San Jose Ghost Tour: The Scythe, Sacrifice, & Silhouette
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September 2026
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Adults
Age 13 and over
Children
Age 12 and under
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Free cancellation up to 24 hours before. Same price on Viator, Outty earns a commission.
Traveler rating
4.0/5
Based on 24 traveler reviews. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.
Quick answer
Is San Jose Ghost Tour: The Scythe, Sacrifice, & Silhouette worth booking?
San Jose Ghost Tour: The Scythe, Sacrifice, & Silhouette is a 1-hour experience in San Jose, United States, from $26 per person. It scores 58 out of 100 on the Outty Ranking, which we label “Worth a Look”, based on a 4/5 rating across 24 reviews. Cancellation is free up to 24 hours before the start time. Same-day spots are currently showing.
- Outty Ranking
- 58 / 100
- Rating
- 4/5 (24)
- Duration
- 1 hours
- From
- $26 per person
Embark on a spine-chilling journey through San Jose's eerie streets with our walking ghost tour, where history and hauntings collide! Led by an expert local guide, you'll explore haunted and historic locations brimming
What you get
About this experience
Embark on a spine-chilling journey through San Jose's eerie streets with our walking ghost tour, where history and hauntings collide! Led by an expert local guide, you'll explore haunted and historic locations brimming with ghostly tales. As you stroll through the city, be prepared to encounter thrilling accounts of spectral apparitions that have marked iconic sites. From the haunted grounds of San Jose State University to the enigmatic Winchester Mystery House, each stop unveils the dark secrets and restless spirits lurking in the shadows. Traverse a mile of haunted terrain and uncover the disturbing history of this once-bloody metropolis. Locations like the Sainte Claire Hotel and Park Avenue echo with tales of death and devastation. Although entry into private buildings isn't allowed, you'll be surrounded by the ghosts of San Jose’s past. Gather your courage and prepare for an evening of spooky tales and encounters that will make you question what lies beyond the living.
What's included
Included
- Chilling Stories
- Local Guide
Not included
- Gratuity
What you'll see and do
San Jose State University, established in 1857 as the first higher education institution in the West, initially focused on training teachers. Among its historic buildings, Hoover Hall stands out for its eerie reputation, with reports of paranormal activities and ghostly occurrences adding a haunting layer to its storied past.
9 minutes here
Winchester Mystery House
The Winchester Mystery House is a sprawling mansion built by Sarah Winchester, whose unusual construction and eerie design have captivated visitors from around the world. Believed to be cursed, Sarah Winchester's home is renowned for its labyrinthine layout and numerous reports of ghostly apparitions, drawing those intrigued by its mysterious and haunting allure.
8 minutes here
The Sainte Claire Hotel, constructed in 1926 and known as "the Million Dollar Hotel," is a renowned hotspot for paranormal activity in San Jose. Its chilling legacy is linked to a tragic 1930 wedding where a heartbroken bride, deserted at the altar, leapt from the top of the building, leaving behind a spectral presence that continues to haunt its halls.
9 minutes here
Park Avenue in San Jose, California, is home to the Van Dykes House, a Victorian-era residence built in 1896 that suffered severe damage during the Great Earthquake of 1906. Today, the historic home is rumored to be haunted by the ghostly apparitions of children, their playful yet eerie presence adding a haunting layer to the building's storied past.
8 minutes here
The Fairmont Hotel in San Jose, a grand establishment opened in 1987, stands on land steeped in a long history of tragedy and haunting tales. Despite its modern facade, the site is rumored to harbor restless spirits from its troubled past, making it a focal point for eerie experiences and ghostly encounters.
9 minutes here
The Splash Bar, located on Post Street in San Jose, sits in an area with a long history of nocturnal activity dating back to the 19th century. Today, it’s known not only for its lively atmosphere but also for its reputation as a hotspot of supernatural phenomena, where patrons and staff alike have reported eerie occurrences and unexplained events.
8 minutes here
San Jose Improv
San Jose Improv, a premier comedy club known for featuring top talent and shows like Saturday Night Live, originally opened in 1904 as the Jose Theater. Its rich history is tinged with tragedy, as a devastating fire in the early 20th century claimed many lives, and today, ghostly encounters in the basement offer a chilling reminder of the past.
