While it may not be Dorne or King's Landing, the San Francisco Bay Area's magnificent architecture and storied history easily makes for close duplicates. If you ever wanted to feel like a royal character out of "Game of Thrones" or its 2022 prequel "House of the Dragon," visit these regal and palatial locations for a scenic daytrip that will make you feel like you've entered Westeros.
See also: Gorgeous Must-Visit Bay Area Destinations That Feel Like You're In Another Country
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881 Innes Ave / (650) 464-4742 / Website
Get an experience of Dragonstone right from the Bayview! Albion Castle was built in 1870, and was cleverly placed on a hillside right above a natural aquifer from the Hetch Hetchy Valley to capture up to 10,000 gallons of fresh spring water a day within his hand-carved 200-foot cisterns. This water was then used in his brewery to supply all the city's saloons.
It was a lucrative process that all happened within this Norman-style fortress that is now used for event rentals and tours, which you can reserve (just don't forget your regalia).
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1100 California St / (415) 749-6300 / Website
Get all of the glorious cathedral vibes sans the red wedding. Grace Cathedral just off of Union Square and Chinatown is inspired by the striking French Gothic aesthetic, and is dorned with several elegant elements and details. This is an incredibly radiant and picturesque site that could easily fit within Old Town, and is just as heavenly.
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900 Mirador Terrace, Pacifica / (650) 355-0272 / Website
Just a short trip over the wall (or down to Pacifica) will unveil Sam's Castle, which has been a bastion in the Bay during prohibition, World War II, and more. Book a thoroughly insightful tour here at this breathtaking Scottish-inspired fortress brimming with history, as well as community events and a sweeping view of the sea.
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1928 Stadium Rim Way, Berkeley / Website
UC Berkeley truly treats its students like royalty, especially those residing in Bowles Hall! Whether "Game of Thrones," "Harry Potter," or "Bridgerton," it's undeniable that this 1929-founded coed dormitory looks and feels both medieval and magical. Take a walk around and notice all of its dignified filigree and rustic stone features.
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1429 Tubbs Lane, Calistoga / (707) 942-5105 / Website
Another marvelous idea if heading out to Napa Valley is to head to nearby Calistoga, which boasts the imperial Chateau Montelena Winery. Feel like a genuine Lannister as you jaunt around this impressively expansive estate and receiving a premier tasting via reservation, all while looking out to the endless lands.
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4045 St Helena Hwy / (707) 967-6272 / Website
Also in Calistoga is Castello di Amorosa, which looks taken straight out from a fairytale storybook! This is a jaw-dropping 121,000-square foot property with over 100 rooms. You'll definitely want to wish you could spend eight seasons as the main character at this massive paradise.
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2034 Paradise Dr / Website
Tiburon already feels like the seaside of King's Landing, further cemented by this quick walk to the panoramic peak of Lyford Tower. Step into this stony watchtower to nobly overlook your kingdom of Angel Island and more, which the tower itself was originally designed also as part of a utopian village by Dr. Lyford.
The SF Bay Area is a fantastic land that seems delightfully mystical thanks to the creative minds of our early pioneers and designers. No matter if you're a devoted "GoT" fan or not, you will still feel like a king or queen at these worthy destinations.
See also: Experience the Magic of Summer Evenings At The Bay Area's Paradisal Filoli Estate
Photography by: Jakub Porzycki/NurPhoto via Getty Images
