Winchester Mystery House

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An Architectural & Historic Tour of the Unexplained

Dining

Yard House
LB Steak Santa Row
Straits Restaurant
Zazil
Meso Modern Mediterranian
El Jardin
Left Bank

Lodging

Hotel Valencia
Hotel Los Gatos
Hayes Mansion
Rosewood
Aloft Sunnyvale
Hyatt Place San Jose

Dining

Yard House
LB Steak Santa Row
Straits Restaurant
Zazil
Meso Modern Mediterranian
El Jardin
Left Bank

Lodging

Hotel Valencia
Hotel Los Gatos
Hayes Mansion
Rosewood
Aloft Sunnyvale
Hyatt Place San Jose

Authors Comments:

The Winchester Mystery House is a Victorian marvel and is uniquely detailed. This is an architectural and historic tour not a haunted house tour…although unusual and unexplained things have happened. The folklore and stories about 4’ 10” Sarah Winchester (The widow of Winchester rifle firearm magnate) add to the bewilderment of this attraction.

It is said that the Grand Ballroom was inspiration for the Haunted Mansion ride in Disneyland. I would suggest visiting on a weekday when it’s less crowded. Get there early in the morning if possible. I recommend both the Mansion Tour and the “Explore More” Tour.

If you buy both Winchester Mystery House tours, the “Explore More” tour is about 50% off. In the winter, bring a sweater or jacket. Tickets may seem expensive but consider it a well appreciated donation to keep this home maintained and legally open to the public.

Sometimes you can find a nice discount on Groupon. If you are a historic gun enthusiast, they have an extensive display of Winchester collector rifles downstairs. Overall, this is a gem of Silicon Valley and only one block away from Santana Row.