san antonio missions to visit

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Last updated: February 1, 2024

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Headquarters 2202 Roosevelt Avenue San Antonio, TX 78210

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A Complete Guide to the San Antonio Missions National Historical Park

When it comes to interesting places to visit in the United States, travelers have more than their fair share of sensational options. From majestic national parks, to sprawling urban centers teeming with art and culture, the USA has a robust list of worthwhile places to see and experience. And undoubtedly, San Antonio is just such a place.

Now, lest we be accused of bias, the Alamo city was just named one of the 23 best places to go in the US in 2023 by Condé Nast Traveler. So clearly, we aren’t off base in our opinions. What makes SA so special is that it offers the traveler’s trifecta of unique culture, delicious food, and a comprehensive list of things to do and see. Chief among this list, the San Antonio Missions National Park. As the only UNESCO world heritage site in Texas and a significant part of Texas history, the missions are an absolute must-do for any visitor to San Antonio. 

History of the San Antonio Missions

While the history of the Alamo - where famed frontiersmen like Jim Bowie and Davy Crockett perished in defense of the outpost - is known the world over (thanks for that, John Wayne), the history of the other missions is not nearly as familiar. The other four missions – Espada, San Juan, San Jose, and Concepcion – share a common story. Each was settled in the early 1700s by Franciscan Spanish missionaries looking to convert the Coahuiltecan native tribes that lived throughout south Texas to Christianity. These missions were responsible for not only spreading Catholicism, but propagating the skills required for survival such as farming, ranching, and masonry. 

For years, these missions rose beyond the settlement of churches to become thriving communities of native Americans working and living together. But sadly, each of these missions also share a common tale of demise. Famine, disease, and enemy tribes ultimately spelled disaster for the missions, and each was secularized and ceased operations by 1824. 

At the heart of each mission was its church and it is these churches that draw visitors year-round to learn about the 300+ year history of San Antonio. Today, each church is still used for regular religious services, some by congregants who can trace their ancestry back to the formation of the missions.

How to Visit the Historical Missions

A visit to the San Antonio Missions National Historical Park is often a highlight of peoples’ trips to San Antonio. Depending on travel styles and energy levels, guests can choose from a few different ways to tour the missions. 

By car: All of the missions are accessible by car and have dedicated parking lots that are free of charge (with the one exception of the Alamo which is downtown and requires parking in a nearby garage). Each of the missions is also easily accessible for those with disabilities as the walking paths and grounds are flat and paved. As the missions stretch from north to south, we suggest starting with the southernmost mission (Espada) and working your way north into the city.

By bus: San Antonio’s metropolitan VIA transit company offers two routes to those who are interested in seeing the missions. The VIVA bus routes are dedicated routes to cultural and tourist destinations throughout greater SA and the VIVA line #40 will deliver riders to all four of the missions that are south of downtown. Be aware that they only stop at select cultural destinations and not typical city blocks.

The second option is the VIA bus #42 which will take visitors from downtown to missions San Jose and Concepcion, but they do not travel to San Juan or Espada. Information on routes and fares can be found on the VIA Metropolitan Transit website .

Can you bike the San Antonio Missions?

The most adventurous, albeit strenuous, way to see the missions is by biking or hiking. Each mission sits along the banks of the San Antonio river and can be accessed from the river mission trail that runs along the River Walk. This trail is approximately 10 miles long and winds its way from the Alamo, south to Mission Espada. Those who choose to have a go at this trail will not only get to see the missions but will enjoy the views of the picturesque San Antonio river as well as the local plant and wildlife. 

Can I rent a bicycle in San Antonio?

To rent a bike, check out the BCycle San Antonio website or app. Bikeshare kiosks are available at every mission and guests can pick up an unlimited use day pass for just $15. A printable map of the missions river trail and BCycle bike kiosks is available here .

Basic Info About The San Antonio Missions

Visits to the San Antonio Missions National Historical Parks are a fun and informative way to learn about the history of Texas, and in particular, San Antonio. 

• The parks are open every day of the year except Thanksgiving Day, Christmas Day, and New Year’s Day.
• Admission is completely free of charge to see the grounds, structures, churches, and visitor centers. 
• While most of the parks do not offer guided tours (exceptions will be noted), free audio tours are available at all missions on your cell phone. Links to each tour will be included below. 
• The National Park Service is your go-to for all things SA missions related, so be sure to visit their website to get the most up-to-date info on operating hours, current conditions, and events.

1. Mission Espada

Cellphone Audio Tour

Mission Espada, the southernmost mission, was established in 1731 and is the smallest of the historical missions. Located in a rural neighborhood, Espada’s characteristic Spanish features – including the intricate arched church doorway, the belltower, the Espada aqueduct, dam, and acequia (an irrigation system that is the oldest in the United States) – lend themselves to a particularly peaceful feel as you stroll around the grounds of the enclosed mission. Head into the museum to see relics from the life of the mission such as an operational loom, farm tools, and a variety of boot spurs.

WEBSITE | 9942, 10328 Espada Rd, San Antonio, TX 78214

2. Mission San Juan

Mission San Juan Capistrano, also established in 1731, lies just 5 minutes up the road from Espada. San Juan got its start in East Texas in 1716 with a mission to serve the Nazonis Native Americans. The mission, which was largely unsuccessful, saw everything contained within it that could be moved, decamped to the banks of the San Antonio river where it stands today.

Mission San Juan is unique among the missions for its clean, white stone church building, which was constructed in the 1750s, as well as for its greatest contribution, the development of agriculture and farming. Visitors to Mission San Juan can still see the original farm fields that were worked in the 1700s. 

Bonus Info: If you’re heading to Mission San Juan and are up for some light hiking, don’t miss the Yanaguana Nature Trail. This paved and ADA-accessible trail is a short 1/3 mile and takes guests through lush greenery along a channel of the San Antonio river where it’s not uncommon to run across local wildlife including owls, turtles, snakes, and herons. 

WEBSITE | 9101 Graf Rd, San Antonio, TX 78214

3. Mission San José

Just three miles up the road from San Juan lies the largest and most commanding of the missions, Mission San Jose. San Jose was the first mission in SA, established in 1720, and given its imposing size (at its peak, the mission housed 350 native people in 84 two-room apartments), was dubbed in 1777 as the “Queen of the missions.” 

And queen it certainly is. The absolute must-see at San Jose is the limestone church, crafted in Spanish baroque architectural style. The surviving stone detail on the façade of the church is unmatched among the missions and definitely worth laying eyes on. Today, San Jose has been almost fully restored to its original layout which means that there is much to explore as guests wander the grounds and learn about the community that once lived here.

Protip 1: Mission San Jose is the only mission (besides the Alamo) where guests can take a live guided tour by a National Park Ranger. These free tours are packed with information and history and provide great context for what you will see as you visit San Jose. Daily tours begin at the visitor center and are offered at 10 am and 11 am and last for approximately 45 minutes. All tours are ADA and wheelchair accessible.

Protip 2: Mission San Jose is not only the biggest of the missions but also happens to be the busiest, second only to the Alamo. San Jose is a common stop for many local school fieldtrips, so if noisy, bustling students might detract from your experience of the historical site, simply plan to go on a Saturday or Sunday.

WEBSITE | 701 E Pyron Ave, San Antonio, TX 78214

4. Mission Concepción

Mission Concepcion, also established in 1731, is about three miles north of San Jose and located smack dab in the middle of an urban, residential neighborhood just south of downtown San Antonio. Concepcion boasts the oldest unrestored stone church in America. Extensive preservation work on the mission has uncovered a treasure trove of color from the original frescos that were painted in the 1700s and faint hues can still be seen today throughout the surviving structures. 

WEBSITE | 807 Mission Rd, San Antonio, TX 78210

5. The Alamo

Mission San Antonio de Valero, better known by the popular moniker “the Alamo,” stands right in the middle of San Antonio’s buzzing downtown area, right next to the San Antonio River Walk. The mission dropped anchor in SA in 1724 and operated until 1793 when it became a Spanish military outpost.

The iconic church façade and a few small structures (the long barrack and Convento courtyard) are all that remain today from the original compound.  Guests can tour these structures and learn about the Texas Revolution and the 13-day siege of the Alamo in 1836 by famed Mexican general Santa Anna where 180+ men made their final stand, losing their lives in the cause of Texas freedom.

Visits to the Alamo are free of charge but do require a timed entry. To reserve your tickets, click here .

WEBSITE | 300 Alamo Plaza, San Antonio, TX 78205

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4 Beautiful San Antonio Missions To See After You’ve Visited The Alamo

• Activities and Interests
• Destinations
• History and Culture
• Religious Sites
• San Antonio
• United States

San Antonio is one of the top tourist destinations in the state of Texas. Offering delicious Tex-Mex food, a fabulous river walk , world-class theme parks, and an interesting history, there truly is something for everyone in San Antonio.

Part of the city’s interesting history is encompassed in one of the most popular tourist attractions in the city as well, the world-famous Alamo. While most visitors to San Antonio include the Alamo on their itinerary, many miss out on the other fabulous missions that San Antonio has to offer.

There are actually 5 missions in San Antonio, including the Alamo, that make up the San Antonio Mission Trail. As the only UNESCO World Heritage Site in Texas, you would be remiss to not pay a visit to the other four San Antonio missions.

In the 17th and 18th centuries, the Spanish colonial government financed the building of missions throughout Texas , California , and Arizona . These missions served to not only allow Spain to stake claim of the land, but they also helped to convert Native Americans to Catholicism.

The missions weren’t churches as many people believe. They were like small communities that worked together to serve a common purpose. It was around these missions that many great cities blossomed, like San Antonio!

As a Native Texan, I have visited the San Antonio Missions National Historical Park numerous times. I find that each time I visit these amazing missions I learn new information about the history of San Antonio and its surrounding areas.

Since the missions are conveniently connected by the San Antonio Mission Trail , a popular hike and bike trail that runs alongside the San Antonio River , it makes visiting them easy and fun! Just take note that the trail is over 10 miles long, so you decide if you want to bike or walk it. If you prefer, you can drive to the missions, or take the free public transportation that picks up right in front of the Alamo.

When planning your visit, it is important to note that each of the major sites at the parks are partially wheelchair accessible. As these are historic sites, there are several areas of uneven terrain. Walking is required between the sites, and there are some stairs at a few of the sites as well. 

1. Mission Concepción

Mission Nuestra Señora de la Purísma Concepción de Acuña ( Mission Concepción for short) is located just south of the Alamo, about 3 miles outside of downtown San Antonio.

