The Magic Castle

The basics

Once a private mansion, this stately turn-of-the-century residence turned private club is the stuff of legend. Though the castle is members only, you may have a shot at a non-resident membership if you live more than 60 miles (100 kilometers) outside of Los Angeles. Otherwise, there are two ways to visit the castle without a membership—either by staying at the nearby Magic Castle Hotel, or having a member's guest card.

The castle is right off Hollywood Boulevard, so you can pair a visit with a stroll along the Walk of Fame, a haunted Hollywood tour, or even an area scavenger hunt. Most Hollywood tours and activities include stops at nearby attractions, like the TCL Chinese Theatre.

Things to know before you go

• You need a membership or a guest card for entry to the Magic Castle.

• Dress up, not down—the dress code requires a jacket and tie.

• Leave the kids at home, since evening shows are for guests 21 and older.

• Eat, drink, and be merry—dining is required with your visit, and the castle has bars and a full-service restaurant.

• The castle has nightly shows, and three theaters.

How to get there

The Magic Castle is on Franklin Avenue in Hollywood. If you're driving, take the Hollywood Freeway to exit 8C if you're heading north, or exit 9C if you're driving south. The castle offers valet parking. Hop-on, hop-off bus tours are also an option, since stops along Hollywood Boulevard are typically included.

When to get there

The Magic Castle is the perfect place for dinner and a show, so arrive early in the evening. Dinner is served before the main show, and the castle may stay open late when it's busy, so plan to make a full night of it.

Where to stay near the Magic Castle

Since the Magic Castle Hotel is right next door, it's a great option for a comfy place to stay. The hotel includes Wi-Fi, a pool, and even a popsicle hotline that you can ring for an ice-cold treat. With free snacks, laundry, and breakfast, it offers a great deal in a typically pricey town.

What is the Magic Castle?

The Magic Castle is the private clubhouse for the Academy of Magical Arts, and can only be accessed by its members, their guests, or those invited by the academy (typically visiting magicians). The site was once a palatial home and now features a performance venue, a restaurant, and several bars.

How do I get tickets to visit the Magic Castle in Los Angeles?

The Magic Castle is a private club for members and their invited guests only—you can’t purchase tickets to visit, but must be invited by a member magician. After you’re invited, you’ll need a guest card, a photo ID, and dinner or brunch reservations, which are required for all visitors. Those who stay at the nearby Magic Castle Hotel are offered the opportunity to visit The Magic Castle as part of their booking package.

What is the dress code for visiting the Magic Castle?

All Magic Castle visitors must dress formally. Dinner guests should wear dresses, gowns, pantsuits with a blazer, or complete suits with matching dress shoes and a collared shirt and tie. The brunch dress code is more relaxed, but still dressy. Visit the Magic Castle website for more details.

Are there any rules I should be aware of when visiting the Magic Castle?

Yes, the Magic Castle has strict rules. Visits are limited to members of the Academy of Magical Arts and their guests. To enter, all visitors must have a pass, valid photo ID, must purchase at least one entrée, and must adhere to the strictly-enforced dress code.

Is dinner served at the Magic Castle?

Yes, dinner is served at the Magic Castle—in fact, evening guests must purchase at least one entrée from the on-site restaurant. Guests who visit during the day are required to order brunch. The Magic Castle has multiple bars where guests can drink in between catching magic sets.

Are children allowed to visit the Magic Castle?

It depends on the time of day and the event. According to the visiting rules, no one under 21 years of age can be admitted to the Magic Castle Clubhouse for any dinner shows. Saturday and Sunday brunches are open to members and their guests, including anyone under the age of 21.