San Jose, the heart of Silicon Valley, isn’t just about tech and innovation—it’s also a city surrounded by eerie legends, haunted landmarks, and mysterious roads that make it a perfect destination for thrill-seekers after dark. With its mix of historic sites, winding backroads, and nearby ghost towns, San Jose offers plenty of chilling adventures for drivers looking to combine a love of the road with a brush of the supernatural. According to local lore, everything from phantom hitchhikers to haunted estates adds to the area’s spooky reputation.
Driving through the region at night can already be a thrill, but exploring haunted roads and destinations elevates the experience into something unforgettable. Below are some of the most intriguing and spine-tingling night drives in and around San Jose.
1. Hicks Road – The Legendary Haunted Road
Location: Hicks Rd, Los Gatos, CA (about 20 minutes from downtown San Jose)
Perhaps the most infamous haunted drive near San Jose, Hicks Road is known for chilling legends involving ghostly sightings, mysterious lights, and even tales of reclusive “Albino cannibals” whispered about by locals. At night, the twisting road becomes shrouded in darkness with little to no streetlights, making it the perfect place for an unsettling drive. Many claim to have seen glowing eyes in the woods or shadowy figures following their car. Whether you believe the stories or not, Hicks Road remains a rite of passage for late-night thrill-seekers.
2. Winchester Mystery House – Haunted Landmark Drive-By
Location: 525 S Winchester Blvd, San Jose, CA
You don’t even need to go inside the Winchester Mystery House to feel its eerie presence. This Victorian mansion—famous for staircases that lead to nowhere, doors that open into walls, and endless ghost stories—becomes especially ominous at night. Driving past the estate or parking nearby after dark feels like stepping into another world. It’s one of the most iconic haunted sites in San Jose, and the stories of Sarah Winchester’s ghostly visions make it a perfect inclusion on your spooky night drive list.
3. Learn Stick & Drive Confidently with Manual Driving Academy
Location: Book in San Jose here
Before setting out on eerie roads and winding back routes, it’s important to feel fully in control behind the wheel. Manual Driving Academy offers one-on-one lessons in San Jose designed to help you master stick shift driving—building confidence that’s especially useful when tackling rural or poorly lit roads at night. With experienced instructors, flexible scheduling, and gift certificates that never expire, it’s the perfect experience for anyone looking to add skill and excitement to their driving adventures.
4. Hicks Creek & Almaden Quicksilver County Park
Location: 21785 Almaden Rd, San Jose, CA
Just off Hicks Road, Almaden Quicksilver County Park has its own ghostly tales tied to the abandoned mercury mines that once operated there. Locals report seeing phantom miners with lanterns wandering the area and hearing unexplainable echoes from the hills. A nighttime drive around this park—especially when fog settles in—creates an atmosphere straight out of a ghost story.
5. Extended Adventure – Moss Beach Distillery Ghosts
Location: 140 Beach Way, Moss Beach, CA (about 45 minutes from San Jose)
For those up for a longer night drive, head toward the coast and stop by Moss Beach Distillery, one of California’s most famous haunted restaurants. The “Blue Lady,” a ghost said to be the spirit of a woman who died tragically in the 1930s, is reported to still roam the property. The drive to Moss Beach along Highway 92 and down the foggy cliffs near Half Moon Bay is both scenic and spooky, especially on a moonlit night.
Conclusion
From the mysterious twists of Hicks Road to the eerie shadow of the Winchester Mystery House, San Jose is surrounded by haunted roads and chilling destinations perfect for night drives. Whether you’re chasing ghost stories, testing your courage, or simply enjoying the thrill of a late-night cruise, these routes deliver unforgettable adventures.
If you want to feel truly confident behind the wheel—whether navigating city streets or eerie backroads—you can book a stick shift lesson with Manual Driving Academy today: 👉 San Jose Lessons. Grab your keys, bring some friends, and prepare for a spooky drive you’ll never forget.