The mission that you see before you today looks almost like it did back in the 1700s. The unrestored stone church was once adorned with colorful geometric designs. Unfortunately, these have faded, revealing the plain stones that you see today.

Mission Concepción was relocated to this area in the mid 1700s to escape the French soldiers that were beginning to move into the Texas area from Louisiana . Like other San Antonio missions, its home along the banks of the San Antonio River ensured that the residents had access to water for drinking and irrigation purposes.

The beautiful stone mission has 45-inch-thick stone walls and its beautiful design boasts two bell towers framing the entrance to the church. Once inside, be sure and take note of the beautiful frescoes depicting mission life in the 1700s. The images of the Franciscan friars interacting with the Indigenous People illustrates the relationship that came to be between the native Coahuiltecan Indians and the Spanish friars.

Feel free to explore the grounds during your visit as well. Notice the remnants of the stone walls that once protected the mission and the land that provided a homesite to the people living at Mission Concepción.

Pro Tip: Mission Concepción is still an active Catholic church today. You are welcome to plan your visit during service times and join in if you would like.

2. Mission San José

Located approximately 3 miles south of Mission Concepción is Mission San José . The largest of the four missions south of the Alamo, Mission San José is lovingly nicknamed “The Queen of the Missions.”

Mission San José was meticulously restored in the 1930s to its beauty and grandeur of the 1700s. Upon laying eyes on the mission’s massive stone church that incorporates beautiful Texas limestone with brightly colored limestone, it is easy to see why Mission San José is a favorite among visitors.

A visit to Mission San José truly feels like you are stepping back in time. One of the most popular attractions here is the Rose Window. The window was said to have been carved by a carpenter whose fiancé, Rosa, was lost at sea on her way from Spain to San Antonio.

Mission San José is also where you will find the visitor center for the San Antonio Missions National Historical Park. The visitor center offers several exhibits, an informative film, and ranger-led tours of the mission which are on paved paths.

The unique thing about a visit to Mission San José is that visitors get to truly see a complete example of what life was like behind mission walls thanks to its extensive renovation.

As this mission was once home to hundreds of Native Americans , don’t miss the opportunity to see their living quarters. The Native Americans that called San José home lived in the 84 two-room residences that are built into the walls of the mission. These Native American families contributed to the community providing skills such as farming, ranching, carpentry, and more.

Also on-site are the convent, a granary, and a gristmill. The convent on-site served as the missionary’s residency and also provided lodging and shelter for guests visiting the mission. The on-site granary held the supply of wheat and corn until they were ready to go to the gristmill to be ground into cornmeal and flour.

Like Mission Concepción, Mission San José is also an active church. You are welcome to visit and join during service times.

Pro Tip: There is a restaurant located down the street from Mission San José that serves up delicious, authentic Tex-Mex. Nicha’s is a family-run restaurant that is the perfect place to have lunch while you are out exploring the San Antonio Mission Trail!

3. Mission San Juan Capistrano

Like Mission Concepción, Mission San Juan Capistrano also originated in East Texas before being relocated to the San Antonio area in 1731.

While this location feels a little more remote than the others, it was still a valuable mission significant to San Antonio’s history. The fertile land that Mission San Juan sits on helped to establish this mission as one of the agricultural suppliers of the region. Evidence suggests that Mission San Juan grew numerous fruits and vegetables both inside and outside the mission walls. Their production of melons, grapes, peppers, beans, and squash even helped them to establish a trade network reaching into Louisiana and Mexico.

Today, visitors can see the land still at work thanks to the on-site demonstrations that are held here and that benefit the San Antonio Food Bank. It is really a sight to behold when you see the crops still being irrigated by the original aquifers that were built on-site.

The beautiful white adobe church with its towering bell tower and Spanish embellishments stands out against all of the farmland surrounding it. If the church is open, take time to step inside and explore the historic structure.

The farm area at San Juan Capistrano is an uneven dirt path. In addition, the paved trail leading to the dam is steep and there are no safety barriers. If you would like to view the dam without going down this path, you can do so from the parking area. 

Pro Tip: For a little respite from the city, walk the 0.3-mile Yanaguana Trail that hugs the San Antonio River. The trail is a nice place to enjoy the shade and relax for a few minutes.

4. Mission Espada

Mission Espada is the southernmost mission on the San Antonio Mission Trail, located approximately 10 miles south of the Alamo.

As the first mission founded in Texas, Mission Espada holds a special place in Texas history. Originally named San Francisco de los Tejas and located in Weches, Texas, Mission Espada was moved to its current location in 1731 and renamed at that time as well.

Like the other missions, Spanish friars converted the Native Americans in the area to Catholicism and taught them trades so that they could contribute to the mission. These skills included farming, carpentry, weaving, and masonry.

Today, visitors can see evidence of these trade skills when they visit Mission Espada. One such artifact on-site is the loom that was brought to Mission Espada to spin wool from sheep. Today, live demonstrations of the loom take place on Tuesdays at the mission.

Mission Espada also housed a residence for the priest, a blacksmith shop, a kiln, and other tradesman-type workrooms. Unfortunately, a fire erupted on the site in 1826 that destroyed much of the property. The granary, chapel, and a couple of the original walls still remain.

If you are interested, you can join a ranger-led tour of Mission Espada’s ranch that is located about 30 miles south of San Antonio in the small town of Floresville, Texas. Please see the National Park Service website for current tour offerings.

Pro Tip: During your visit, don’t miss the historic aqueduct and dam that are a short drive away. Constructed in 1745 by the Franciscan friars, this aqueduct brought water from the San Antonio River to Mission Espada. Not only are they the oldest in the United States, but they are still functioning today! These aquifers are an incredibly preserved piece of history.

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This love of travel has allowed her to visit numerous countries and to fall in love with Italy. Michelle enjoys bringing places to life through her informative writing style on her blogs, That Texas Couple and Totally Texas Travel. Her practical tips and suggestions help make travel dreams a reality while immersing her readers in the history, culture, and food of a region. She is happiest sipping wine in Italy or chilling on a beach with her husband, Marty.

San Antonio Missions National Historical Park: The Complete Guide

About the Park

• Hike & Bike Trail

Mission San Jose

Mission concepcion, mission san juan capistrano, mission espada, mission san antonio de valero (the alamo), where to stay, how to get there, accessibility, tips for visiting, san antonio missions national historical park.

The first UNESCO World Heritage Site in Texas, the San Antonio Missions National Historical Park includes the city’s five Spanish colonial-era missions: San Jose, San Juan, Espada, Concepcion, and San Antonio de Valero (okay, the Alamo). The missions are easily accessible, and the Hike & Bike Trail makes exploring them easier and more enjoyable than ever. Read on to find out more about each mission, the trail, where to stay in San Antonio, and other need-to-know info before your trip. 

In the early 1800s, the city of San Antonio grew around the five Spanish mission sites strung along the San Antonio River. These mission sites were set up like a mini-city, with cattle and farming operations and ornately structured churches. Today, the churches still hold regular services in these historic buildings, and they’re all open to park visitors during park hours. 

Admission to the San Antonio Missions is free. The Contact Stations at Mission San Juan and Mission Espada are open from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., and the Visitor Center at Mission San Jose is open from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. 

Hike & Bike Trail

The best way to explore the San Antonio Missions is by bicycle—the 15-mile "hike & bike" trail runs along the San Antonio River and connects all the missions. Each mission is about 2.5 miles from the next. The paved pedestrian trail (which is completely separate from traffic) is relatively flat and winds through old neighborhoods, past meadows of wildflowers, under roadways, and through various habitat corridors that support native plants, migratory birds, and other wildlife.

Download a map of the Riverwalk before you go (you’ll find water, restrooms, trail access, picnic tables, viewpoints, and more on this map). The city’s Mission Trail map can be found here , or you can get one at the Visitor Center (it’s right across the plaza from the Alamo).  

You have a couple of options for renting bicycles. The best option is to rent a bike from the Blue Star Bike Shop . They have a wide selection of Electra bicycles, fixed gears, road bikes, and more available for an all-day rental. Technically, you could rent a BCycle bike , which has several BStation kiosks all along the trail—but you would have to remember to check your bike back into a BStation every thirty minutes to avoid additional fees. 

Whether you decide to hike or bike (or drive), be sure to reserve enough time for a couple of pit-stops, aside from visiting the missions themselves: Start the day off by checking out Headwaters at Incarnate Word , a 55-acre sanctuary preserving the cultural and historical values of the headwaters of the San Antonio River. And, when you’re done with the trail, drop your bikes off next door and grab a brew and burger at Blue Star Brewing . 

Also known as the “Queen of the Missions,” Mission San Jose is the most impressive (and biggest) complex of the bunch. Nearly restored to its original design in the 1930s by the WPA, it’s known for its Rose Window and incredibly detailed façade.   

Known as the oldest unrestored stone church in America, Mission Concepcion appears very much as it did over two centuries ago. Some of the original frescoes are even still inside.  

Once a flourishing trade center for Native American-produced crops, San Juan was a true self-sustaining community. Within the compound, local Indian artisans crafted cloth and iron tools and grew an array of pumpkins, grapes, peppers, beans, squash, and more.  

This was the first mission founded in Texas, in 1690. It may be the smallest of the missions, but Mission Espada is just as beautiful as its larger sisters. And, its historic aqueduct (the Espada Aqueduct and Acequia System) is still in use today. 

“Remember the Mission San Antonio de Valero” just didn’t have the same ring to it, apparently. One of the most visited sites in Texas, the Alamo houses exhibits on the Texas Revolution and Texas history, and visitors are invited to experience guided tours, interactive history lessons, and a stroll through the beautiful, well-kept gardens.

San Antonio is replete with great lodging options, from upscale hotels to quaint B&B’s. Here are (just a few) of the best places to stay in the city:

• Hotel Emma. A destination in its own right, the immaculately designed Hotel Emma is located in the Pearl District’s restored brewhouse. 
• Mokara Hotel & Spa. This is easily one of the swankiest hotels in the city, just steps away from all the main action on the bustling Riverwalk.
• Hotel Contessa. Palm trees, a prime spot on the Riverwalk, and a heated rooftop pool: Need we say more?   
• Hotel Havana. Designed by the uber-hip Bunkhouse Group, Hotel Havana boasts cozy Cuban flair and a tranquil Riverwalk setting away from the crowds.   
• The Oge House - Inn on the Riverwalk. This B&B is an exquisitely restored antebellum mansion in the heart of the King William Historic District. 

