Are you searching for the best forts and castles in Florida?
Castles might not be the first thing that comes to mind when exploring the Sunshine State, and while our castles weren’t built by daring Viking invaders, or promiscuous English rulers with a penchant for multiple wives and battles with roses, castles in Florida are a real thing and make for a great day out.
At least one of these castles is inhabited by a real princess, another is a school for wizards…
Other castles in America celebrate the medieval architectural features so admired in historic Europe, and brought into the 21st Century as luxury hotels and museums.
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Best Forts and Castles in Florida at a Glance:
- Solomon´s Castle: A fascinating aluminum castle where you can dine on royal cuisine in the belly of the boat at The Boat-in-the-Moat restaurant
- Castle Warden: Now home to Ripley’s original Believe It or Not collection, this castle also lets you go on a ghost-haunting investigation of the paranormal
- Fort Matanzas: One of the best things to do in St. Augustine as both the ferry and admission to the park at Fort Matanzas National Monument are free of charge
- Hogwarts Castle: Take an action-packed adventure through the castle and on top of it on the thrilling Harry Potter and the Forbidden Journey ride
Keep reading to get the full guide on the best forts and castles in Florida!
1. Solomon’s Castle (Ona, Florida)
I’m going to give you three guesses who owns Solomon’s Castle. This beautiful castle in Florida is the dream-come-true home and workshop of American artist Howard Solomon.
Known globally for his sculptures, Solomon’s castle also boasts more than 80 bespoke stained-glass windows, bringing all the magic of medieval Europe to Ona.
They offer fun tours of the fascinating aluminum castle that last 45 minutes through Solomon’s Castle, his home as well as his galleries and if you make it a tour package with Howard’s Encore you can save $10.
Why We Love This as One of The Best Forts and Castles in Florida
Make a day of it at this artist’s castle in America and tuck into royal cuisine at The Boat-in-the-Moat restaurant.
You can actually dine in the belly of the boat. Solomon’s Castle has perfected the jolly spirit of aristocratic freedom at this unique destination.
Their menu includes kids’ meals for under $7 and a full menu of dishes fit for a king or queen.
Dive into their Sweet Tooth Fairy Delights and hand-dipped ice creams, cakes, and pies made from scratch, hot dishes like Old Style Meatloaf or Homemade Chicken Pot Pie and so much more. It´s worth coming out to this castle in Florida simply for its amazing restaurant if nothing else.
What to Know Before You Go to This Castle in Florida
- Hours of Operation: Tuesday thru Sunday 10 a.m. – 4 p.m. Closed ALL Mondays and months of September and October
- Address: 533 Solomon Rd, Ona, FL 33865
- Pro Tip: If you are just looking to come and look at the grounds admission is FREE and so is parking
2. Castle Warden (St. Augustine, Florida)
Now the home to Ripley’s original Believe It or Not collection, this Moorish castle in Florida was built as a winter residence for William Warden, who gave it his name.
Built in 1887, this castle has enjoyed various reincarnations over the decades, morphing from a luxurious private residence in the sun to a charming hotel in the 1940s.
Why We Love This as One of The Best Forts and Castles in Florida
From a decade of life as a posh bed and breakfast, Castle Warden dived into a new era at the hands of Robert S. Ripley – he of collecting oddities fame – who baffled visitors at the world’s first “odditorium”.
Castle Warden was the very first Ripley’s Believe It or Not Museum and continues to welcome guests to experience its oddness to this day—a great day out for the whole family.
If you´re into haunted castles then you will want to stay after the museum closes for their Ripley´s Haunted Castle Investigation and make it a combo ticket. Using state-of-the-art equipment for ghost hunting you can delve into the world of the paranormal and find out firsthand what may be haunting this castle in Florida.
It’s one of the most unique castles in Florida!
What to Know Before You Go to This Castle in Florida
- Hours of Operation: 10 a.m. – 5 p.m. daily
- Address: 19 San Marco Ave, St. Augustine, FL 32084
- Pro Tip: The money-saving combo gets you admission to the Odditorium and Ripley’s Haunted Castle Investigation
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3. Casa Monica (St Augustine, Florida)
In the same locale as Castle Warden is another castle in Florida, and this is one you can stay at Casa Monica is a luxury hotel, part of the Autograph Collection.
Approach the hotel’s 4-star impressive white stone entrance, with the gilded name carved into the stonework, and enter into a world of luxury.
Why We Love This as One of The Best Forts and Castles in Florida
The suites offer historic charm that has you feeling like you stepped back in time. Although it has undergone restorations so that guests can still experience their favorite modern luxury it exudes a timeless elegance.
You’ll never want to leave after booking a stay at this castle-like hotel especially if you end up with the Kessler suite.
Call yourself Lord or Lady and you’ll start to believe it in this four-story penthouse suite, built into the castle’s tower with a view on all sides. You will be captivated by seeing how the other half lived through history.
