of wine from a castle perch? This is your spot.

Lyndhurst Mansion, Tarrytown, New York

Lyndhurst may not have “castle” in its name, but it won’t disappoint those with their heart set on a castle experience. The Lyndhurst Mansion, aka the Jay Gould estate, is a Gothic Revival building set on a 67-acre park along the Hudson River. The property offers tours of its elaborate first and second floors, servant spaces, and landscaped gardens, and you can also purchase passes to explore the grounds or attend events like sunset jazz concerts and theater performances.

Thornewood Castle, Lakewood, Washington

If you dream of escaping to an English castle, book a stay at Thornewood Castle, built from the brick of a dismantled 15th-century house imported from the U.K. The lakeside Gothic Tudor-style property appeared in Stephen King’s TV series, Rose Red, and offers rooms and suites for those looking to spend the night in a spooky — and very elegant — manor.

Joslyn Castle, Omaha, Nebraska

A wealthy couple in Omaha built the Joslyn Castle, a 35-room mansion, in less than a year — which is quite a feat considering the extravagant detail (think stained glass, intricate mosaics, and carved wood) throughout. Today, visitors can tour the home and 5.5-acre grounds, including a garden with seasonal floral displays.

Hammond Castle, Gloucester, Massachusetts

Set just off the wild Atlantic Coast is Hammond Castle, a medieval-style structure built between 1926 and 1929. Perhaps most notably, the castle houses the laboratory of John Hays Hammond, Jr., an inventor and scientist who filled his home with his creations — including a gigantic pipe organ that relied on his 19 pipe organ technology patents.

Smithsonian Castle, Washington, D.C.

There’s a lot to see on the National Mall but one of the major highlights is the Smithsonian Castle, which sits between the Washington Monument and the United States Capitol in Washington, D.C. The Gothic Revival-style castle was completed in 1855 and houses the Smithsonian Institution’s administrative offices and information center. The castle closed for a five-year renovation in February 2023 but when it reopens, guests can look forward to new programming in the restored Great Hall and a larger cafe and gift shop.

Searles Castle, Windham, New Hampshire

It’s no surprise Searles Castle is a popular venue for weddings. With its seven towers and stone exterior, the English Tudor-style castle in the Berkshires looks like something out of a fantasy movie. The property has changed hands over the years and previously served as a school. In 2019, it entered its new era as an event space, allowing more people to step inside and see its elaborate wood carvings and imported marble.

Grey Towers Castle, Glenside, Pennsylvania

Arcadia University campus is home to this castle that was modeled on Alnwick Castle in England. Lucky freshmen even get to sleep on the third floor of Grey Towers Castle, while the lower floors host lectures, book readings, and conferences.