The central location of San Antonio Missions National Historical Park makes visiting easy, no matter where you’re coming from. The mission trail is about 20 minutes from San Antonio International Airport (SAT). By car, the park is five hours south of Dallas, three hours east of Houston, and 1.5 hours southwest of Austin.  

San Antonio Missions National Historical Park is committed to making everyone’s visit as enjoyable and accessible as possible. Each of the major sites in the park is partially wheelchair-accessible, and a wheelchair is available for loan at each site. Restrooms are wheelchair-accessible. There are also ranger-led tours at Mission San Jose on the paved paths of the mission. The San Juan Farm area of Mission San Juan Capistrano is composed of packed dirt paths, and at Espada Dam, the dam is visible from the parking lot.

Those in need of ASL interpretation should plan to email the park staff ahead of time to notify them of your visit. Blind or sight-impaired visitors are encouraged to ask the Visitor Center staff for a copy of the park brochure in braille or large print. The Visitor Center museum also has a relief map of the San Antonio River Valley and tactile exhibits of each mission church façade and compound. Audio recorded information is available through your cell phone, anywhere and anytime, by dialing 210-852-2407 for English or 210-857-2408 for Spanish. 

Note that VIA, the San Antonio Transit Authority, provides accessible transportation throughout the city (busses are wheelchair-accessible). Regularly scheduled service between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m. will take you to Missions San Jose, San Juan, and Concepcion. Bus #40 and #42 can also bring you within one block of Mission Concepcion and Mission San Jose. 

If you have questions or suggestions about accessible facilities, the National Park Service recommends contacting the park’s Accessibility Coordinator via email . 

• Free parking is available at each of the mission sites.
• Print out the Mission Trail map before you go, or simply get one from the Visitor Center. 
• Texas summers are very, very hot. If you’re planning to bike the trail, you’re better off doing so in early springtime, late fall, or winter. Bring plenty of water and wear strong SPF, no matter the season.
• Look over the Things To Know Before You Come page on the National Parks site.

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The Missions of San Antonio

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5 Fun Ways to Visit the San Antonio Missions in Texas

In this Article

Including the Alamo mission, there are five Spanish colonial missions along the San Antonio Mission Trail in San Antonio, Texas. Of course, you can visit the San Antonio missions via car, but here are a few fun alternatives.

Funded by the Spanish colonial government, dozens of missions were built throughout Texas, Arizona, and California in the 17th and 18th centuries. Although each mission had a faith-based goal of converting indigenous people to Catholicism, the missions were not churches. They were self-sufficient communities of Spanish missionaries and indigenous people who united under the flag of Spain to keep French explorers at bay and fend off attacks from other native tribes in the area.

Although indigenous people have lived in North America for thousands of years, they were largely nomadic tribes with a close bond with the earth. Because they didn’t build many permanent structures, the United States doesn’t feature megalithic pagan temples, ancient fortresses, and medieval churches as are commonly found throughout Europe. But at approximately 300 years old, the Spanish missions of the American southwest are some of the oldest structures in the US, earning them the distinction of a  UNESCO World Heritage site . 

Because it’s located the farthest south, and because it was the first mission built in the Spanish state of Texas (earlier missions in the region were built on land claimed by Mexico), I recommend beginning your tour of the San Antonio Missions at Mission Espada. You can then make your way back to the heart of San Antonio as you stop at the other missions along this San Antonio Mission Trail tour.

Here are five fun ways to visit the San Antonio missions in Texas and what you can expect to pay for each transportation option.

Related Article:   The Missions of San Antonio, More Than the Alamo

Have You Visited the Missions of San Antonio?

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Sage Advice: Learn more about all five of San Antonio’s Catholic missions with this free audio guide .

Visiting the San Antonio Missions by Car

Approximate cost:   $10 to $20 for parking at the Alamo, plus the cost of renting the vehicle (or maintaining your own car) and gasoline

Whether you are road tripping through the Lone Star State or opt to rent a car during your Texas vacation, it’s easy to visit the San Antonio missions by car. If you’re staying in or near downtown San Antonio, simply head south to Mission Espada and then make your way back north, stopping at the other four San Antonio missions.

Sage Advice:   You can also see most of the San Antonio as well as a few other stops via this guided tour . Or visit all four missions in the San Antonio Missions National Historical Park with this guided San Antonio Missions  tour .

Driving the San Antonio Mission Trail

How to Use the San Antonio Mission Trail Map

• Zoom in or out using the + and – keys in the bottom right corner.
• Click the “More options” text link in the upper left corner to open this embedded map in a new browser window and take advantage of more  options including the ability to send these directions to your phone.

Parking a Car at the San Antonio Missions

The farther you travel away from downtown San Antonio (and the Alamo), the easier it is to park a personal or rented car. Parking is free at the four Spanish missions that are part of the San Antonio Missions National Historic Park, which include:

• Mission San Francisco de la Espada,
• Mission San Juan Capistrano,
• Mission San José, and 
• Mission Concepcion.

However, you should expect to pay $10 to $20 per day to park in one of the parking lots near the Alamo (Mission San Antonio de Valero).

Additional Details About Parking a Car at the San Antonio Missions

• Mission Espada . Parking is available in a small dirt lot just north of the Spanish mission.
• Mission San Juan Capistrano . Park in the paved lot just south of Mission Road. If you need to stretch your legs, explore the Acequia Trail that winds its way through the mission grounds.
• Mission San José . There is a large paved lot southeast of the San José Mission and Mission San José Church. Parking in the northern end of the lot puts you closer to the historic sanctuary and its beautiful rose window. The southern end of the lot is closest to the San Antonio Missions National Historic Park Visitor Center and allows you to enter the mission compound through an opening in the old protective wall.
• Mission Concepcion . Parking is available in the southwest corner of the mission grounds, and a paved path leads you to the oldest unrestored stone church in America.
• Mission San Antonio de Valero (the Alamo). Because it’s the most famous of the San Antonio Missions and located in the heart of downtown San Antonio, parking is most challenging at the Alamo. However, there are several street lots and covered parking garages in the blocks surrounding the Mission Valero. Expect to pay between $10 and $20 per day.

Sage Advice:   If you are visiting the San Antonio Missions with an electric car, the Mission San José parking lot includes charging stations for electric vehicles.

Sage Advice:    Explore downtown San Antonio beyond the Alamo with   this interactive scavenger hunt .

Visiting the San Antonio Missions Using a Ridesharing App

Approximate cost:  $30 to $50 plus tip

Whether you’re a fan of Uber or Lyft, both ridesharing companies make it easy to visit all five San Antonio Missions. The charges associated with each ridesharing app vary based on:

• the day and time of your travel,
• the number of people in your party (Lyft vs Lyft XL or Uber X vs Uber XL),
• the swankiness of the car (Lyft Lux)

You can generally expect to spend these amounts to visit all five San Antonio missions by ridesharing app:

• Downtown San Antonio to Mission Espada – $13 to $25
• Mission Espada to Mission San Juan – $3 to $6
• Mission San Juan to Mission San José – $5 to $7
• Mission San José to Mission Concepcion – $4 to $6
• Mission Concepcion to the Alamo – $5 to $7

Note:  The prices quoted above do not include a tip for the rideshare driver.

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See the Spanish Missions via the San Antonio Mission Trail Bus

Approximate cost:   $1.35 to $2.75 per person

The most convenient San Antonio bus option is bus 40. For just a few dollars, you can purchase an all-day VIA bus pass that transports riders to all four missions in the San Antonio Missions National Historic Park without making any stops between the historic Spanish colonial landmarks.

A day pass for the San Antonio Mission Trail bus is currently $2.75 for full-fare riders. Discounted fares are offered to students (ID required), children, and active-duty military. A reduced fare day pass is currently $1.35. 

Before you go to San Antonio, download the bus 40 route map and timetable. You may also want to download and install VIA’s goMobile ticketing app.

Sage Advice: If you want to see more than the Alamo but don’t have the time or desire to see all five San Antonio missions, another bus option is VIA bus 42. It travels between downtown San Antonio, Mission San José, and Mission Concepcion. However, unlike VIA bus 40, it does make stops every few blocks along the way.

How to Visit the San Antonio Missions by Bike

Approximate cost:   $13 per person per day 

Touring the San Antonio Mission Trail by bike was my favorite way to explore the San Antonio Missions! Not only was the bike rental fast and easy, exploring the San Antonio Mission Trail on two wheels was a great way to soak in the gorgeous sunny day. Plus, it’s super easy to see all five missions via the well-marked and maintained San Antonio Mission Trail.

To tour the San Antonio missions by bike, we took a Lyft from our hotel in downtown San Antonio to Mission Espada. After exploring the oldest Texas mission, we rented bicycles from the BCycle San Antonio bike sharing station just a few paces north along the San Antonio River Walk Trail. This bicycle and pedestrian trail begins at the northwestern corner of the mission grounds and hugs the San Antonio River all the way back to downtown San Antonio.

With bike rental stations all along the San Antonio River Walk Trail, it’s easy to dock your ride, see the colonial mission, and then pick up a new two-wheeler. If you’ve bonded with your bicycle, you can also dismount and walk alongside it as you explore the mission grounds so that it’s still available to take you to the next stop along the San Antonio Mission Trail.

One thing to keep in mind is that BCycle rentals don’t come with bicycle helmets. So, you’ll want to be extra mindful of bike safety rules when you visit the San Antonio missions by bike.

Sage Advice: There are limited services at the missions, so be sure to bring a refillable water bottle and pack snacks, especially if you plan to bike or hike between missions. Water refill stations are available at all five missions.

Hiking or Biking the San Antonio Mission Trail

• Click the “More options” text link in the upper left corner to open this embedded map in a new browser window and take advantage of more  options including the ability to send these directions to your phone.e 

Visiting the San Antonio Missions on Foot

If you want to enjoy the outdoors but don’t feel like renting a bicycle, it’s also easy (although a bit of a hike) to visit the San Antonio missions on foot. It’s about 8.5 miles along the dedicated footpath from Mission Espada back to the Alamo, so be sure you have comfortable footwear before you hit the trail. I love wearing my hiking sandals because they are as comfortable as flip flops but provide plenty of support.

Sage Advice: If you want to try more than one method of transportation, it’s easy to mix and match. For example: Take VIA bus 40 to Mission Espada and then bike to as many missions as you like before jumping on bus 40 to return downtown. Or, you can take a Lyft or Uber to Mission Espada and then alternate between walking and biking the trail back downtown.

