Solomon's Castle
A whimsical aluminum castle in Florida, built from recycled materials by artist Howard Solomon, offering unique tours and art.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
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From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Perfect weather for exploring
Solomon's Castle
Best Time
Perfect weather for exploring
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A whimsical aluminum castle in Florida, built from recycled materials by artist Howard Solomon, offering unique tours and art.
"A magical place where art, history, and a touch of humor collide in the most unexpected way."
Bring Cash! 💰
Everything is cash-only: tickets, food, souvenirs. ATMs are available, but it's best to come prepared.
Wear Comfy Shoes :athletic_shoe:
You'll be doing a lot of walking and climbing stairs, so comfortable footwear is a must.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
The Aluminum Castle
Main structure
A whimsical, multi-story castle built entirely from recycled aluminum by artist Howard Solomon.
Howard Solomon's Art Collection
Inside the castle and workshops
Discover a fascinating array of art and sculptures crafted from recycled materials, showcasing the artist's unique vision.
Vintage Car Collection
Outbuildings/Garages
Explore a collection of antique cars and trucks, some of which were also handmade or restored by Solomon.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Cash is King Here!
Book Your Tour in Advance
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
Bring Cash! 💰
Everything is cash-only: tickets, food, souvenirs. ATMs are available, but it's best to come prepared.
Wear Comfy Shoes :athletic_shoe:
You'll be doing a lot of walking and climbing stairs, so comfortable footwear is a must.
No Photos Inside 🚫📸
Photography is not allowed inside the castle or of the auto collection. Enjoy the moment!
Dog-Friendly Fun :dog:
Leashed dogs are welcome, making it a great outing for pet owners.
Looking for Weird, Affordable Weekend Ideas (1–1.5 hrs Drive)
Tips
from all over the internet
Bring Cash! 💰
Everything is cash-only: tickets, food, souvenirs. ATMs are available, but it's best to come prepared.
Wear Comfy Shoes :athletic_shoe:
You'll be doing a lot of walking and climbing stairs, so comfortable footwear is a must.
No Photos Inside 🚫📸
Photography is not allowed inside the castle or of the auto collection. Enjoy the moment!
Dog-Friendly Fun :dog:
Leashed dogs are welcome, making it a great outing for pet owners.
Enjoy the On-Site Dining 🍽️
The restaurant, often located in a boat, offers delicious homemade food. +1
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors rave about the unique and whimsical nature of Solomon's Castle, praising the creativity of artist Howard Solomon and the engaging tours. The on-site restaurant also receives high marks for its delicious homemade food. Some find the cash-only policy and lack of cell service inconvenient, and the castle's multi-level structure can be challenging for those with mobility issues.
"Howard certainly had an interesting sense of creativity. It was pretty neat to see his collection, and the property was nice. The tour guides were amazing with our 4 year old and kept her entertained. Not super stroller friendly, but I would still recommend it. Going in January was perfect weather for the trip."
Raquel McIntyre
"What a great place to visit on a weekend or any day Tuesday through Sunday. My wife and I took the package tour for 43 each. The package includes the Castle and other out buildings/garages with vintage cars and other hand made art. It's well worth every minute of your time. There is a restaurant on site the service was excellent and the food was outstanding. There is indoor and outdoor seating. I had the pot roast dish and my wife had the chicken pot pie. Everything was home made and great tasting. I would return again and again just for the restaurant. I highly recommend a visit to the Castle when you get the chance."
capeman10
"What a magical place to visit! Words can’t describe how amazing the tour was. Cindi was our guide and she had a good loud voice so you could hear everything. She was very knowledgeable about all of the art work. You can’t take pictures inside the castle but can take as many as you want outside. If you are a lover of art this is a must visit. Howard Sullivan was an extremely talented man.
We did both tours and also enjoyed seeing the antique cars as well as the one he made. The male tour guild was also really good. I didn’t catch his name.
We decided to have lunch inside the boat. The staff was very friendly and the food was nice. You can also eat outside or in the lighthouse.
You must pay with cash or use the ATM."
Kristin Cimmino
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Solomon's Castle is located in Ona, Florida, often described as being 'in the middle of nowhere.' It's accessible by car, but cell service and Wi-Fi can be unreliable in the area. Plan your route in advance and consider downloading offline maps. +1
The castle has stairs and can be challenging with strollers. While some visitors have managed, it's not ideal. Consider a baby carrier for younger children.
