Winchester Mystery House: A Victorian Labyrinth
Explore the bizarre and beautiful Winchester Mystery House, a historic landmark filled with architectural oddities and paranormal tales in San Jose, CA.
The Winchester Mystery House in San Jose is a sprawling Victorian mansion famous for its bizarre architecture and rumored hauntings. Built by Sarah Winchester, the widow of the Winchester rifle magnate, the house features a maze of rooms, staircases leading nowhere, and doors that open to walls, reflecting her belief that continuous construction would appease the spirits of those killed by Winchester rifles.
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 secure your spot.
- Wear comfortable shoes, as the tour involves a lot of walking and stairs.
- Consider the Basement Access tour for a more in-depth and potentially spooky experience.
- Visit Santana Row, an outdoor shopping center across the street, for dining and shopping options.
Getting There
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Public Transport
From San Jose Airport (SJC), take the Santa Clara Valley Transportation Authority (VTA) bus line 60 directly to the Winchester & Olsen stop. The bus departs every 30 minutes, and the ride takes approximately 27-30 minutes. The fare is $3. From downtown San Jose, several bus lines connect to the Winchester Mystery House. Check the VTA website or app for the most direct route from your specific location. From San Francisco, take Caltrain to the Santa Clara Transit Center, then transfer to a VTA bus to the Winchester & Olsen stop. Alternatively, take BART to the Milpitas Transit Center and transfer to a VTA bus to the same stop.
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Walking
The Winchester Mystery House is located at 525 S Winchester Blvd in San Jose. If you are nearby, for example at Santana Row, it is easily accessible by foot. From Santana Row, walk north on Winchester Blvd for a few minutes. The house will be on your left.
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Taxi/Ride-share
Taxis and ride-sharing services like Uber and Lyft are readily available throughout San Jose. A taxi from San Jose Airport (SJC) to the Winchester Mystery House takes about 8 minutes and costs approximately $26-$31. Fares from other locations in San Jose will vary depending on distance and traffic conditions.
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Driving
The Winchester Mystery House is located at 525 S Winchester Blvd, San Jose, CA 95128. Free parking is available on-site in the front lot and in an overflow lot behind the estate off of Olsen Drive. Parking can be limited due to construction in the area. Additional parking is available at the Winchester Garage (330 Winchester Blvd) and the parking garage at 377 Santana Row.
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