Did you know there were castles near San Francisco? Yep, just another reason to get out there and explore. We found seven captivating castles (five near San Francisco, one in San Francisco, and one further down the Central Coast that are absolutely worth the drive. Check them out below!

1. Berkeley Castle (Bowles Hall): Stadium & Gayley Way, Berkeley
1928 Stadium Rim Way, Berkeley, CA 94720, USA
Sharon Hahn Darlin/Flickr
Bowles Hall has the appearance of a medieval castle with a stone exterior and a wood entryway. Built in 1928, Bowles Hall is a coed residential dorm at the University of California in Berkeley. Pretty cool digs, huh? It's hard to believe that students can live in one of the most beautiful castles near San Francisco. You can learn more on the Bowles Hall website.
2. Sam's Castle: 900 Mirador Terrace, Pacifica
900 Mirador Terrace, Pacifica, CA 94044, USA
Sam's Castle Site/Sammazzafoundation.org
Built in 1908 as a post-San Francisco earthquake home, the 24-room concrete castle in Pacifica is a surprise. If you're curious, the castle is open on select dates each month for tours by the historical society. You can learn more on the Sam Mazza Foundation website.
3. Castello di Amorosa: 4045 St Helena Hwy, Calistoga
4045 St Helena Hwy, Calistoga, CA 94515, USA
Dhinal Chheda/Flickr
Venture to Calistoga in Napa Valley and check out this 121,000-square-foot medieval castle with 107 rooms that doubles as a winery. Castello di Amorosa is as authentic as anything you’d find in Europe and is one of the most awe-inspiring castles near San Francisco.

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4. Vikingsholm Castle: Emerald's Bay, Lake Tahoe
California 89, CA-89, Tahoma, CA 96142, USA
Lisa Jacobs/Flickr
When you're in Lake Tahoe, visit Emerald Bay and check out Vikingsholm Castle. Built in 1929 as a summer home, this castle has 38 rooms and is one of the most beautiful hidden gems near San Francisco.
5. Chateau Montelena Winery: 1429 Tubbs Lane, Calistoga
1429 Tubbs Ln, Calistoga, CA 94515, USA
Ron B/Yelp
Another castle in Calistoga! Chateau Montelena is a wine and architectural experience. The castle is carved into a hillside overlooking a Chinese garden and lake. You can find out more about this castle near San Francisco on the Chateau Montelena website.
6. Hearst Castle: 750 Hearst Castle Road, San Simeon
Hearst Castle, 750 Hearst Castle Rd, San Simeon, CA 93452, USA
J Crew/Flickr
Yes, this castle is far from San Francisco, but it is worthwhile. This magnificent castle contains 56 bedrooms, 61 bathrooms, 165 rooms, 127 acres of gardens, indoor and outdoor swimming pools (some with hand-laid tiles), tennis courts, a movie theater, an airfield, and even a zoo. Note that Hearst Castle sits at the midpoint between Los Angeles and San Francisco.
7. Albion Castle: 881 Innes Avenue, San Francisco
Albion Castle, 881 Innes Ave, San Francisco, CA 94124, USA
Brett LIder/Flickr
Established in 1870, the Norman-style Albion Castle was originally a brewery. Today, the castle offers panoramic bay and bridge views.

Let us know what you think about these extraordinary castles near San Francisco. Also, if you’re curious about Albion Castle in San Francisco then learn more about this unique place.

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Castles Near San Francisco

Melissa M. | October 19, 2022

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