Yes, there is free parking available at the entrance before you reach the castle.
Driving is the primary way to reach Solomon's Castle. It's a unique destination that requires a bit of a journey, often part of a scenic drive through Florida's woodlands.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Ticket prices vary, with package tours often costing around $40 per person, including the castle and car tours. It's essential to bring cash as they do not accept credit cards or checks.
Solomon's Castle is typically open Tuesday through Sunday. It's always a good idea to check their official website or call ahead for the most current hours of operation.
No, tickets must be purchased with cash on-site. There are no online booking options available.
While not always mandatory, making reservations, especially for package tours, is recommended to secure your preferred time slot.
Information on specific discounts is not widely advertised, but the package tours offer good value for the experience. Always inquire upon arrival.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
You can take guided tours of the unique aluminum castle, explore Howard Solomon's art made from recycled materials, and view his collection of vintage cars. There's also an on-site restaurant. +1
No, photography is strictly prohibited inside the castle and of the vintage car collection. You can take photos of the exterior and grounds.
Tours typically last about an hour, but this can vary depending on the guide and the group's engagement. The package tours might take longer.
Yes, the tours are often described as entertaining and engaging for children, with guides who are good at keeping them interested.
The castle has multiple levels with stairs. The grounds are generally flat but can be uneven in places. Comfortable shoes are essential.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
Yes, there is a restaurant on-site, often noted for being located inside a boat. They serve homemade food and offer indoor and outdoor seating. +1
The restaurant offers a menu of homemade dishes, with popular mentions including pot roast and chicken pot pie. Reviewers consistently praise the food quality.
No, the restaurant, like the rest of the facility, operates on a cash-only basis.
Specific dietary options are not detailed in reviews, but it's a home-style cooking establishment. It's advisable to inquire directly about options when ordering.
The restaurant generally follows the castle's operating hours, typically open Tuesday through Sunday. It's best to confirm hours directly.
📸 📸 Photography
You are welcome to take photos of the exterior of the castle, the grounds, and any art pieces located outside.
No, photography is not permitted inside the castle. Visitors are asked to experience the interior art and architecture without cameras.
Photography of the vintage car collection is also prohibited.
The unique aluminum exterior of the castle itself provides a striking backdrop for photos. The surrounding Florida landscape also offers scenic views.
Early morning or late afternoon light can create beautiful effects on the aluminum structure. Consider the weather for optimal shots.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
While the castle has stairs and isn't ideal for strollers, the overall experience is positive for families. Consider bringing a baby carrier for very young children. The cash-only policy is something parents should be prepared for, ensuring they have enough cash for tickets and any souvenirs or snacks.
💰 Budget Travelers
The key to budget travel here is to come prepared with cash, as all purchases are cash-only. This avoids potential ATM fees. Packing your own snacks or planning to enjoy the reasonably priced on-site dining can also help manage costs.
🎨 Art & History Enthusiasts
Beyond the art, the castle offers a glimpse into a fascinating personal history. Learning about Howard Solomon's life and his dedication to building this monument from recycled materials provides a rich historical context. The vintage car collection adds another layer of historical interest.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Vision of Howard Solomon
His personal story, often shared by tour guides, is one of ingenuity and perseverance. A high school dropout, Solomon's creativity knew no bounds. He built vertically due to his land's shape and incorporated found objects and donated scraps into his architectural and artistic endeavors. The castle is a testament to his unique perspective and his ability to see potential in the unconventional.
Visitors often remark on Solomon's punny sense of humor, which is subtly woven into his art and the castle's design. This adds another layer of charm to the experience, making it not just a visual spectacle but also an engaging narrative.
Navigating the Castle and Grounds
Beyond the main castle, the property features various outbuildings and garages that house Howard Solomon's extensive collection of vintage cars and other handmade art. These areas offer a different perspective on his artistic range and his passion for automotive history. The grounds are generally pleasant for walking, and the on-site restaurant, often situated in a boat, provides a unique dining experience.
It's worth noting that the castle and its surroundings are not particularly stroller-friendly due to the stairs and varied terrain. Visitors with very young children might find a baby carrier more practical. Despite these considerations, the overall experience is described as magical and well worth the visit for its sheer originality.
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from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit