Sarah Winchester was heir to the Winchester repeating rifle fortune, and she was convinced that the spirits of all those killed with that gun were haunting her. So she moved from New Haven, Connecticut to San Jose to construct her dream home. To confuse the restless spirits, she constructed one of the oddest houses ever built and kept construction in operation 24 hours a day, 365 days a year until the day of her death. The Victorian-style labyrinth that resulted features a door on the second floor that opens onto thin air, and others that open onto walls and stairs and corridors that lead to dead ends. It features 160 rooms but only 110 can be explored. Don't miss this intriguing attraction when in town.

San Jose served as California's first capital in 1850, but it wasn't until the 1980's that the downtown area began to resemble the bustling district it is today. It is home to numerous landmarks, including the San Jose Museum of Art, the Tech Museum of Innovation, the De Anza Hotel, the Cathedral Basilica of St. Joseph, and San Jose State University's campus. Downtown San Jose is generally considered to encompass the area north of Interstate 280 and east of Guadalupe Parkway. Most of the downtown area is covered by a public WiFi network, fitting for such a leading tech city. With a slew of restaurants, nightlife, entertainment and shopping options, Downtown San Jose is a must-visit part of this historic city.

Children's Discovery Museum has two floors worth of exhibits and activities, including a history of bubbles, face painting and all sorts of things to keep children busy and thinking. The museum is a giant structure straddling the Guadalupe River Park, so picnics are common for visitors. It is located right on the light rail station, which makes public transportation a snap. The museum offers facilities for birthday parties and special events for all sizes of groups, from small gatherings of 10 to large groups of 1000.

Santana Row is an urban district, a magnet for shopping, dining, entertainment and accommodations in North San Jose. There is something for the entire family: 14 full service restaurants; twice-weekly farmers market; WiFi Internet access zones; Hotel Valencia, a world-class boutique hotel; outdoor cafes, public parks, gardens, plazas and courtyards; and a six screen CineArts complex. Developed by Federal Realty Investment Trust, Santana Row is a project that successfully combines the best elements of an urban plaza with the convenience and variety of a mall. It is a place like no other.

Thousands visit this park each year to view the beautiful varieties of roses in a profusion of colors and types. A resplendent sight to behold, the San Jose Municipal Rose Garden also includes a few fountains and a reflecting pool, making it a great spot for a quiet stroll even if you aren't a rose aficionado. Take a look at the map of the place, which lists the names of all the varieties of roses, some of which are rare kinds.

There is something for everyone at San Jose Museum of Art: contemporary art, lectures, concerts, tours, book signings, special events and even programs for children. The museum has been host to many outstanding traveling shows and has been a champion of local artists. The museum bookstore offers a nice selection of usual museum merchandise, such as books, tote bags and greeting cards. The museum cafe offers a wonderful rotating menu of seasonal delights.

With over 200 interactive, hi-tech exhibits, The Tech Museum of Innovation is unlike any other museum in the country. It is housed in a huge complex that stands out from all the other buildings in the heart of Downtown San Jose. Its unique Silicon Valley location is fitting given its technological nature and hands-on displays. Learn about communication networks, new frontiers in science, lasers, Silicon Valley inventions, biotechnology, and other cutting edge technologies that influence the world. The museum also includes a 360-degree IMAX theater.

This huge, multi-domed church was originally built in 1877 and was restored to its original splendor in 1990. This is actually the fifth location of the parish seat; the first was built in 1803. The present structure is a monumental building. Incredible stained glass work renders the sanctuary into a lovely, almost mystical space when the sun causes the colors to play across the walls, pews and floor. Masses are held in Spanish and English.

Home the NHL team, San Jose Sharks, SAP Center is a massive event venue that began as the San Jose Arena, when it was created in 1993. Although it's a popular sports venue, the multipurpose event venue is known for the big-ticket concerts it hosts. Whether it be an exciting hockey game or Grammy-winning artist performance, this 19000 seat venue promises a good time. The multipurpose event space comes second to none when it comes to entertainment; artists like Eric Clapton, Cher, Lady Gaga often feature on SAP Center's calendar of events; while on the other hand, it also showcases popular sports events such as Royal Rumble.

Tombs, mummies and all sorts of ancient Egyptian artifacts await you at Rosicrucian Egyptian Museum & Planetarium, one of the tourist favorites of San Jose. This place is located in the beautiful Rosicrucian Park, with palm trees and Egyptian-style buildings everywhere. The museum itself contains an extensive array of artifacts, jewelry and displays of Egyptian antiquity. The tour in the cavernous tomb below the museum is especially replete with information and entertainment. Through the displays, you will get an in-depth look at the nature of life in ancient Egypt.