Winchester Mystery House: A Victorian Enigma
Explore the Enigmatic Winchester Mystery House: A Victorian Mansion of Mystery, Architectural Oddities, and Enduring Legends in the Heart of San Jose, California.
The Winchester Mystery House in San Jose is more than just a mansion; it's a captivating architectural marvel steeped in mystery and legend. Built by Sarah Winchester, the widow of the Winchester Repeating Arms magnate, the house is a sprawling labyrinth of 160 rooms, filled with oddities like staircases leading to nowhere, doors opening onto walls, and windows overlooking other rooms. Driven by a spiritualist's advice to appease the spirits of those killed by Winchester rifles, Sarah continuously built and renovated the house for nearly 40 years, creating a unique and intriguing destination that draws visitors from around the globe. Explore this historical landmark and experience the wonder and mystery that permeates its walls, offering a glimpse into the life and eccentricities of Sarah Winchester and the enduring legends surrounding her extraordinary home.
A brief summary to Winchester Mystery House
- 525 S Winchester Blvd, San Jose, West Valley, California, 95128, US
- +1408-247-2000
- Visit website
- Monday 10 am-4 pm
- Tuesday 10 am-4 pm
- Wednesday 10 am-4 pm
- Thursday 10 am-4 pm
- Friday 10 am-4 pm
- Saturday 10 am-5 pm
- Sunday 10 am-5 pm
Local tips
- Book your tour in advance, especially during peak season, to ensure you get your preferred time slot, as tours often sell out.
- Wear comfortable shoes, as the tour involves a lot of walking and navigating stairs throughout the large mansion.
- Consider the ADA tour if you have mobility issues, as it provides a video tour and access to the gardens, ensuring an inclusive experience.
- Take advantage of the free parking available on-site, but arrive early as the lots can fill up quickly, especially on weekends.
- Explore the gardens after your tour to enjoy the beautiful landscaping and see the exterior of the mansion from different perspectives.
Getting There
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Public Transport
For those using public transport, the Winchester Mystery House is accessible via the Valley Transportation Authority (VTA) bus. Several bus lines, including the 23, 25, 60 and 523, stop near the Winchester Mystery House. The closest stop is Winchester & Moorpark (N). From the bus stop, it's a short walk to the entrance of the estate. A single VTA bus fare is $2.50.
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Taxi/Ride-Share
Taxis and ride-sharing services like Uber and Lyft are readily available in San Jose. A ride from downtown San Jose to the Winchester Mystery House typically costs between $15 and $25, depending on traffic and demand. Be sure to confirm the fare with the driver or through the app before starting your trip.
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Driving
If driving, the Winchester Mystery House is located at 525 S Winchester Blvd, San Jose, CA 95128. From I-280, take the Winchester Blvd. exit. The Mystery House offers complimentary parking in the front lot and an overflow lot behind the estate off of Olsen Drive. Parking is free for visitors.
Discover more about Winchester Mystery House
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