Did you know that you don't have to travel far to see some of the most stunning castles? There are plenty right here in the U.S. For example, Boldt Castle in New York and Scotty’s Castle in California. Castles aren't just faraway dreams. They're closer to home than you might think.
House Beautiful, an interior decorating magazine, compiled a list of the most beautiful castles in the nation. This compilation was created with input from their editors, creative personnel, and a network of interior designers. It also incorporated information from various sources to establish the selection of featured properties.
They did note that all of their choices are not technically castles but that their selections offer what most castles do, which they said is "majestic glory."
2 Florida castles named the most beautiful in the U.S.
In Florida, a famous castle has been recognized as one of the most beautiful in the U.S. It's Cinderella Castle at Walt Disney World Resort. Inside, you'll find the Bibbidi Bobbidi Boutique, where kids can enjoy royal makeovers, and Cinderella’s Royal Table, a special restaurant for meals with Disney princesses. According to Travel + Leisure, the castle's design draws inspiration from French royal homes like Fontainebleau and Versailles, along with other noble residences in the Loire Valley and Segovia.
Also on the list is the Castillo de San Marcos in St. Augustine. It's the oldest stone fort in the U.S., built over 315 years ago to safeguard Spain's territorial interests in the New World. Today, it's a National Monument where you can explore the soldiers' living quarters.
See their list of stunning homes, ranging from a secret gem nestled in Central Park to an 800-year-old cliffside dwelling in Arizona and the location where Kevin Jonas tied the knot, and Taylor Swift filmed her "Blank Space" music video. Take a look at the complete list of the most beautiful houses here.
2 Florida Locations Have the Bluest Water in America
Travel and Leisure recently published a report that details 10 of the most stunning bodies of water in country. From sunny ocean spots, to lakes, to waterfalls these locations are simply breathtaking. Included in the list were two Florida locations that have the bluest water in America.
Dry Tortugas National Park
This is one of the most unique spots in the country. Dry Tortugas National Park lies west of Key West, Florida in the Gulf of Mexico. It is made up of seven small islands and that are surrounded by coral reef. The park enclosed is roughly 47,000 acres. To arrive here, you must either take a boat or a seaplane. Therefore, it is not accessible by car.
Describing its blue waters, Travel and Leisure says, "Most of it is placid, turquoise, and filled with colorful marine life, making for some of the best snorkeling in the Sunshine State."
Devil's Den
Another destination recognized in the report was Devil's Den. This spring is situated in Willston, about 20 miles south of Gainesville. It is a natural cave that is privately owned. The water has been known to consistently register around 72 degrees regardless of season. One of its main attractions is scuba diving. In fact, it is also a scuba training center where diving is available seven days a week. However, you must have proper certification as it the water has a maximum depth of 54 feet. Their are four lodging cabins at Devil's Den. The property contains 120 feet of surface diameter.
Also mentioned on Travel and Leisure's list was Crater Lake in Oregon, Jenny Lake in Wyoming, and Tenaya Lake and Lake Tahoe in California. Havasu Falls in Arizona was the spotlighted waterfall. Finally, as for beaches with the brightest blues, Flamenco Beach in Puerto Rico and Lanikai Beach in Hawaii were among the best.
These two Florida locations that have the bluest water in America were the only east coast spots to make this feature.
Dry Tortugas National Park
This home of Fort Jefferson offers swimming, fishing, and camping. Furthermore, it also has a wide array of bird life. You can bring your own boat up to the park, which offers various tours throughout the day. Or perhaps you'd prefer to hop in a kayak or on a paddleboard and simply explore the turquoise blue waters, that's an option as well.
Devil's Den
Devil's Den has a dive platform in the middle due to its high level of Scuba and snorkel attraction. In addition, you must be 18 years of age or accompanied by an adult to visit. Their website explains the history by detailing, "On cold winter mornings you can see steam, like smoke, rising from the chimney opening. Thus, the early settlers gave the name Devil's Den."