To Visit the Missions of San Antonio

Here’s all of the practical information you need to visit the San Antonio Missions National Historic Park.

How many missions are there in San Antonio?

While there are a total of five missions in San Antonio, only four are part of the San Antonio Missions National Historic Park.

In the the heart of downtown San Antonio, the Alamo is not part of the National Park Service. Despite this fact, you can see all five missions via this San Antonio Mission Trail tour.

What connects the missions of San Antonio?

Hugging the San Antonio River for about ten miles, the Hike & Bike Trail connects all five San Antonio Missions making it easy to tour the San Antonio Missions by foot or on bicycle.

What hours can the San Antonio Missions be visited?

The Missions of San Antonio are open daily from sunrise to sunset. However, they are closed throughout the year on certain holidays including Thanksgiving, Christmas, and New Year’s Day.

Where is the San Antonio Missions Visitor Center located?

Mission San José is home to the San Antonio Missions National Historic Park Visitor Center, and this is where you can get your Passport to National Parks stamped. It’s open on days that the park is open, from 9:00 am to 5:00 pm.

What does it cost to visit the San Antonio Missions?

There is no cost to visit any of the five missions in San Antonio.

Have You Visited the San Antonio Missions?

Which missions did you visit? How did you travel between the missions? How did that mode of transportation work for you? Any additional tips and tricks to pass along? Share your experiences in the comments section below.

Looking for more information to plan your Texas vacation?   Check out my additional recommendations to help you   plan your trip to Texas including what to see and do in Texas, the best places to stay in Texas, where to eat in Texas, and more!

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Thank you for sharing!

10 thoughts on “5 Fun Ways to Visit the San Antonio Missions in Texas”

This sounds like a great way to spend the day. I love the idea of biking the trail. E excise and history all at once. Perfect!

It was soooooo the best of both worlds!

I love this post so much! Everyone goes to visit the Alamo, but in my opinion, the other missions are so much better than the Alamo. They definitely shouldn’t be missed during a San Antonio trip!

I totally agree! And I feel so validated that a Texan also believes the other missions are so much better than the Alamo! 🙂

San Antonio is one of the most exciting and beautiful places in Texas. And the San Antonio Missions is an incredible place with a rich 300 years history. It’s great that you have provided so many practical tips on visiting it!

San Antonio may be my favorite Texas city!

I am a San Antonio resident and have some additional notes on this post. VIA no longer runs route 40 due to cutbacks caused by the pandemic. It is uncertain whether that route will ever return. Route 42 still runs but somewhat less frequent than before. For walkers and bicyclists, there is a walking club that has set up walking routes and a bicycle route in the Missions area. People can register and enjoy these routes any day for a small fee. Normally there is a self-registration box that is kept at the Mission San Jose Visitor Center for these walking and bicycle routes. Due to the pandemic, the visitor center is closed, so people wanting to do these events would need to contact the walking club POC. For information, go to https://my.ava.org/find-an-event.php and click on “Search by State” and “Texas” and look for the events that start with “San Antonio, TX – Mission …”

Awesome information! Thanks for sharing, Andy!

What an enjoyable trip. I loved my tour of the Santa Barbara mission.

Whether in Texas, Arizona, or California, the old Spanish missions are pretty fascinating!

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How to Tour the Exquisite San Antonio Missions National Historical Park

San Antonio is steeped in history and there is nowhere in the city where that is better found than San Antonio Missions National Historical Park.

This national park encompasses four of the five Spanish colonial missions established in the early 1700s. These missions were intended to spread the Roman Catholic faith among the Native American tribes in the area. 

The missions also served as hubs for teaching farming and other trades, as well as instruction on how to become Mexican citizens. On the flip side, the missions did this at the expense of native culture. Still, the park has been named a UNESCO World Heritage Site. 

While the park maintains the grounds, the chapels of each of the missions are maintained as active Catholic churches and we even saw a wedding at one when we visited, which was cool! 

You can easily visit all four missions in one day. You will learn a lot about early Texas history in the process. There is even a pair of trails that follow the San Antonio River and connect the missions. You can either bike or walk the trails and see even more parts of the park. 

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Where to Start Your Tour of San Antonio Missions National Historical Park

I have included a Google Map so you can visualize the routing for visiting the four units of San Antonio Missions National Historical Park. I feel this routing gets the most out of the visitor center and allows you to see the excellent exhibits at Mission San José. I have also pinned the other locations I mention in the article, including where we ate and stayed.

Mission San José 

Start your visit at the San Antonio Missions National Historical Park Visitor Center at Mission San José. While this mission is more in the center of the park and not at the beginning of the trail, the visitor center has a bunch of great exhibits on the history of the San Antonio missions and their purpose, as well as an excellent film. 

You can also pick up a map of the overall park that we found handy when navigating between the missions. 

After checking out the visitor center, walk over to Mission San Jose. Inside the walls of the missions, you will find various exhibits on the workshops, the granary, the grist mill and the soldier’s quarters. 

Be sure to check out the Rose Window on the side of the church. It is one of the best examples of Spanish Colonial ornamentation in the US. Also, make sure you check out the inside of the church if it is not being used for a service. 

Mission Espada and Espada Aqueduct

From Mission San José, head south following the map to Mission Espada. Along the way, be sure to stop at the Espada Aqueduct. While the stop is relatively short, it allows you to see the most complete of the aqueduct systems in the park. This aqueduct transports water from the San Antonio River over a low creek to the farmlands of Mission Espada. 

Continue to Mission Espada and check out the grounds. This mission is not as well preserved as Mission San José but it does have an excellent small church with a gift shop and a visitor center of its own. While the visitor center is quite small, it has a working loom. 

While this mission had farms, it focused on teaching blacksmithing and weaving skills. Learning how to weave had a lasting impact on native artisans and the legacy can still be seen in San Antonio artists to this day. 

While we were visiting the mission, there was a wedding at the church… it is just so cool to see these 300-year-old churches still in use to this day. 

Mission San Juan

Circling back north from Mission Espada, head to Mission San Juan. This area operated a large farm and had a ranch located about 20 miles away, eventually supplying agricultural goods throughout the region, including to the other San Antonio Missions. 

The National Park Service operates a demonstration farm at the mission. The farm gets its water from the aqueduct system and practices the same farming techniques used when the mission was active. We visited in the winter, however, so did not get a chance to see the farm in action.

Be sure to check out the small church on the grounds. While it isn’t as grand as some of the other missions, it retains a small church feel and is quite nice in its own right. 

Mission Concepción

From Mission San Juan, head north towards the center of San Antonio to visit Mission Concepción, the oldest unrestored stone church in the US. It was also the site of the first major engagement of the Texas Revolution. 

This is the best preserved of all of the mission churches and inside the church, you can still see frescos painted upon the walls and ceilings. Make sure you check out the inside of the church if it is not being used for a service.

Visit the Final San Antonio Mission: the Alamo

There are five San Antonio Missions… The San Antonio Missions National Historical Park only preserves four of them. The final mission is Mission San Antonio de Valero, which is better known as the Alamo. 

If you head north from Mission Concepción, you will end up in downtown San Antonio where you will find the Alamo . This is the site of one of the most famous battles of the Texas Revolution. The defeat of the Texian forces here served as a rallying cry later at the Battle of San Jacinto, where the Texians won their independence. 

Read more about visiting San Jacinto here.

The Alamo is considered a shrine and visiting the interior is free but does require a reservation. There are guided tours and living historians as well as in-depth exhibits on Texas history.

If you only want to visit the Alamo Church and see the exhibits inside, you could easily add that to a day of visiting the San Antonio Missions. You might feel rushed if you plan on seeing any of the other exhibits or taking a guided tour.

Other Things to Do in San Antonio

There’s a ton of other stuff to do in San Antonio. At the very least, you need to walk along the River Walk. San Antonio’s River Walk is one of the best urban parks we have ever seen. 

If you are in town after dark, check to see if San Fernando Cathedral is doing the Saga that night. The Saga is a light show projected onto the front of the cathedral which traces the history and culture of San Antonio through the years. 

There’s also the Briscoe Western Art Museum and the San Antonio Japanese Tea Gardens among so many other sites. Seriously, you could easily spend a week in San Antonio and not run out of things to do. 

Where to Stay and Eat When Touring San Antonio Missions National Historical Park

Where to stay in san antonio.

We stayed on the north end of San Antonio at the Hilton Garden Inn San Antonio at the Rim . If we had to do it over again, we would have stayed closer to the city center to cut down on the amount of driving we did. The reason we didn’t? It was leading into New Year’s Eve and the Valero Alamo Bowl was the night we arrived, so the hotels in the center of town were quite expensive. 

Read TripAdvisor Reviews | Book the Hotel

That said, the hotel was perfectly comfortable and we would gladly stay here again. It also made for a good base for going to the Hill Country to visit the Lyndon B. Johnson National Historical Park. 

Read more about visiting the Lyndon B. Johnson National Historical Park here.

When we stayed in San Antonio on our first visit in April 2011, we camped at the San Antonio/Alamo KOA Holiday, which is on the east side of town and right across from a bus stop so you can take mass transit into town. It’s been a while, but we enjoyed the campground and would certainly camp here again. 

Where to Eat in San Antonio

In terms of food, our first recommendation is to go to Pollos Asados los Norteños on the east side of town. This place serves Mexican-style chargrilled chicken and all the fixings. When you pull up, this place will only kinda look like a restaurant. Indeed, the outside looks a little sketchy, especially at night. But the food on the inside is so worth it… It was delicious!  

We ended up getting a whole chicken to split and it was WAAAAY too much food, so just get half a chicken if it is just the two of you. 

After visiting the San Antonio Missions National Historical Park, we were looking for a quick lunch downtown and found La Mexicana right around the corner from the San Fernando Cathedral.

This quiet Mexican restaurant doesn’t look like much on the outside but the food was tasty, not terribly expensive despite its location downtown and the service was quick! We enjoyed our meal here and would eat here again. 

Final Thoughts on Touring the San Antonio Missions National Historical Park

If you are looking for a great way to experience the Spanish colonial history of Texas, one of the best ways is to tour the San Antonio Missions National Historical Park. Seriously, these missions offer a great way to see and experience the first colonial interactions in Texas.

You can easily see all four of the San Antonio Missions preserved by the park in one day via car. I would expect you could manage the same via bicycle but it might be a long day of riding.   

But don’t miss the rest of San Antonio when you come to visit the missions. There’s just so much to see and enjoy. We have visited twice: once in 2011 and again in 2023. Honestly, we feel like we have barely scratched the surface of what this city has to offer. We highly recommend you plan to spend more time than you think you need to truly experience this city. 

