Los Angeles, California: The Magic Castle

Technically a private club for magicians, founded in 1963 by Milt Larsen, the Magic Castle has gained a worldwide reputation as a mysterious and quirky destination for non-magicians as well. With multiple rooms and levels, continuous performances of live magic acts, several bars serving libations and optional full dinner service, a night at the Castle is a memorable and intriguing affair. Located in a Victorian mansion built in 1909 and exuding a foreboding aura of secret grandeur and elegance, the inside of the Castle is filled with a mish-mash of magic memorabilia and history. The strange, the obscure, the mystifying, the historical and the kitschy, all rolled into one.

Entry to the Magic Castle is through secret words spoken into the mouth of an owl, which allow the big wooden paneled doors to magically slide open. There are many, many more enigmas and tricks like this to be uncovered within the Castle's walls, but exposing them all here would be ruining some of the fun.

Although the Magic Castle is intentionally esoteric, entry can be gained for non-members as a guest of a member, through a magician who is performing or through purchasing a temporary guest membership. Photography is strictly forbidden inside, with exception to the entry lobby and the bathrooms. A formal dress code is also enforced.