What to Know Before You Go to This Castle in Florida
- Address: 95 Cordova St, St. Augustine, FL 32084
- Pro Tip: Pet friendly and it has close proximity to many of St. Augustine’s attractions and downtown
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4. Coral Castle (Homestead, Florida)
1,100 tons of coral rock and one man’s imagination await you at Coral Castle.
Follow your passions, they say.
Why We Love This as One of The Best Forts and Castles in Florida
Well, that’s exactly what Edward Leedskalnin has done at Coral Castle. This fantasy attraction was carved over 28 years by Ed, alone.
Never a lived-in castle, Coral Castle was born with the alluring spirit of ancient ruins. An unusual and mysterious destination, that is a pure celebration of an obsession.
Impress yourself with your unknown strength by opening the 9-ton stone gate with just the light touch of a finger. Just how did he do it? Nobody really knows.
What to Know Before You Go to This Castle in Florida
- Hours of Operation: Closed Monday – Wednesday, Open Thursday – Sunday 9 a.m. – 6 p.m. with the last tour at 5 p.m.
- Address: 28655 S Dixie Hwy, Homestead, FL 33033
- Pro Tip: Psychic Saturday is the first Saturday of every month with palm reading and fortune-telling
5. Castle Otttis (St Augustine, Florida)
Yes, there really are three t’s in Castle Otttis. No, we don’t know why either.
Built in honor of Jesus Christ, this landscape sculpture is the perfect setting for a wedding ceremony.
Why We Love This as One of The Best Forts and Castles in Florida
Modeled after an Irish Castle of the 1000s, the castle’s interior has a distinctly spiritual atmosphere, echoing the feel of early Irish Abbeys of the same era. Making it one of the most majestic castles in Florida!
You will want to check out their site to stay up to date when they resume their open houses on Sunday mornings, you can also send an email to castleotttis@outlook.com to inquire more.
In the meantime you can grab a great photo from the roadside – it’s sort of hard to hide a castle.
What to Know Before You Go to This Castle in Florida
- Hours of Operation: Open Houses on Sunday (temporarily suspended)
- Address: Coastal Hwy, St. Augustine, FL 32084
- Pro Tip: It is a free experience to come out and see, however, they are open to receiving donations for your visit
6. Villa Zorayda (St Augustine, Florida)
Another example of a Moorish castle begs to be visited in Augustine.
Those 1880s locals sure loved their castles! Architecturally inspired by the monumental Alhambra Palace in Spain, the Villa Zorayda Museum is home to an expansive private art collection.
Why We Love This as One of The Best Forts and Castles in Florida
Unusual for a castle in America, Villa Zorayda is still owned by the family who started the collection over 100 years ago.
You will think that you are in another era of time when you visit this museum that feels like a castle in Florida.
Just wait until you see the holiday season when Christmas is a mesmerizing time of year to visit Villa Zorayda and every room is transformed with festive sparkle.
What to Know Before You Go to This Castle in Florida
- Hours of Operation: Monday to Saturday 10 a.m. – 5 p.m. and Sunday 11 a.m. until 4 p.m.
- Address: 83 King St, St. Augustine, FL 32084
- Pro Tip: They offer special tours during the holiday season during St. Augustine’s “Nights of Lights” Celebration that feels magical and includes a Grand Lighting of the Christmas Tree.
7. Fort Matanzas (St Augustine, Florida)
Take the ferry out to Fort Matanzas, a genuine historic watchtower from the 1740s.
The watchtower was constructed to defend the Spanish military base of St Augustine and is now run by an army of volunteers.
Why We Love This as One of The Best Forts and Castles in Florida
Local kids can get involved with this fort in Florida by joining the Junior Ranger program or escaping on camps here.
The passenger ferry is free to take, however, they are first come first serve and you cannot get them in advance.
You will need to have a boarding pass to get on the free ferry and you can pick those up at the Fort Matanzas Visitor Center for free which is located in the park.
They can only be used that day and they recommend picking up your pass before 11 a.m. as the tours to this fort in Florida do fill up.
Visitors should check the calendar of events, to make your visit even more memorable. Nature lovers will treasure the opportunity to hike the Marsh Trail, or relax at the beach.
What to Know Before You Go to This Fort in Florida
- Hours of Operation: The ferry operates Wednesday through Monday at 9:30 a.m., 10:30 a.m., 11:30 a.m., 12:30 p.m. 1:30 p.m., 2: 30 p.m., 3:30 p.m. with no ferry service on Tuesdays
- Address: 8635 A1A S, St. Augustine, FL 32080
- Pro Tip: Keep your eyes open you may just spot some dolphins along with beautiful birds
8. Fort Zachary Taylor (Key West, Florida)
Set in grounds dating way back before the Civil War, Fort Zachary Taylor offers a fascinating day out for the family.