Travel Resources

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As a general rule, we book with Hertz for rental cars. We have had nothing but good experiences with them. Plus, we really like unlimited mileage and not worrying about crossing state lines. We have even rented from Hertz overseas in both Slovenia and Croatia . Click here to book a rental car.

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We have found some amazing prices for booking a cruise through Cruise Direct . We have saved a lot of money on our cruises compared to what we found elsewhere, making a last-minute Bahamas cruise even cheaper. Click here to book a cruise.

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We highly recommend Outdoorsy for RV rentals. We rented a camper van for a week to visit Rocky Mountain National Park for the elk rut and Custer State Park for the Buffalo Round-Up and had a blast. The program was easy to use and we really enjoyed the freedom of having a camper van for that trip. Click here to rent an RV.

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We don’t often book tours. Typically, we like to do stuff on our own. That said, there are some experiences you can’t have any other way. So, when we do want to book a tour, we always check Viator first. Click here to book a tour.

Do you use anything to get discounts on the road?

We make extensive use of both Good Sam and AAA on the road. Good Sam is normally regarded as a discount card for RVers at campgrounds and Camping World but anyone can use the 5 cents off a gallon at the pump at both Pilot and Flying J. Click here to get a Good Sam membership. We have had AAA as long as we have been married and it has more than paid for itself in discounts at hotels, aside from the peace of mind of having roadside assistance. Add in paper maps and the ability to get an international driver’s license and it is more than worth it for any traveler out there. Click here to get a AAA membership.

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How to Visit the San Antonio Missions, Texas’s UNESCO World Heritage Site

Last Updated on: 20th September 2021, 01:08 pm

Traveling to the San Antonio Missions

You may not recognize the UNESCO World Heritage Site called the San Antonio Missions by name, but I guarantee you’ve heard of the most famous of the five missions that make up this site. Mission San Antonio de Valero is one of the most well-known and well-traveled buildings in the United States, although most know it by the name “The Alamo.”  Although it wasn’t inscribed on the World Heritage List until 2015, it was the first UNESCO World Heritage Site I visited.  My family went over two decades ago when I went as a little girl on a road trip from Oklahoma.

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I have fond memories of that trip. I also have a hazy recollection of doing a book report on one of the Battle of the Alamo’s only survivors, Susanna Dickinson .

I went back this year to see the Alamo again and check out the rest of the missions.  I was able to see them on my way to a family vacation in Corpus Christi, Texas, stopping for a night in San Antonio on my way. I was surprised how easy it was to rent a car and see all five of the missions in a relatively short amount of time.

About the San Antonio Missions

The UNESCO World Heritage List inscribed five missions and a ranch as a single site. The components are:

• Mission Valero (The Alamo)
• Mission Concepcion
• Mission San Jose
• Mission San Juan Capistrano
• Mission Espada
• Ranco de Las Cabras

From UNESCO’s description :

The site encompasses a group of five frontier mission complexes situated along a stretch of the San Antonio River basin in southern Texas, as well as a ranch located 37 kilometres to the south…The complexes were built by Franciscan missionaries in the 18 th  century and illustrate the Spanish Crown’s efforts to colonize, evangelize and defend the northern frontier of New Spain. The San Antonio Missions are also an example of the interweaving of Spanish and Coahuiltecan cultures, illustrated by a variety of features, including the decorative elements of churches, which combine Catholic symbols with indigenous designs inspired by nature.

Touring the sites, I found revisiting the history of the Texas Revolution and the Alamo’s role to be moving and emotional, but the real highlight of my day was getting out to the other missions. The architectural beauty of the other four missions far outshines the Alamo. With each mission, the crowd thinned, so whereas I was standing in a fifteen-minute line to get into the Alamo, I saw only one other person at my final stop at Mission Espada.

The UNESCO Site deals with the Spanish colonial history of the place and skips over the Alamo’s unique military role in American history. Like Monticello ‘s oddly ahistorical description, the oversight here is due to America’s description when submitting the site. However, it doesn’t take anything away from the actual visit, which is full of Alamo history. I would stipulate that to see this UNESCO site though truly, one needs to venture beyond the Alamo to at least one of the other missions.

How to Get to the San Antonio Missions

The Alamo is in the middle of downtown San Antonio. Each of the other four missions is a quick drive from there. Starting at the Alamo and going south, you’ll encounter Concepcion next, then San Jose, then San Juan Capistrano, and finally Mission Espada. I was not able to get out to the ranch, but the distance (over 35 km) means that if you want to include it, you’ll need a car. If it’s a beautiful day, you can technically hike all five missions,  although I drove because it was mid-August and almost one hundred degrees Fahrenheit.

• Entry is free (even to the Alamo)
• Many are active churches
• If it’s hot, dress appropriately. Take water-not easily available at most of the sites.
• At the Alamo, they take everyone’s picture on the way in the door. You can buy it for $27. I might have if I didn’t look like a sweat mop due to the heat.
• I paid to park two blocks from the Alamo, and it cost $12. Every where else parking was free.
• Give yourself time to explore the Alamo’s historical exhibits and chat with the historians who dress in period costume.
• March is a great time to visit. The weather is pleasant, and the Alamo has special events for the anniversary of the battle.

• The Alamo’s Website
• San Antonio Missions National Historical Park
• A San Antonio Missions Travel Site

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Explore The Rich History of the San Antonio Missions

San antonio missions national historical park offers an unmatched journey through time.

Step back in time and discover the fascinating stories of the San Antonio Missions at San Antonio Missions National Historical Park , a member of the National Park Service.

Fun Fact: Along with the Alamo and Rancho de las Cabas, Mission Espada’s off-site livestock operation in Floresville, Texas, San Antonio Missions National Historical Park, is the state's first and only UNESCO World Heritage Site. These five missions, established between 1718 and 1731, were built by Spanish missionaries to convert and educate the local Native American population.

Mission Highlights

@visitsanantonio Did you know the San Antonio Missions National Historical Park is the only UNESCO World Heritage Site in Texas? 🏰✨ Discover: ✨ Mission San José ✨ Mission Concepción ✨ Mission San Juan Capistrano ✨ Mission Espada ✨ Mission San Antonio de Valero (the Alamo) Click the link in our bio to learn about the NEW El Camino de San Antonio Missions! In partnership with Spain’s El Camino de Santiago de Compostela, it is the only site outside of Europe where you begin this pilgrimage! #VisitSanAntonio #texas #traveltexas #sanantoniotx #missions #sanantoniomissions #traveldiaries #fyp #historytime #historytok ♬ Cute - Audiolist Productions

Mission San José

Nicknamed the "Queen of the Missions," this grand structure boasts beautiful Spanish Colonial architecture with flying buttresses, intricate carvings, and a stunning "Rose Window." It was the largest mission, housing over 300 individuals at its peak, and offers a glimpse into the vibrant community life that existed here.

Mission Concepción

The oldest unrestored stone church in the United States, Mission Concepción holds the unique distinction of retaining its original design and ambiance since its dedication in 1755. While the exterior has weathered over time, remnants of original frescos can still be found within the church, offering a peek into the past.

Mission San Juan Capistrano

Known for its self-sufficient farming practices, this mission boasted fertile lands that not only sustained its inhabitants but also supplied the surrounding region. Visitors can admire the Romanesque archway at the entrance and explore the nature trail leading to the river for outdoor adventure.

Mission Espada

Located furthest south, Mission Espada holds the distinction of having the best-preserved segment of the original irrigation system used to nourish the mission's fields. While most structures were destroyed by fire in 1826, the chapel, granary, and parts of the compound wall still stand today. Visitors can even witness parts of the original irrigation system still in operation! Don't miss the unique stone archway and the nearby "Arbol de Vida" (Tree of Life) installation showcasing local stories.

Planning Your Visit

Each mission offers unique experiences and features, making it worthwhile to visit all four. The park provides free guided tours, self-guided walking tours, and special events throughout the year. Whether you're interested in history, architecture, or immersing yourself in the local culture, the San Antonio Missions offer a captivating journey through time.

San Antonio Missions National Historical Park

Where the city’s rich history meets national parks. Visit San Antonio Missions National Historical Park to experience the stories of people who came into the Spanish missions to live in the 1700s. Since 1916, the American people have entrusted the National Park Service with the care of their national parks. In 1978, the Spanish colonial missions in San…

San Antonio Missions: Visiting a UNESCO World Heritage Site in Texas

Written by elizabeth rose, national parks | outdoor travel | road trips | texas | travel.

The San Antonio Missions, established in the 1700s and now a designated UNESCO World Heritage Site, are near the San Antonio River Walk.

I’ve loved visiting missions all my life and started with the California missions where I grew up. I thought missions were a “California thing” but, eventually I realized that the Spanish and the Catholic priests were active in other areas of what is now the United States. The San Antonio Missions were established in the 1700s by the Spanish in what was then Mexico. Today, the sites are part of the San Antonio Missions National Historical Park San Antonio Missions National Historical Park .

The beauty of these missions and the history of the area now known as Texas, draw visitors from around the world and in 2015 the San Antonio Missions were designated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site , quite an honor. So, take a break and travel a short distance out of the city center to visit these beautiful and historic missions. And, the last mission we’ll talk about may just surprise you!

The architectural detail of the San Antonio Missions is surprisingly artistic and beautiful when compared with simpler country mission churches. Photo by Elizabeth R Rose

Four of the five San Antonio Missions are located in what is now a national park. It’s a short 5-mile drive from central San Antonio out to the National Park. You can catch a bus, drive, or even walk or bike via the 10-mile Hike & Bike Trail . Entrance to the park is free.

You’ll be visiting four missions. From north to south: Mission Concepcion, Mission San José, Mission San Juan Capistrano, and Mission Espada. Each mission is about 2.5 miles from the next mission. There is parking at each. Mission Road along the San Antonio River takes you from one to the next. There are different operating hours and services at each mission so it’s best to check the National Park website before you visit.

The missions were community complexes with the church as the center of mission life. Photo by Elizabeth R Rose

The mission churches, established by Spanish Catholics, are still active spiritual centers today with regular services, holding weddings (you might happen on one if you are lucky), and celebrating religious holidays. Some of the families who attend services there have generations of history in the area.

What's in This Article:

Mission Concepcion

Dedicated in 1755, this mission, with its 45-inch thick walls, is actually the oldest non-renovated church in the United States. Many think the adobe San Miguel church in Santa Fe, New Mexico is the oldest, but it has been rebuilt.

