Visitors interested in architecture and history will enjoy the Winchester Mystery House. Construction on the house started in 1884 and didn't end until 1922. As legend has it, that's because Sarah Winchester, widow of William Wirt Winchester of the Winchester gun family, thought spirits were haunting her family and their fortune. And the only way to make the spirits happy, Mrs. Winchester was told, was to build a house and never cease construction. So that's what she did until her death, and visitors can now tour the 160-room mansion.

Parking and public transportation at Winchester Mystery House
The Winchester Mystery House has a free parking lot with plenty of spaces. There is one bus stop in front of the home, served by the Santa Clara Valley Transportation Authority's route 60.

Best and worst time to go to Winchester Mystery House
The Winchester Mystery House nearly always attracts a crowd, so going early in the day is a good idea. Visitors interested in the paranormal aspects of the house can visit near Halloween or on a Friday the 13th and participate in a special flashlight tour.

Admission to Winchester Mystery House
There are several house tours offered to visitors. One is of the house only, while another includes the house and gardens, and a third explores other buildings on the grounds and the house's basement. Admission prices for adults and seniors around in the $30-$40 range, while children's tickets are about $10-$15 less.

Must see/do at Winchester Mystery House
The house tour is the main attraction here, but visitors should spend time wandering around the grounds and exploring the garden, too.

Other places to visit near Winchester Mystery House
Across the street from the Winchester Mystery House, Santana Row is a collection of shops and restaurants that's popular with both visitors and locals. Visitors to San Jose should also check out the Tech Museum of Innovation. Located downtown, the museum has hands-on exhibits and an IMAX theater.

Insider tip for visitors to Winchester Mystery House
Buy your tickets online, at least 24 hours in advance, to avoid long lines in the ticketing area.

Author's bio: Elizabeth Xu is a freelance writer in the San Francisco Bay Area, though she hails from the Midwest. Follow her travels @ElizabethMXu.