Explore the Enigmatic Winchester Mystery House
Unravel the architectural wonders and ghostly tales of the Winchester Mystery House in San Jose, California.
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-5 pm
- Tuesday 10 am-5 pm
- Wednesday 10 am-5 pm
- Thursday 10 am-5 pm
- Friday 10 am-5 pm
- Saturday 10 am-5 pm
- Sunday 10 am-5 pm
Nestled in the heart of San Jose, California, the Winchester Mystery House stands as a testament to the unconventional visions of its creator, Sarah Winchester. This sprawling mansion, completed in 1922, is famed for its peculiar architectural choices, including staircases that lead to ceilings and doors that open to walls. Sarah Winchester, believed to be haunted by the spirits of those killed by Winchester rifles, constructed this elaborate estate as a sanctuary to appease the restless souls. The sheer scale of the mansion, with over 160 rooms, 2,000 doors, and 10,000 windows, creates an awe-inspiring experience for visitors. Each room tells a story, from the grand ballroom to the eerie séance room, capturing the essence of Victorian-era design intertwined with mystery. Visitors can embark on guided tours that delve into the mansion's history and the life of Sarah Winchester. The tours are designed to cater to various interests, whether you're drawn to the architectural wonders or the ghostly legends that haunt the grounds. The experience is enhanced by engaging storytellers who weave tales of the house's past, ensuring an intriguing visit. Additionally, the beautifully landscaped gardens offer a serene escape, allowing guests to reflect on their journey through this historical marvel. For those seeking a unique combination of history and mystery, the Winchester Mystery House is an absolute must-see. It's a place where reality meets legend, inviting all who enter to explore the unknown. Whether you're an architecture enthusiast, a history lover, or just in search of a thrilling adventure, this iconic landmark promises to leave an indelible mark on your travels.
Local tips
- Book your tickets online in advance to skip the line and secure your spot.
- Consider taking the flashlight tour for a more immersive experience in the evening.
- Wear comfortable shoes as the tours involve a fair amount of walking through the mansion.
- Visit the gift shop for unique souvenirs, including books about the house's history.
Getting There
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Public Bus
From the Santa Clara Caltrain Station, take VTA Bus Line 60 towards 'Santa Teresa Light Rail Station'. Get off at the stop 'S Winchester Blvd & Campbell Ave'. From there, walk south on S Winchester Blvd for about 10 minutes until you reach the Winchester Mystery House located at 525 S Winchester Blvd, San Jose, CA 95128.
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Light Rail
From Santa Clara Caltrain Station, take the VTA Light Rail towards 'Sierra Vista'. Transfer at the 'San Jose Diridon Station' and switch to the Blue Line towards 'Santa Teresa'. Get off at 'Winchester Station'. From the station, walk north on Winchester Blvd for approximately 15 minutes to arrive at the Winchester Mystery House at 525 S Winchester Blvd, San Jose, CA 95128.
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Bicycle
If you prefer cycling, you can rent a bike from a local bike rental service. Start from the Santa Clara Convention Center and head west on Convention Center Way. Take a left onto Great America Parkway, then right onto Old Great America Parkway. Continue on to S Winchester Blvd and bike south for about 30 minutes until you reach the Winchester Mystery House at 525 S Winchester Blvd, San Jose, CA 95128.
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Walking
If you are close to downtown Santa Clara, you can walk to the Winchester Mystery House. Head east on El Camino Real towards S Winchester Blvd. Continue straight onto S Winchester Blvd and walk for about 1.5 miles. The Winchester Mystery House will be on your right at 525 S Winchester Blvd, San Jose, CA 95128.
Attractions Nearby to Winchester Mystery House
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- Immersive Gamebox - Valley Fair
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- Harris Lass House Museum
- Rosicrucian Egyptian Museum
- Rosicrucian park
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- Central Park
- Campbell Union Grammar School
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Landmarks nearby to Winchester Mystery House
- Larkspur Landing Campbell
- Campbell Bintang Badminton
- Old Town Santa Clara CA Downtown
- Campbell Express Library
- Campbell Community Center
- Heritage Theatre
- Campbell Skatepark
- Stacks Campbell
- Manresa Bread
- Campbell Oktoberfest
- Snake & Butterfly
- Aqui Campbell
- Campbell Chamber of Commerce
- Campbell Creamery
- The Art Beat