The oldest non-renovated church in Texas. Photo courtesy NPS

Taking 15 years to build with local Native labor overseen by craftsmen from Mexico, the Spanish Colonial style mission is built into bedrock and is the least restored of the four in the National Park. Mission Concepcion is the only one with painted designs both on the outside and inside.

The only mission of the four with painted designs both inside and outside. Photo by Elizabeth R Rose

When you visit, look up at the convent room ceiling for the most famous fresco. It is said to depict God as a mixed Spanish-Native person and is known as “the eye of God.”

Look up to see the Eye of God or Ojo de Dios. Photo by Elizabeth R Rose

Mission San José

Mission San José , over 300 years old, is the largest of the missions. It is an active parish and visitors can attend Mass there. The mission was restored in the 1930s by workers from the WPA (Works Project Administration), a successful social program serving to lift workers out of poverty caused by the Great Depression.

Mission San Jose was beautifully restored in the 1930s. Photo by Elizabeth R Rose

When you visit the mission, you’ll notice it is more of a community than a church. Surrounding the large church, you’ll see buildings that housed Native workers, farm animals, and travelers in a secure compound. Storerooms, a kitchen, and a granary are part of the complex. It’s easy to imagine mission life when you stroll from room to room.

You can visit the kitchens and granaries in Mission San José. Photo by Susan Lanier-Graham

The mission’s baroque Rose Window, sculpted in 1775, is the most impressive architectural feature. There are legends behind this beautiful window, including a love story—Rosa was the fiancé of the window’s sculptor. But no one knows for sure!

Did the Rose Window have a romantic tale to tell? Photo by Elizabeth R Rose

Mission San Juan Capistrano

Founded in 1731 (it was moved from a location in East Texas), Mission San Juan Capistrano was named for a well-known 15th-century priest from Italy. This is another community that was self-sustaining through farming and raising cattle. In the mid-1700s the mission community was an agricultural provider to the other missions and traded surplus produce with traders as far away as Mexico and Louisiana.

San Antonio’s Mission San Juan Capistrano. Photo courtesy NPS

When you’re there, look for the paved Yanaguana Trail that takes you along a pretty stretch of the original San Antonio River. It’s a nice place for birding and for exploring a quiet, shady area.

Pick up the Yanaguana Trail at San Juan Capistrano. Photo courtesy NPS

Mission Espada

Mission Espada , with its impressive bell towers, was established in 1690 and relocated to the area in 1731. It was the first mission established in Texas. The Native people at this mission complex farmed and wove cloth. When you are there, you can see a working loom. The indigenous people eventually learned carpentry and masonry skills as well.

I especially liked the bell tower at Mission Espada in San Antonio. Photo courtesy NPS

Just north of the mission, look for the Espada Aqueduct built to bring water from the river to the farmlands.

Misión San Antonio de Valero

Back in central San Antonio, close to the RiverWalk, is a very famous mission. You may not recognize the name. But most will “Remember the Alamo!” The Mission, known as the Alamo , is not just a fort. It is one of the historic Spanish mission complexes—a community with walls and secured against outside aggressors. The mission is famous because of the 1836 Battle of the Alamo.

The church at the mission complex is what we “remember as The Alamo.” Photo by Elizabeth R Rose

Very popular with visitors, the Alamo requires free advance reservations to space out the crowds. You’ll find interpretive exhibits and scheduled reenactments. But if you try, you can still find peaceful places on the grounds to wander and think back to the time of mission life.

The mission complex is actually a peaceful place to wander. Photo by Elizabeth R Rose

Those who are fans of military history will want to sign up for the one-hour Battlefield Tour for an extra charge. A knowledgeable docent will walk you through Alamo Plaza, recreating the story of the 1836 Battle of the Alamo. On the tour, they will point out important battlefield locations where the Mexican soldiers attacked the Texans’ positions at and around the Alamo.

This diorama shows how the battle took place in 1836 and illustrates the size of the buildings in the mission complex. Photo by Elizabeth R Rose

Remember the Alamo! is the battle cry in the Texans’ fight for independence from Mexico. While the Alamo is the most well-known mission in San Antonio, it’s important to travel the short distance to see the missions in the San Antonio Missions National Park as well.

Articles Related to San Antonio Missions

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• Bringing Home San Antonio Culture
• Art Collection at San Antonio Museum of Art
• San Antonio: UNESCO Creative City of Gastronomy
• 11 Unexpectedly Cool Places to Eat in San Antonio

When You Visit the San Antonio Missions

The Visitors Center and Park store are located at Mission San José. The four mission sites are located south of central San Antonio, where you might want to book a hotel on the San Antonio River Walk . Mission Concepción is 3 miles, Mission San José and the park visitor center are 6 miles south, Mission San Juan is 3 miles south of San José, and Mission Espada is another mile beyond that. You can take an audio tour of the San Antonio Missions as you visit. Be sure and find out what else to see and do in Texas by checking out the articles by the travel experts at Wander.

Cultural Travel | History | Missions | San Antonio

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5 San Antonio Missions: Explore the Rich Colonial History of Texas

Including the famous Alamo, you’ll find five colonial Spanish missions along the San Antonio Missions Trail in San Antonio, Texas. You can visit them all in one day, though if you are in San Antonio longer, you can take another day for the Alamo.

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Though missions are not my favorite places to visit, they are intriguing. So, when my family visited San Antonio, I suggested a visit to the San Antonio Missions National Historical Park.

The Different – and Divergent – Stories of The Missions

Missions, like all historical places, have several stories to tell.

The stories of the San Antonio Missions, similar to the ones of Tumacacori in Arizona, represent several different points of view.

They include the stories of the 17th Century explorers, the Native American groups of the Southwest, and the Spanish colonists. Each of these groups has a different story to tell.

Intertwined to them all, we also have the stories of the landscape, all of it offering a portrait of early colonial times, with their human and natural history.

The Stories of Spanish Missions in the Americas

No matter where they are, Spanish missions represent a dark page in the history of the Americas.

Built to convert the indigenous population, and “bring progress to a savage land”, they hurt the land and the indigenous people, no matter where they were built.

Not only did they force indigenous people to give up their own beliefs, and replace them with new ones, to dress and behave in ways unnatural to them, they also hurt the landscape.

And I am not talking about the buildings themselves; They also brought plants and animals that did not belong in these parts of the world.

Every time I visit a mission, be it in Mexico , Arizona , or Texas, I can’t help but wonder about the arrogance of the early Spanish missionaries.

What kind of mindset gave them the idea that their beliefs were the only right ones?

Or, did they just use their religion to conquer and control the indigenous population? They “gave them” a new religion, new homes, a new way of life, never mind the fact that they already had a culture that worked for them.

Regardless of how wrong it was, they built these missions that still stand witness to history. And, for better or worse, I believe it’s good to visit them. Maybe we can learn from the mistakes of history, and not repeat them.

Stories of the San Antonio Missions

The missions were communities, fortified villages, with farms and ranches, dominated by a church. Similar to all Spanish missions, the main purpose of the Missions of San Antonio was to convert native population to Catholicism and teach them how to live like Spaniards. But in this case, they had several extra reasons.

Native People of the Area – Before the Missions

Before the missions, the area of Southern Texas was home to indigenous people the Spanish collectively called Coahuiltecans. However, they were not a homogenized group, but rather several, culturally diverse nomadic groups.

They were nomadic hunter-gatherers. Moving from place to find sources of food often only available seasonally they carried their possessions on their backs.

Considering what we know now, I feel we should have learned from them, not the other way around. They had a life-style adapted to resources and climate, they lived with the land, without trying to conquer it.

They lived in small, autonomous groups, with no political unity, though occasionally they gathered in larger groups. Since they lived in a warm climate, they wore little clothing. Their seasonal campgrounds consisted of small circular huts with frames of bent poles covered with woven mats.

Most of their food came from plants they ate raw, though they also used open fire pits for occasional cooking.

They got much of their protein from pecans that grew in the area. Gathering them in the fall, they stored them for use in all seasons.

The groups living near the river also had fish as their major protein source.

But their major food source, as well as a reason for community events, was the prickly pear cactus.

In the summer, during the prickly pear ripening season, different groups gathered together in south-east of San Antonio, where this cactus is abundant. They interacted with each other, and feasted together during these events.

They cooked the bulbs and root crowns of several agave varieties, and made flour from ground mesquite beans.

It sounds to me that they had it all figured out; They knew how to live off the land, without hurting it unnecessarily.

However, Southern Texas, where they lived, is still desert. And some years food sources are scarce, so they might have welcomed some of the new ideas the Spaniards introduced.

First Encounters With the Spaniards

The Indigenous people first encountered Spaniards in the early 1530s, when Cabeza de Vaca and four of his companions who survived a Florida expedition passed through their land. Although this encounter had no lasting effects, the following few centuries proved much worse for them.

Conflicts between the Spanish settlers and the Native tribes started around 1580 and continued through the 17th century. During this time, Spanish settlers enslaved Natives when they could. Eventually, they replaced slavery with the encomienda system, used by Spain in all conquered territories.

The system might have seemed better than slavery, but in some ways it was worse. The Spanish, as conquerors could use the labor of the conquered non-Christian people, without calling them slaves. In theory, they rewarded the laborers with certain benefits. Usually this “benefit” was the Catholic religion.

Though all these conflicts and hurt the Native population, it was the smallpox and measles that decimated them. These epidemics were frequent, starting in 1636-36, followed by others every few years.

So, by the time the Spanish established the missions, the Coahultecans saw them as one of the lesser bad things. Besides food and board, the missions offered them protection from the Apache, Comanche, and Wichita raiders.

The Missions

Spain originally established the San Antonio missions around 1690 in East Texas, where it felt threatened by the French from Louisiana.

However, with few people to run them, the missions failed at their original locations. So, in the 1700s, Spain relocated them near the San Antonio River.

The first one relocated into the area in 1718, was the Alamo, or mission San Antonio de Valero.

Noticing a large native population nearby, Fray Antonio Margil de Jesús established a second mission in 1720, south along the river, San José. By 1731, they relocated three more, Concepción, San Juan, and Espada.

For about half a century, between 1745 and 1780, these missions seemed successful. But in a land they didn’t belong, they couldn’t last longer than that.

The five missions housed about 1,200 Indigenous people, who basically maintained them. However, life was not easy for them.

Repeated attacks of the Apache, and later the Comanche tribes caused the communities to retreat behind walls. Within the Mission’s walls, the living quarters were unhealthy environments for the native population.