Set in 54 acres of park, this National Historic Landmark shows a side of Florida that many visitors don’t get to see. This makes it one of the best forts in Florida.
Why We Love This as One of The Best Forts and Castles in Florida
The fort itself was constructed in 1845, shortly after Florida joined the United States, and is named after the twelfth President, Zachary Taylor.
Beyond the military sightseeing, Fort Zachary Taylor has a stunning beach, which has a license for dreamy weddings and private functions.
The beach area is a wonderful place if you want to relax, there are lots of picnic tables, places to hang hammocks to lay out and chill, and beach equipment to rent along with restrooms.
It´s a wonderful place to learn a bit about Key West history and enjoy the beauty of the area.
There’s a café too, for less private functions… like a great family day out in Key West!
If you are riding your bike and visiting or walking in admission is $2.50. For those coming in a vehicle, the cost is $4.50 for one passenger, $6.50 for two passengers and each additional passenger is $0.50.
What to Know Before You Go to This Fort in Florida
- Hours of Operation: Fort hours are 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily and the Park is open 8 a.m. to sunset daily
- Address: 601 Howard England Way, Key West, FL 33040
- Pro Tip: Make it a full day out in Key West and pack for a beach day bringing your snorkel gear as you can see some pretty cool fish too over by the the big rocks
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9. Fort Jefferson (Key West, Florida)
Instantly recognizable from its bird’s eye view, Fort Jefferson can be found on Garden Key, with the Dry Tortugas National Park.
The Florida Fort is the largest brick building in the Western Hemisphere and saw active service from 1861 to 1869 when it was inhabited by almost 2,000 people.
Why We Love This as One of The Best Forts and Castles in Florida
Tour the site and experience life as a 19th-century soldier.
You’ll be pleased to hear that whilst the fort remains very much in its original state, the smell of so many crammed into such a small space has long passed.
First-hand accounts of the Fort in action don’t smell pretty…
If you really want to push the boat (well, plane) out, charter a small plane and take to the skies for a breath-taking aerial tour of the site. You will beat the crowds and get there before the ferry, plus you see some of the most spectacular views and colors of the water.
What to Know Before You Go to This Fort in Florida
- Hours of Operation: Sunrise through sunset with the ferry leaving daily at 8 a.m. and boarding at 7:30 a.m.
- Address: Key West, FL 33040
- Pro Tip: Bring lots of sunscreen and some water you are allowed to bring a small cooler with beverages as long as it doesn´t contain alcohol. The ride on Yankee Freedom is just a little more than 2 hours one way.
10. Loews Don Cesar (St Petersburg, Florida)
Want to stay in a beachside castle? The Don Cesar is your pad.
Gorgeous, coral-painted walls are gently baked in the sun’s glow, keeping guard over the hotel’s multiple swimming pools and facing onto the sea.
Why We Love This as One of The Best Forts and Castles in Florida
The self-styled “Pink Palace of St. Pete Beach” has been a landmark since the day it opened in 1928.
Continuing to deliver opulent luxury, this Gatsby-esque residence is the address for your special stay in St. Petersburg, Florida.
What to Know Before You Go to This Castle in Florida
- Address: 3400 Gulf Blvd, St Pete Beach, FL 33706
- Pro Tip: Rewatch Robert Di Niro in “Once Upon a Time in America” to see The Don Cesar star on the big screen.
11. Hogwarts Castle (Orlando, Florida)
The world’s most famous school for witchcraft and wizardry is open for Muggles to visit at The Wizarding World of Harry Potter in Orlando.
Join Harry, Ron, and Hermoine for an interactive adventure inside one of my favorite castles in Florida.
Why We Love This as One of The Best Forts and Castles in Florida
It may have one of the longest queues the world has ever seen but it is definitely well worth the wait.
You get the chance to see some of your favorite and most iconic rooms like Dumbledore’s office, the Gryffindor common room, and the Room of Requirement.
While you’re in the Wizarding World, you’ll also be able to tame dragons with Hagrid and ride the magical Hogwarts Express from Diagon Alley to Hogsmeade Village for lunch and a Butterbeer.
Also in the parks, check out the 3D TRANSFORMERS ride (Universal Studios) and VelociCoaster (Islands of Adventure).
What to Know Before You Go to This Castle in Florida
- Hours of Operation: Opens at 9 am daily
- Address: Islands of Adventure, Orlando
- Pro Tip: Keep your ears open when in line for Harry Potter and the Forbidden Journey…you may catch some cool tips when you pass by the Potions classroom.
12. Cinderella Castle (Lake Buena Vista, Florida)
I told you there was a Princess’s castle on this list!
How can we round up the castles in Florida without mentioning the world-famous Cinderella Castle in Disney World’s Magic Kingdom?
