Winchester Mystery House Tours and Activities

Winchester Mystery House
Winchester Mystery House
Winchester Mystery House
Winchester Mystery House
Winchester Mystery House


Wonder about the alleged hauntings and other mysteries as you chart the life of a gun magnate’s widow in this unfinished manor.

The Winchester Mystery House is an enormous 19th-century mansion with fascinating architectural details, a rich history and tales of hauntings. Belonging to the widow of a gun tycoon, its rooms are decorated with intriguing trinkets that tell her story. Inspect the many rooms for a glimpse into the opulent and turbulent life of the Winchester rifle heiress.

Upon arrival, choose from several guided tour options. Try the Grand Estate Tour, which includes a look behind the scenes at the basement, stables and other staff areas that supported operations in the house. This option also includes the Mansion Tour, where you will explore 110 of the 160 rooms. Consider how the mansion got its haunted reputation as you encounter staircases to nowhere, doors that open to blank walls and other eerie features.

Speak with docents to learn background information about Sarah Winchester, who lived here until her death in 1922. She is said to have kept construction workers busy 24 hours a day for 38 years because she believed the continuous building activities would appease spirits after the untimely death of her baby daughter and husband, William Wirt Winchester.

Capture photos of the extraordinary manor and admire its Queen Anne Style Late Victorian architecture. Stroll through the stately grounds of the Victorian Gardens, restored with elegant paths, hedges and thousands of trees.

If you prefer not walking, take the Video Access Tour for a 45-minute presentation about the rifle heiress, her bizarre lifestyle and the spooky mansion.

Note that each tour has its own price, with discounts for children and seniors. The tours generally open from the morning until the final circuit in early evening.

The Winchester Mystery House is located in the western outskirts of San José. Take a bus to one of the nearby stops or drive to the site and leave your car in the parking lot. Nearby landmarks include the Santa Clara Valley Medical Center, Westfield Valley Fair shopping mall and Frank M. Santana Park.

Popular places to visit


Top Winchester Mystery House Hotel & Accommodation Deals

Hotel Valencia Santana Row

Hotel Valencia Santana Row

4 out of 5
355 Santana Row, San Jose, CA
Hotel Valencia Santana Row
Charming 2-bedroom Loft on Santana Row with WiFi, AC

Charming 2-bedroom Loft on Santana Row with WiFi, AC

San Jose
Charming 2-bedroom Loft on Santana Row with WiFi, AC
Santana Row Properties #7 - Silicon Valley Getaway

Santana Row Properties #7 - Silicon Valley Getaway

San Jose
Santana Row Properties #7 - Silicon Valley Getaway
2-bedroom condo at the heart of  Santana row, next to valley fair and more

2-bedroom condo at the heart of Santana row, next to valley fair and more

2 out of 5
San Jose
2-bedroom condo at the heart of Santana row, next to valley fair and more
Studios Inn

Studios Inn

3.5 out of 5
348 S. Clover Ave, San Jose, CA
Studios Inn
Santana Row 4BR Stay – Heart of Silicon Valley

Santana Row 4BR Stay – Heart of Silicon Valley

San Jose
Santana Row 4BR Stay – Heart of Silicon Valley
The Row Hotel, BW Signature Collection

The Row Hotel, BW Signature Collection

3 out of 5
2404 Stevens Creek Blvd, San Jose, CA
The Row Hotel, BW Signature Collection
Bright & Modern 2BR • Santana Row | Silicon Valley

Bright & Modern 2BR • Santana Row | Silicon Valley

San Jose
Bright & Modern 2BR • Santana Row | Silicon Valley
Aloft San Jose Cupertino

Aloft San Jose Cupertino

3 out of 5
4241 Moorpark Ave, San Jose, CA
Aloft San Jose Cupertino
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

Things to do near Winchester Mystery House

A trip to the Winchester Mystery House is filled with intriguing activities, including the renowned house tour and mansion tour, where you can explore its fascinating architecture. Don't miss out on local sightseeing and engaging with a knowledgeable tour guide. For those looking for leisure, nearby options include sports, shopping, and birdwatching, as well as a movie theatre to unwind after a day of exploration.

Shopping

Experience shopping near Winchester Mystery House at Santana Row Shopping Center, only 161m away, offering vibrant entertainment and family vibes. For unique finds, visit the San Jose Flea Market, located 8.0km away. If you're up for a drive, check out the Apple Park Visitor Center, 4.8km away.

Recreation

At Levi's Stadium, immerse yourself in the electric atmosphere of live sports, just 9.7km from Winchester Mystery House. For relaxation, Massage Envy Spa, located 8.0km away, provides soothing treatments to rejuvenate your body. Enjoy a round of golf at Spring Valley Golf Course, 16.1km away, amidst beautiful outdoor scenery.