Disease followed, reducing their numbers. Dissatisfied with their lives there, many of them “ran away” or “deserted”.

Between diseases and deserters, the number of Indigenous people declined until the missions no longer had enough people to sustain them.

By the time the missions near San Antonio were secularized in 1824, the Coahuiltecan culture and their way of life disappeared. Whatever remained of them was integrated into the Spanish-speaking mestizo community.

Visiting the San Antonio Missions

Witnessing signs of this history was the reason we set off to explore the San Antonio missions.

Like it is for everyone who ever visits San Antonio, our main destination was the Alamo. But what we didn’t count on was the number of visitors the famous mission gets.

We tried getting a timed entry two days before our San Antonio day trip from Austin , but were not successful. Fortunately, this didn’t mean we couldn’t enter the grounds, but we couldn’t visit the church.

Since we had no timed entry for the Alamo, and we were ready to explore before they opened, we started our missions tour with the Mission Concepcion, the first stop along the Mission Road.

Mission Concepción

The Mission de Concepción is one of the smallest of the San Antonio missions. Little more than the church itself, it didn’t offer a large area to explore. And since we were there in the morning, we shared it with few other visitors.

The facade looked very much like many others we’ve seen in Mexico. And with good reason, since they were built around the same time.

The oldest unrestored stone church in the US, Mission Concepción. Relocated in 1731, it took about 15 years to build. Dedicated in 1755, still looks much like it did over two centuries ago.

According to the descriptions, colorful geometric designs covered its surface In its heyday, though the patterns faded over the centuries. Except in a few of the rooms, where we could still see several original frescos.

Showcasing the Spanish Colonial architecture, the mission is the work of craftsmen recruited from Mexico. Thick walls, twin bell towers, vaulted dome roofs are only several of the features. Besides the mission builders, the native residents provided labor for the building.

Mission San José

Our next stop is by far the largest of the San Antonio missions. Featuring a massive church dominating an enormous courtyard surrounded by buildings on four sides, Mission San José is also called “Queen of the Missions”. Besides the Alamo, it is also the most visited.

Father Margil de Jesús, a seasoned Franciscan missionary, founded the mission in 1720, after visiting the Alamo.

He found three Native groups that wanted to come and live there, and he appointed their leaders as governor, judge, and sheriff of the new community. By the time they started building the church, they had about 350 Native people living in the 84 two-room quarters.

They helped build the massive Spanish colonial style limestone church, starting in 1768 and finished in about 1782.

Indigenous People’s Lives At The Mission

The whole reason for the existence of these missions was to convert indigenous people into Catholic, tax-paying subjects of the King of Spain.

The idea of an easier life led these people to voluntarily live in the missions and fully change their lives. Or to try doing it, at least.

They had to change everything about their former lives: their diet, clothing, religion, culture, even their names, learn Spanish and Latin, and new vocations.

Their new roles and duties in the mission included religious instruction, and were required to worship three times a day. They started their day with sunrise mass, then had a meal of corn mush and jerky, both things they normally did not eat before.

After breakfast, men worked as laborers in the fields, carpenters, masons, blacksmiths, and similar jobs, while women prepared food, cleaned, and raised children.

They wore Spanish-style clothing that had to be extremely uncomfortable and hot in the Texas desert.

Children were taught religious studies until noon, when everyone had to go to mass again, before eating lunch, the main meal of the day.

After lunch, during the hottest time of the day, activities subsided, but then everyone returned to church for the evening mass before dinnertime.

Architecture

The Mission San José’s church is the most elaborate and most beautiful of the San Antonio missions.

The carvings and colorful frescoes adorning the elaborate doorway and the inside of the church originally served a functional purpose as well. Franciscan missionaries used them to communicate the concepts of Christianity to the population whose language they did not speak.

Six saints are carved over the main entrance of the church, within an elaborately carved setting. On the highest spot among these statues is San José (Saint Joseph), the patron saint of the church – and mission. Others include San Francis de Assisi, founder of the Franciscan order, and several others.

The new world’s representation of the Virgin Mary, called Our lady of Guadalupe, holds a central place, right above the doorway.

Represented as a native peasant, she was the first New World Saint, and the patron saint of the Americas. Introducing her into the list of saints was probably the best thing the Franciscans could have done to covert locals. Since she looked like them, they could relate to her on some level, making the transition feasible.

The Rose Window, and The Legend of Its Creation

An unusual architectural feature adorns the side of the church. Called Rose Window, it has a tragic love story associated with it, though this story is most likely a legend, and has nothing to do with reality.

A great example of Spanish Colonial ornamentation in the United States, the Rose Window’s sculptor and significance is a mystery. But such a beautiful, elaborate window was bound to inspire a love story.

According to legend, Pedro Huizar, a carpenter and surveyor from Spain, carved it as a monument to his sweetheart, Rosa, who was lost at sea on her way to join him.

Visiting Mission San José

Fully restored to its original design, Mission San José y San Miguel de Aguayo, has several rooms open besides the church. I walked though several of the living quarters before exploring the church and its immediate surroundings.

The first room I entered was the bastion, a round room with several tiny windows for guns, built for protection agains raiding Apaches and other tribes.

Near it, several rooms are open to the public, reconstructed living quarters, giving us an idea of how indigenous people lived in the mission.

At the far end of the courtyard, the church dominates the view. Near it, the Convento was a residence for the missionaries and provided room and board for visitors.

Naturally, the church is the highlight of the visit, and, like everyone else, we spent most time exploring it.

Behind it, outside the mission walls, we visited the grist mill, then returned to walk through the exhibits in the building adjacent to the church.

Mission San Juan

Farther away from the city, in a more rural setting Mission San Juan Capistrano has a different vibe. In fact, it felt like part of Mexico.

The church here is small, and it has fewer living quarters. Quieter, it seems to reflect a more serene way of life.

The mission’s whitewashed walls and a smaller church surround the inner courtyard. Once a self-contained community, now it stands empty except for the few visitors who walk through it but don’t linger.

Reading about it, I understood the more subdued nature of this mission: in this case, it was agriculture, outside of its walls that made it successful.

The fertile soil near the San Antonio River with the reliable water supply was great for farming. They grew corn, beans, chilies, melons, cotton, sugar cane, and squash here. They often had surplus crops they traded with other missions and settlements.

Mission San Francisco de Espada

The last mission we visited on this Mission Trail was, in fact, the first mission built in Texas. Founded in 1690, Mission Espada moved to its present location along the San Antonio River in 1731.

Even farther from the city, this mission was silent and peaceful.

One of the smaller ones, it still features the walls surrounding the inner courtyard, though it is not perfectly rectangular, like the other ones. Church, priest residence, and native living quarters, along with a granary fill the inner rooms.

This mission’s distinctive feature is the historic aqueduct, outside its walls, bringing water from the San Antonio River to the mission. It was the main reason they could grow peach orchards and vast fields of beans, corn, and melons in the area.

The Four Missions Are A UNESCO World Heritage Site

The four missions are all part of the San Antonio Missions National Park.

They are also included in a UNESCO World Heritage site for their universal value, the first and only site of this kind in Texas.

With this designation, the missions started getting more international visitors. And, with an increase in the number of visitors, it is even more important to keep the park sustainable.

Sustainability At The San Antonio Missions

The National Park System implements sustainability practices in most of its parks, as part of their Climate Friendly Park Program, established in 2003.

The program’s aim is to help the parks measure greenhouse gas emissions and reduce emissions, to educate the park staff and public about climate change and help individual parks develop programs to address sustainability challenges.

The San Antonio Missions National Historical Park is the first Texas unit of the National Park System to implement the program.

The most obvious think I noticed is the bicycle trail connecting all the parks. To encourage visiting the Mission trail by bicycles, it is easy to rent them.

Mission San Antonio de Valero, Famous as the Alamo

The most famous mission of San Antonio, in fact the most famous landmark in the city, the Alamo started out just like the other missions in the area. Relocated to its present place in 1724, it “served” the indigenous population for a few decades.

Though the mission itself started off in 1724, with its convent or priest’s quarter built right away, building the church only started in 1740.

Construction of this particular church was not going smoothly; in 1756 the arches of the vaulted roof and parts of the walls collapsed. Even though work resumed on the church soon after, it was never fully completed during the life of the mission.

As a mission, San Antonio de Valero would not have been famous.

However, its history started after its secularization. Secularization of the mission, in this case, in 1795, consisted in dividing up the land and goods of the mission among its residents. The mission at this point became a village, known as Pueblo Valero.

However, increasing threats from American and French colonists from Louisiana prompted Spain to send military troops to the mission, and eventually turn it into a fortress.

The Fortress Alamo

The first soldiers, known as the Alamo Company because of their hometown called Alamo de Parras, arrived to the old mission in 1803.

They converted the mission’s convento into barracks and established the first hospital in Texas on the second floor of the building.

The Alamo Company continued to stay at the mission for 32 years, until 1835, including the time of Mexico’s fight for independence from Spain.

Mexico won its independence in 1821. However, soon after, Texas started its own fight for independence.

The Texas Revolution started in October of 1835 and lasted til April of the 1836. Its most famous battle happened here, at the Alamo. Visiting it, you can learn all about it.

Visiting the Alamo

The most popular site in San Antonio, the Alamo is always extremely busy. I can’t say I enjoyed the visit, surrounded by crowds, but we walked through the mission grounds.

Since we could not get a timed entry ticket into the church, we skipped that, and instead, spent some time in the garden.

I enjoyed the Alamo much better at night, after closing time, watching the building lit up, but quiet, devoid of crowds.

If you want to enjoy a visit to the Alamo, try to go off-season, though I don’t know how much it would help. And make sure you plan ahead, and get a timed entry ticket at least a week before your visit. We tried two days before, and had no luck, even though we visited on a weekday. But, we were there during spring break, so that might have been a reason for the extreme crowds.

In A Nutshell – About the San Antonio Missions: FAQ

The 5 missions of San Antonio include: 1. Mission San Antonio de Valero , famous as the Alamo and four other missions, included in San Antonio Missions National Park: 2. Mission San José , the most visited of the four, nicknamed the Queen of the Missions, 3. Mission Concepción , 4. Mission San Juan Capistrano , 5. Mission San Francisco de Espada

Most people, as well as historians will agree that the Mission San Antonio de Valero, better known as the Alamo , is the must-see mission in San Antonio. However, Mission San José is spectacular, also worth a visit.