9 minutes here
Where it starts and ends
Meeting point
San Jose
Meet your guide under the arch at 154 Paseo de San Carlos, San Jose, CA 95112. Your guide will be wearing a black US Ghost Adventures T-Shirt and carrying a Lantern. Please arrive 15 minutes before the start of the tour.
Hotel pickup
No pickup: everyone meets at the start point.
Ends at
Our tour concludes at San Jose Improv where our guide will share haunting stories before sending you on your way.
Before you book
- Cancellation
- For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
- Languages
- en
- Ticket
- Mobile Only
- Runs on
- Every day
- Group size
- Up to 8 travelers per booking
- Operated by
- San Jose Ghosts
Know before you go
- Wheelchair accessible
- Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
- Service animals allowed
- Public transportation options are available nearby
- Transportation options are wheelchair accessible
- All areas and surfaces are wheelchair accessible
- Suitable for all physical fitness levels
Photos
What travelers are saying
Outty’s summary of the themes that recur across 24 traveler reviews. Written by us, not quoted from reviewers.
Knowledge and storytelling
7 mentionsReviewers describe the commentary as informative rather than scripted.
The guide
5 mentionsTravelers single out the guide as the reason the experience works.
Traveler reviews
24 verified traveler reviews for San Jose Ghost Tour: The Scythe, Sacrifice, & Silhouette. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.
Fun / Interesting for new comers to SJ!
Guide was enthusiastic and knew his history. Very friendly and funny!
Response from the operator: Thanks so much for joining us, Gloria! We’re delighted your guide helped make your first look at San Jose both fun and interesting. His enthusiasm and knowledge really help bring the city’s stories to life, and we’re glad his friendly personality made the experience even better. Hope to see you again soon!
via Tripadvisor
Enjoyed the walk, enjoyed...
Enjoyed the walk, enjoyed the stories. Learned some new things about San Jose. Fun little night activity. Glad that I signed up for the tour.
Response from the operator: Thank you so much for the kind review! We’re delighted you enjoyed the walk, the stories, and getting to know a new side of San Jose. We love being part of a fun night out and are so glad you decided to give the tour a try. Hope to see you again for more spooky stories!
via Viator
Spooky and Fun
A great mix of local history, eerie legends, and just the right amount of suspense, blending true crime, old downtown stories, and the darker side of San Jose’s past... The stories around historic buildings and hidden corners of the city really brought the whole experience to life. It was spooky and entertaining, with a supernatural twist.
Response from the operator: Thanks so much for sharing this awesome feedback, Gerald! We’re delighted the tour gave you a fun new perspective on San Jose. There’s so much fascinating history tucked into the city’s older buildings and hidden corners, and we love uncovering the darker stories behind them. We’re happy you enjoyed the suspense and spooky atmosphere! Hope to see you again soon!
via Tripadvisor
1 star
I decided to take this tour in San Jose. It was OK. I have definitely been on better tours not guide did not really seem interested in her life or in the tour itself .
Response from the operator: Hi, Joshua! We appreciate you bringing this to our attention. We understand how frustrating it must have been to feel that your guide wasn’t fully engaged or interested in the tour. Creating a fun, energetic, and memorable experience is something we take pride in, and this is not what we’re known for. Please email your booking ID to guestrelations@usghostadventures.com, and we’ll make sure our managers receives your feedback so they can review what happened and work toward a resolution.
via Viator
Wasted my money.
I booked a tour for October 16th and spent thirty minutes walking around trying to find the tour group. I used Google Maps on my phone, and when I reached the address listed on my ticket, no one was there. The tour guide finally called me, but wasn't able to offer much assistance. When I called the phone number that I used to purchase the ticket, the representative argued with me about the address and said I could send an email to management and request a refund. DO BETTER with your meeting point instructions. This was a big disappointment for me since I traveled across the country to visit San Jose and was looking forward to an evening of haunted history. Eventually, I gave up and went back to my hotel after missing most of the tour and being unable to find the meeting point. A REFUND should be honored!