Adventure

Experience the thrills at Raging Waters, a fantastic waterpark located 12.9km from Winchester Mystery House, perfect for family fun and adventure. For a different vibe, head to Santa Clara Tennis Center, 3.2km away, for some energetic tennis matches amidst the excitement.

Explore the scenic Coyote Creek Parkway Path, an 12.9km hiking trail offering stunning outdoor views, ideal for those seeking adventure and a connection with nature.

Nightlife

A night near Winchester Mystery House offers a mix of culture and fun. Enjoy a show at the San Jose Center for the Performing Arts, catch a film at Cinemark CinéArts Santana Row, or unleash your competitive spirit at Bowlmor Lanes for some arcade adventures.

Find the best attractions near Winchester Mystery House

When visiting the Winchester Mystery House in San Jose, you'll discover a range of attractions, including urban parks and entertainment arenas. Immerse yourself in the local culture with family-friendly activities, and consider exploring the bizarre mansion itself. For a comfortable stay, look into hotels and packages near the house, or venture out to nearby points of interest just a few miles away for a well-rounded experience.

  • SAP Center at San Jose: This energetic arena offers a vibrant atmosphere for family-friendly events, including concerts and sports. With a capacity for over 17,000, it’s a hub of entertainment located just 4.8km from the Winchester Mystery House.
  • Santa Clara University: A picturesque campus with a blend of historic and modern architecture, this university is only 3.2km away. It exudes a lively city vibe, making it a great spot for a leisurely stroll while soaking in the local culture.
  • California's Great America: Perfect for thrill-seekers and families alike, this amusement park features exciting rides and attractions. Located 8.0km from your starting point, it promises a day full of outdoor adventures and fun.

Best time to go to Winchester Mystery House

The best time to visit Winchester Mystery House can depend on the weather and when visitor numbers rise and fall. The hottest average temperature around Winchester Mystery House falls in August, when visitor numbers are moderately low and weather is sunny with no rain (dry). The coolest average temperature around Winchester Mystery House falls in December, visitor numbers are moderately low and weather is mostly sunny with light rain.

calendarCalendar MonthtemperatureTemperaturerainPrecipitationmostlyCloudinessoccupationOccupancypricePricing
January50.9°F (10.5°C)Light RainMostly SunnyModerately HighSlightly Low
February51.8°F (11.0°C)Light RainMostly SunnyModerately HighAverage
March53.8°F (12.1°C)Light RainMostly SunnyAverageAverage
April57.0°F (13.9°C)No Rain (Dry)SunnyModerately HighAverage
May61.0°F (16.1°C)No Rain (Dry)SunnyAverageAverage
June66.9°F (19.4°C)No Rain (Dry)SunnyAverageSlightly High
July70.3°F (21.3°C)No Rain (Dry)SunnyAverageSlightly High
August70.7°F (21.5°C)No Rain (Dry)SunnyModerately LowSlightly High
September69.8°F (21.0°C)No Rain (Dry)SunnyAverageAverage
October64.8°F (18.2°C)No Rain (Dry)SunnyAverageAverage
November56.3°F (13.5°C)Light RainSunnyModerately LowSlightly Low
December50.7°F (10.4°C)Light RainMostly SunnyModerately LowSlightly Low

Booking tips and Expedia advantages for Winchester Mystery House

For a budget-friendly visit to Winchester Mystery House, plan your trip between November and January when accommodation prices drop. Aim for a Friday stay for the best rates, and consider booking through Expedia to combine flights, hotels, and activities for extra savings. Use their search tool to sort options by price and filter for eco-friendly stays. Additionally, keep an eye out for free cancellation deals and top offers to maximise your savings while exploring the area.

  • The most and least expensive months on average to stay in a hotel: The cheapest months to stay around Winchester Mystery House are November to January, where the prices are slightly lower. This is in comparison to June to August, where prices are slightly higher.
  • The most and least expensive days on average to stay in a hotel: The least expensive day to stay around Winchester Mystery House is Friday. The most expensive day to stay around Winchester Mystery House is Tuesday.
  • Find cheap hotels on Expedia: Expedia’s search tool gives you the flexibility to choose your budget, preferred destination, and additional criteria. You can easily sort results from the lowest to highest prices to quickly view the most affordable accommodation options. Additionally, you have the option to refine your search by hotel type; for instance, selecting the Eco-certified filter will showcase sustainable and eco-friendly hotels that you can book.
  • Consider bundling your trip: You can save some cash by combining your hotel stay at the Winchester Mystery House with your flights and activities through an Expedia package deal.

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Explore a world of travel with Expedia