Haunted San Jose
San Jose is a city rich in history, culture, and if you believe in local lore, a fair share of ghost stories. From historic mansions to winding country roads, these sites are steeped in tales of restless spirits, eerie sightings, and unexplained happenings.
While there’s no proof these places are truly haunted, the tales are real. Read on… if you dare.
SAN JOSE SPOOKY PLACES:
WINCHESTER MYSTERY HOUSE
525 S Winchester Blvd, San Jose, CA
If you’re into ghosts, you’ve heard of the Winchester Mystery House. The mysterious mansion was once the home of Sarah Winchester, the widow of gun mogul William Winchester. It is thought that the ghosts of the victims of Winchester rifles haunt the house. The labyrinth-like manor consists of a vast amount of rooms, hallways, stairwells and doors leading to nowhere, possibly in place to confuse the spirits. After her death, it is believed that Sarah joined these spirits and haunts the estate.
GRANDVIEW RESTAURANT
15005 Mt Hamilton Rd, San Jose, CA
Sitting atop Mount Hamilton, Grandview Restaurant is a favorite for their delicious food and amazing view of the South Bay. The ghost of a young girl is rumored to be one of its most frequent guests. She has been spotted by diners and might be an explanation for flickering lights throughout the restaurant.
QUIMBY ROAD JOGGER
Quimby Rd, East San Jose, CA
You won’t want to go for a late-night jog on Quimby Road. The Quimby Road jogger has staked claim on this creepy road and has been spotted by those driving through. Try to catch a glimpse before he disappears into the hills.
LA FORÊT
21747 Bertram Rd, San Jose, CA
La Forêt is one of San Jose’s oldest restaurants sitting next to the Almaden Quicksilver Mines. The first two-story hotel in California was known to house quicksilver miners during the California Gold Rush, then operated as a boarding house before becoming a restaurant in the ‘30s. La Forêt’s historic feel can provide a spooky environment for potential spiritual encounters.
HICK’S ROAD
Hick’s Rd, San Jose, CA
Though not explicitly haunted, the popular urban legend of Hick’s Road suggests that witches and recluses scare off trespassers down the road.
NEIGHBORING SPOOKY PLACES:
MYSTERY SPOT, SANTA CRUZ
465 Mystery Spot Rd, Santa Cruz, CA
A favorite amongst tourist and locals alike, the Santa Cruz Mystery Spot is a confusing set of optical illusions in the Santa Cruz Mountains. Different elements of the Mystery Spot seem unreal, explained by tour guides as a result of gravitational and magnetic anomalies, but many insist that there are supernatural explanations for many of its features.
