Winchester Mystery House: A Victorian Labyrinth
Explore the bizarre architecture and ghostly legends of the Winchester Mystery House, a Victorian mansion like no other in San Jose, California.
The Winchester Mystery House in San Jose is a sprawling Victorian mansion famous for its bizarre architecture and the legends surrounding its construction. Built by Sarah Winchester, the widow of the Winchester rifle magnate, the house is rumored to have been continuously expanded for decades to appease the spirits of those killed by Winchester rifles. The result is a maze-like structure with staircases leading nowhere, doors opening to walls, and countless other oddities that continue to fascinate visitors.
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, as tours often sell out.
- Wear comfortable shoes, as the Mansion Tour involves a lot of walking and stairs.
- Arrive early to allow time for parking, as it can be limited due to nearby construction.
- Consider the Grand Estate Tour for access to additional areas of the house, including the basement.
- Take your time exploring the Victorian Gardens, which are included with the Mansion Tour.
Getting There
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Public Transport
From downtown San Jose, take the VTA (Santa Clara Valley Transportation Authority) bus #60 southbound. The bus stop is directly in front of the Winchester Mystery House. A single ride fare is $2.50. Alternatively, from San Francisco, take Caltrain to the Santa Clara Transit Center. From there, transfer to the VTA bus to the Winchester & Olsen stop, a short walk to the House.
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Ride Share
From anywhere in San Jose, a ride-sharing service (Uber/Lyft) to the Winchester Mystery House is a convenient option. Typical fares from downtown San Jose range from $15-25, depending on demand and traffic. Be sure to confirm the fare and route before you start your trip.
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Driving
The Winchester Mystery House is located at 525 S Winchester Blvd, San Jose, CA 95128. From I-280 South, take the Winchester Blvd. exit. Turn left at the stoplight, then left again at the next stoplight onto Winchester Blvd. Proceed two stoplights, and the Winchester Mystery House will be on your left. Free parking is available on-site, with an overflow lot behind the estate off of Olsen Drive. Additional parking is available at the Winchester Garage (330 Winchester Blvd) and the parking garage at 377 Santana Row. Parking is complimentary.
Discover more about Winchester Mystery House
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