Response from the operator: We’re very sorry to hear about your experience and sincerely apologize for the confusion and frustration you faced trying to locate the tour meeting point. We understand how disappointing this must have been, especially after traveling across the country to join the tour. Please reach out to guestrelations@tourismo.com with the name your booking was under, and we’ll be happy to assist you further, including addressing your refund request. Thank you for bringing this to our attention, and we appreciate the opportunity to make this right.
via Tripadvisor
Good to know
- Duration
- 1 hours
- Free cancellation
- Up to 24h before
- Minimum age to book
- All ages
- Availability
- Bookable today
- Runs on
- Every day
- Price range
- $26 to $36
- Hotel pickup
- No pickup, meet at start point
- Booked in 30 days
- 8
- Verdict
- Worth a Look
Why this scores 58
The Outty Ranking is a weighted composite. Here is how this experience performed on each component.
San Jose Ghost Tour: The Scythe, Sacrifice, & Silhouette: questions travelers ask
Practical detail on this experience, plus the wider planning questions for San Jose.
How much does San Jose Ghost Tour: The Scythe, Sacrifice, & Silhouette cost?
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Prices start at $26 per person. The final price depends on the date, the time slot and the number of travelers, and peak weekends in San Jose usually price higher than midweek mornings. Live pricing and remaining availability are confirmed on the booking screen before you pay.
How long does San Jose Ghost Tour: The Scythe, Sacrifice, & Silhouette take?
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Plan for about 1 hour from start to finish, not counting travel to the meeting point. Most travelers leave another 30 minutes on either side so the rest of the day in San Jose is not rushed.
Is San Jose Ghost Tour: The Scythe, Sacrifice, & Silhouette worth it?
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It holds an Outty Ranking of 58 out of 100, which we label "Worth a Look". That score blends traveler sentiment (4/5 across 24 reviews), the depth of that review evidence, recent booking momentum, value for money against comparable last minute in San Jose, and how flexible the cancellation terms are.
Can I cancel or reschedule San Jose Ghost Tour: The Scythe, Sacrifice, & Silhouette?
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Yes. Cancel free up to 24 hours before the start time for a full refund. Inside that window the booking is non-refundable, and no-shows are not refunded.
Is San Jose Ghost Tour: The Scythe, Sacrifice, & Silhouette suitable for kids and families?
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Yes, all ages are welcome. Families should still weigh the 1-hour running time, and strollers are easier on the earlier, quieter departures.
How far in advance should I book San Jose Ghost Tour: The Scythe, Sacrifice, & Silhouette?
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Around 8 people booked this in the last 30 days, so popular slots go early. Two to three weeks ahead is comfortable in shoulder season, while summer weekends and holidays in San Jose can sell out a month out. Same-day spots do open up when other travelers cancel, so it is worth checking if you are already in town.
What should I bring or wear?
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Bring photo ID, your booking confirmation on your phone, a refillable water bottle and comfortable shoes. Dress for the weather in San Jose and add a light layer if any part of the 1-hour experience runs outdoors or after sunset.
Where does San Jose Ghost Tour: The Scythe, Sacrifice, & Silhouette start and how do I get there?
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The exact meeting point and directions are on your voucher once you book, and they sit in central San Jose within reach of public transport. Arrive 15 minutes early: late arrivals are treated as no-shows by most operators.
What are the best things to do in San Jose?
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San Jose mixes tech-history tours with the Winchester Mystery House, Santa Cruz Mountains wine trips, redwood hikes and easy day tours over to Monterey and San Francisco. On Outty we rank every San Jose experience on the same 0 to 100 scale, and alongside this one the highest scorers right now include The Escape Game at Great Mall in Milpitas, 4 Hour Livermore Valley Wine Tour, Big Sur Monterey California Coast from San Jose 1 - 12 people. The city page groups everything into most popular, highest reviewed, last minute and family-friendly so you can build a day around what actually delivers.
When is the best time to visit San Jose?
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April to June and September to October. Booking patterns follow the same curve: prices and queues climb in peak weeks, while shoulder season gives you better availability on the top-ranked experiences and more room to change plans.
How many days do you need in San Jose?
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Three full days covers the headline sights without sprinting. A workable rhythm is one anchor experience each morning, such as this one, an unhurried afternoon in a single neighborhood, then a food or nightlife booking in the evening. Five days lets you add a day trip outside the city.
Do I book through Outty or through the operator?
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Outty ranks and explains the experiences, then hands you to Viator to complete the booking with the operator directly. The price is the same as booking on Viator yourself, and Outty earns an affiliate commission on the referral, which is how the rankings stay free to read.
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