Why We Love This as One of The Best Forts and Castles in Florida
Every Disney theme park around the world has a classic fairy tale castle at its heart, and Cinderella Castle in Orlando is the gateway to the largest Disney theme park in the world.
On the other side of the castle, visit Peter Pan in London (and Never Land), ride the Seven Dwarfs Mine Train, and fly the magic carpet with Aladdin.
What to Know Before You Go to This Castle in Florida
- Hours of Operation: 8:30 AM to 9:00 AM for Early Entry and regular hours from 9:00 AM to 11:00 PM
- Address: Magic Kingdom at Disney World
- Pro Tip: Make it a fantastical day at the castle and stay for a magical show of fireworks
13. Castillo de San Marcos (St Augustine, Florida)
Back to the “real” castles.
Castillo de San Marcos was built by the Spanish to defend Florida in the 1670s.
Why We Love This as One of The Best Forts and Castles in Florida
Still proudly standing, Castillo de San Marcos is the oldest masonry fort in the whole of North America.
History buffs will marvel at Castillo’s collection of historical artifacts and tales of times gone by.
To get a taste, you can browse the virtual collection on the landmark’s website.
What to Know Before You Go to This Fort in Florida
- Hours of Operation: The first admission is at 9 a.m. and the last admission is at 5 p.m.
- Address: 11 S Castillo Dr, St. Augustine, FL 3208
- Pro Tip: Try and visit during mid-September through mid-November when the castle sees a decrease in visitors because a typical busy Saturday can see an average of 3,500 at this castle in Florida
14. Fort Pickens (Pensacola, Florida)
More modern than Castillo de San Marco, Fort Pickens is part of the Third System of forts erected to protect Florida’s coastline.
The perfect place for military enthusiasts to get romantic, with the best canon-and-sunset combo in town.
Why We Love This as One of The Best Forts and Castles in Florida
Fort Pickens – named after the Revolutionary Andrew Pickens – has a mixed history, swinging dramatically between heroic highs, and uncomfortable lows.
Of the lows, the Fort was used to round up Native Americans in the 1870s, leading to the infamous escape of Geronimo, who went on to complete countless raids across Mexico and the southern States. Making it one of the most unique forts in Florida.
If you are a history buff or just like to see and explore all things historic then you will definitely want to visit this fort in Florida. This is a piece of history preserved for all ages to come out and enjoy with excellent displays explaining the fort and cannon placement
It gives you a chance to see what it was like for the soldiers back in the day and a glimpse into how this fort has withstood the elements through the years.
What to Know Before You Go to This Fort in Florida
- Hours of Operation: 8 a.m. until sunset
- Address: 1400 Fort Pickens Rd, Pensacola Beach, FL 32561
- Pro Tip: You can take a self-guided tour via your cell phone if you wish or with a ranger or you can just wander around. If you visit when the Blue Angels are practicing they fly overhead and it is quite a sight and sound like no other.
15. Fort Clinch (Fernandina Beach, Florida)
Rows of canons make it quite clear that you are entering a military site, but there’s so much here at Fort Clinch for everyone.
Fort Clinch played a critical role in the Civil War, and the fort’s rooms are bustling with exhibits demonstrating the life of a Union soldier of the time.
Why We Love This as One of The Best Forts and Castles in Florida
The fort is set within a massive 1,400-acre park, so enjoy the time outside of the barracks too. A nature lover’s ideal day out.
This fort in Florida is a step back in time that has been well preserved and restored for one to be able to see so much history all in one place.
Be sure to walk around the walls and look out at the panoramic views of the sea it is absolutely beautiful with boats sailing past.
What to Know Before You Go to This Fort in Florida
- Hours of Operation: 8 a.m. until sunset
- Address: 2601 Atlantic Ave. Fernandina Beach FL 32034
- Pro Tip: Bring your binoculars not only for the amazing views but for all the wildlife along the shoreline and amongst the nature trails
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Final Thoughts on the Forts and Castles in Florida
As you can see, there are so many forts and castles in Florida for you to visit on your next vacation.
Don’t just do the same ole touristy stuff, try something new like exploring the untold side of this great state!
Did I leave a fort or castle off of this list? If so, please let me know in the comments section below.
Until next time, Happy Florida Travels Hipster!
UP NEXT: 50 Fun and Unique Things to Do in Gainesville TODAY
About the Author
My name is NikkyJ. I’m a wife, a mother, a pharmacist turned theme park blogger, USA Today 10Best Contributor, and a writer who loves exploring all the hidden gems of Florida!
I was born and raised in Leesburg, Florida which attributes to my passion about for this amazing state.
I want to show you how you can create your own memories while discovering the Sunshine State!
Connect with me on Instagram!
(Original Article Date: March 21, 2022/Updated on February 16, 2024)
Some Photos Courtesy of Canva.com