Next open
Open year round · Hours vary
Admission
See website
Location
525 South Winchester Boulevard, San Jose, CA 95128
The story
The Winchester Mystery House is one of America’s most unusual historic mansions, famous for its sprawling layout, architectural oddities, and enduring paranormal legends. Construction began in 1886 after Sarah Winchester, widow of firearms heir William Wirt Winchester, purchased an eight-room farmhouse in San Jose. Over the following decades, the property grew into an enormous mansion filled with twisting hallways, staircases, doors leading nowhere, interior windows, and rooms altered repeatedly during construction. Its strange design helped inspire stories that Sarah believed she was being haunted by spirits connected to Winchester rifles and that continuous construction would keep them at bay. While many details of that legend remain disputed, the mansion’s unusual history has fueled its haunted reputation for generations. Visitors and staff have reported unexplained footsteps, voices, cold spots, shadowy figures, and sightings of an unidentified workman. Today, guests can explore the historic estate while discovering both the documented story of Sarah Winchester and the mysteries and ghost stories that continue to surround her remarkable home.
What you'll find
★ 4.5 on Google · 16287 reviews · A selection of reviews provided by Google
Derek Peterson
a month ago
I knew a lot about the Winchester house before going on the tour. That being said, the tour was amazing. It provided a lot of insight that I didn't already know. Also, if you're able to pay extra for the basement and attic tour, id recommend that as well. It's self guided and at your own pace so you can really take your time in places the normal public doesnt get to! Highly recommended from all fronts.
Review from Google
Abraham Lopez
a month ago
Such a great experience! Definitely was worth the hype being there after reading all the stories of Sarah Winchester. We had a large group but our guide Roxy was excellent and managing as well as telling the stories of the place with great enthusiasm. She was fantastic!! We also did the attic and basement tour which only added to the spooky experience. Ghost hunting and communicating equipment is lent out for those wishing to do their own hunt.
Review from Google
SANDRA KENNEDY
3 weeks ago
This place needs work. You would think that the amount of people that come thru here and what they charge/make that they would fix things. Basic upkeep is important. Roof tiles missing and falling off. Curtains in windows torn and tattered. In some areas you could see light coming thru from the roof. I know its old but they put sensors for a silk shirt but can't put up a descent curtain. The Eagle statue just randomly sitting beside a statue that our tour guide says, I don't know, it was donated but I don't know by who or when. There were only 8 in the tour I was on. Sometimes it felt super rushed. I think Mrs.Winchester was very intelligent and far beyond her time. She cared for her house, her employees and her family. The owners need to work on preserving this gem. *I didn't add the decapitated photos.*
Review from Google
Adam Ludwig
a month ago
I have looked forward to coming here for many years. Great experience! We actually thought the house was a self guided tour but were happy to find that it was your guided which helped us know more about the house. It would be fun to explore the house without a tour guide though. I'm sure we would easily get lost. Loved the tour although many times our guide talked too fast which made it hard to understand what she was saying.
Review from Google
Armando Ortiz
a month ago
Amazing Mansion with a great tour through most of the home. Lots of oddities and to explore and they even offer some self guided basement and attic tours as an upgrade. We enjoyed the architecture the stories and the eccentric choices that went into designing this massive mansion.
Review from Google
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