Coral Castle
A mesmerizing stone garden carved secretly by a single man, Edward Leedskalnin, as a monument to his lost love. Using mysterious methods, he moved and sculpted over 1,100 tons of oolite limestone. Highlights include a nine-ton gate that moves with the touch of a single finger.
- Admission
- $18 adults, $15 seniors, $8 children (ages 7-12), free for children 6 and under
- Hours
- Thursday - Sunday, 9:00 AM - 6:00 PM
- Duration
- 1-2 hours
- Parking
- Free parking available on-site
- Access
- Main pathways are wheelchair accessible, though some surfaces are made of crushed coral and may be uneven
Read more
Coral Castle is a captivating stone structure carved single-handedly by Latvian immigrant Edward Leedskalnin over a span of 28 years. Working in secret, mostly at night, Leedskalnin sculpted more than 1,100 tons of oolitic limestone into a monumental tribute to his lost love.
Visitors today can marvel at the engineering marvels on display, including a nine-ton gate that once moved with the touch of a finger. The outdoor museum features stone furniture, a working sundial, and various astronomical carvings, all created without the aid of modern machinery.
The enduring mystery of how a man weighing barely 100 pounds constructed the complex continues to baffle scientists and engineers. It stands as one of Florida's most beloved and perplexing roadside attractions, sparking endless theories about levitation and magnetism.
Ratings
attractionVisitor Tips
- ◆ Take the guided tour included with admission to fully appreciate the history and theories behind the castle's construction.
- ◆ Visit during the cooler morning hours, as the entire attraction is outdoors with limited shade.
- ◆ Bring a camera to capture the unique stone carvings, particularly the impressive Polaris telescope.
- ◆ Allow about one to two hours to fully explore the grounds and read the informational plaques.
Heads Up
- ◆ The Florida heat and humidity can be intense, so bring water and wear sunscreen.
- ◆ The stone surfaces and pathways can be uneven, so wear sturdy closed-toe walking shoes.
Common questions
Can you still spin the nine-ton gate at Coral Castle?
No, visitors are no longer allowed to spin the famous nine-ton gate. The gate's original rotating mechanism broke in 1986 and, despite subsequent repairs, is now kept secured to prevent further wear and damage.
Is Coral Castle made of actual coral reef?
No, the structures are made of oolitic limestone, which is locally referred to as coral rock. This sedimentary rock was quarried directly on-site and contains fossilized shells and coral fragments rather than reef-harvested coral.
Is Coral Castle indoors or outdoors?
The attraction is entirely outdoors with almost no shade. Visitors should prepare for South Florida weather with sunscreen, hats, or umbrellas.
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