The Victorian Winchester Mystery House and its gardens in San Jose

History · San Jose

Winchester Mystery House

Sarah Winchester's sprawling, eccentric Victorian mansion, with stairs to nowhere and doors that open onto walls.

Photo: The wub, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons

The Winchester Mystery House was the home of Sarah Winchester, who kept building and rebuilding it for decades. The result is a maze-like Victorian mansion full of odd details, from staircases that end at the ceiling to doors that open onto walls.

Visits are by guided or self-guided tour. Book ahead on busy days.

Good to know

  • Reserve a tour time online.
  • Wear comfortable shoes. There are many stairs.
  • Santana Row is across the freeway for lunch or dinner afterward.

For current hours, tickets, and conditions, check the official source: winchestermysteryhouse.com.