Mission San José is the largest of the San Antonio Missions. Nicknamed Queen of the Missions, it dates from 1790.

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• San Antonio Missions
• Description

The site encompasses a group of five frontier mission complexes situated along a stretch of the San Antonio River basin in southern Texas, as well as a ranch located 37 kilometres to the south. It includes architectural and archaeological structures, farmlands, residencies, churches and granaries, as well as water distribution systems. The complexes were built by Franciscan missionaries in the 18 th century and illustrate the Spanish Crown’s efforts to colonize, evangelize and defend the northern frontier of New Spain. The San Antonio Missions are also an example of the interweaving of Spanish and Coahuiltecan cultures, illustrated by a variety of features, including the decorative elements of churches, which combine Catholic symbols with indigenous designs inspired by nature.

Description is available under license CC-BY-SA IGO 3.0

Missions de San Antonio

Il s’agit d’une série de cinq ensembles d’avant-postes religieux, de part et d’autre de la rivière San Antonio, dans l’Etat du Texas, ainsi que d’un ranch situé à 37 kilomètres au sud. Le bien se compose notamment de structures architecturales et archéologiques, de terres agricoles, d’habitations, d’églises, de greniers ou encore de systèmes de distribution de l’eau. Fondé par les missionnaires franciscains au XVIIIe siècle, le bien illustre les efforts déployés par la couronne espagnole pour coloniser, évangéliser et défendre la frontière nord de la Nouvelle Espagne. Les missions de San Antonio sont également un exemple de l’imbrication des cultures espagnole et coahuiltèque, illustrés entre autre par les éléments décoratifs des églises qui associent les symboles catholiques avec l’esthétique naturaliste autochtone.

إرساليات سان أنطونيو

source: UNESCO/CPE Description is available under license CC-BY-SA IGO 3.0

San Antonio missieposten

Dit erfgoed bestaat uit een groep van vijf missiegebouwen, gelegen langs de monding van de San Antonio rivier in het zuiden van Texas, alsmede een boerderij die 37 kilometer zuidelijker ligt. In het gebied zijn architectonische en archeologische structuren te vinden: landerijen, woningen, kerken, graanschuren en waterdistributiesystemen. De gebouwen zijn in de 18e eeuw neergezet door Franciscaner missionarissen en laten zien hoe de Spaanse Kroon probeerde de noordelijke grens van Nieuw Spanje te koloniseren, te evangeliseren en te verdedigen. Deze missiegebouwen zijn tevens een voorbeeld van de versmelting van de Spaanse en de lokale Coahuiltecan-cultuur. Dat is bijvoorbeeld zichtbaar in decoratieve elementen van kerken waar katholieke symbolen vermengd zijn met inheemse ontwerpen, gebaseerd op de natuur.

Source: unesco.nl

Outstanding Universal Value

Brief synthesis

The San Antonio Missions are a group of five frontier mission complexes situated along a 12.4-kilometer (7.7-mile) stretch of the San Antonio River basin in southern Texas. The complexes were built in the early eighteenth century and as a group they illustrate the Spanish Crown’s efforts to colonize, evangelize and defend the northern frontier of New Spain. In addition to evangelizing the area’s indigenous population into converts loyal to the Catholic Church, the missions also included all the components required to establish self-sustaining, socio-economic communities loyal to the Spanish Crown.

The missions’ physical remains comprise a range of architectural and archaeological structures including farmlands (labores), cattle grounds (ranchos), residences, churches, granaries, workshops, kilns, wells, perimeter walls and water distribution systems. These can be seen as a demonstration of the exceptionally inventive interchange that occurred between indigenous peoples, missionaries, and colonizers that contributed to a fundamental and permanent change in the cultures and values of all involved, but most dramatically in those of the Coahuiltecans and other indigenous hunter-gatherers who, in a matter of one generation, became successful settled agriculturists. The enclosed layout of each mission complex and their proximity to each other, the widespread sharing of knowledge and skills among their inhabitants, and the early adoption of a common language and religion resulted in a people and culture with an identity neither wholly indigenous nor wholly Spanish that has proven exceptionally persistent and pervasive.

Criterion (ii): The San Antonio Missions are an example of the interweaving of the cultures of the Spanish and the Coahuiltecan and other indigenous peoples, illustrated in a variety of elements, including the integration of the indigenous settlements towards the central plaza, the decorative elements of the churches which combine Catholic symbols with indigenous natural designs, and the post-secularization evidence which remains in several of the missions and illustrates the loyalty to the shared values beyond missionary rule. The substantial remains of the water distribution systems are yet another expression of this interchange between indigenous peoples, missionaries, and colonizers that contributed to a fundamental and permanent change in the cultures and values of those involved.

The five missions were selected based on their geographical and functional relationship in the San Antonio River Basin. Although founded independently, the missions are located at a distance of less than five kilometres from each other and shared a common approach to defence against attacks. The missions as a group, and not individually, combine all functional elements needed to understand their purpose and role in colonization, evangelization and eventual secularization. The property is of sufficient size to adequately ensure the representation of the Outstanding Universal Value. Several serial components are affected by development pressures and past changes to their setting have had negative impacts on integrity. Especially in Mission Valero (the Alamo) considerable urban development in downtown San Antonio has obscured the visual connection to the river setting. However, development threats are reduced by urban planning restrictions and the property is free of immediate threats at present.

Authenticity

The missions have evolved over time and not all remains which characterize the missions today date back to the time before secularization. Especially in the 19th century, structures were added to the complexes and these were even extended or modernized in the 20th century. However, the stratigraphy of the different consecutive additions is clearly legible in most sites and early physical remains can be easily identified. The churches with the exception of Mission San José retain authenticity of material, design and workmanship in relation to their original construction. Four of the serial components have retained some authenticity in use and function as their church complexes are still used for church services. Missions Espada, San Juan and the Rancho de las Cabras illustrate a very high degree of authenticity in setting. Mission Valero is the only serial component in which authenticity is limited in a number of aspects. However, it contributes an important element to the series as the foundation of the San Antonio Missions, the first one to be created by the Franciscan Order and the first enclave that acted as a pole of attraction to the rest

Protection and management requirements

The Missions of San Antonio are protected by federal laws and designations, Texas State laws and designations, City of San Antonio ordinances, and cooperative agreements, easements, and deed restrictions. Mission Valero (the Alamo), Mission Espada and Mission Concepción have been designated as National Historic Landmarks. Mission San José is a National Historic Site and the other components are on the National Register of Historic Places. At the federal level, Mission San José is also designated as a Texas State Historical Site and all five missions are Texas State Antiquities Landmarks as well as on a local level City of San Antonio Local Landmarks. The Texas Historical Commission must review in advance any modifications proposed for the structural elements located in the property.

The United States National Park Service manages all the property within the boundaries of the San Antonio Missions National Historical Park, which was established under Public Law 95-629 (1978) and Public Law 101-628 (1990). The four mission churches within the National Historical Park are owned and operated by the Archdiocese of San Antonio. The State of Texas owns the property of Mission Valero/The Alamo. Management of the series is complex and based on an ownership structure which includes nine different owners. These remain responsible for the day-to-day management of their respective properties. For overarching issues which concern all serial components of the property, an advisory committee was established in 2012 to advise on preservation, interpretation and outreach activities and to make recommendations on frameworks for continued cooperation.

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El Camino de San Antonio Missions Pilgrimage Center

With the fresh start of a new month, it can be an exciting time to pick up a new hobby, fulfill a goal or try something new. Perhaps you want to travel more and learn from different cultures. If you’re wondering how to start your new year or even new month on a high note, San Antonio has your answer. Here’s how the Alamo City brings new life to decades of rich history, with an interesting connection to Europe.

Visiting the first UNESCO World Heritage Site in SA

San Antonio is home the largest concentration of Spanish colonial missions in North America. Named the first World Heritage Site in Texas by the United Nations Organization for Education, Science and Culture (UNESCO), San Antonio Missions National Historical Park encompasses the city’s four southernmost missions – Concepción, San José, San Juan and Espada.

From centuries of history to the active community that surrounds it today, it’s no surprise that the historical park and missions are estimated to bring over one million visitors a year. All four mission churches still function as active Catholic parishes that hold regular services, making it a destination site for not only culture, history and education but also deep faith.

Start a Pilgrimage in the Alamo City

The Archdiocese of San Antonio has been looking for ways to accommodate visitors of all backgrounds who are looking for the ultimate educational and faith-driven experience. The solution? El Camino de San Antonio Missions pilgrimage center , a new cultural and spiritual hub, hopes to bring new life to these historic sites by linking the four missions — and the oldest functioning Cathedral in Texas — to each other while also serving as a starting point for your next pilgrimage.

Starting this year, the center will allow visitors to learn more about the Franciscans who helped establish these missions through interactive technology before or after embarking on their own journey. As for its international connection, El Camino de San Antonio Missions is in partnership with Spain’s El Camino de Santiago de Compostela; making it the only site outside of Europe where you begin this pilgrimage.

Visitors can collect stamps from each site and receive credit toward both routes on their pilgrimage passport . This passport serves as an official document used to obtain your Camino Compostela or Camino Certificate, which is given once pilgrims prove they have either walked 100 kilometers or cycled 200 kilometers to Santiago de Compostela.

Getting around on your new journey in 2024

Exploring the San Antonio Mission Trail has never been easier with recreational pathways, pedestrian bridges, and pavilions located along the Mission Reach portion of the River Walk .

The eight-mile stretch connects the entire San Antonio Missions National Historical Park, allowing visitors to access all four sites by foot, rideshare, hiking or biking. The remaining route spans over 12 miles and includes the world-famous Alamo . The new Padre Margil Pilgrimage Center also boasts a café offering a variety of sandwiches, salads, and wraps to enjoy before, during, or after your pilgrimage journey. If that’s not enough, take full advantage of the surrounding food options and neighborhood-favorite activities in San Antonio’s Southside .

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24 Of The Best Things To See And Do In San Antonio, Texas

Posted: December 29, 2023 | Last updated: December 29, 2023

Welcome to Fiesta City

Beautiful San Antonio is a city with over 300 years of tradition and culture that embraces both its Texan and Mexican heritage with equal vigor. Its famous River Walk remains the beating heart of the city, but it is also a designated Creative City of Gastronomy and home to the only UNESCO World Heritage Site in Texas.

Click through the gallery for the must-visit places and authentic experiences that will show you the true character of this amazing Texan city...

1. Have breakfast at Mi Tierra cafe

Mi Tierra opened as a tiny three-table cafe for early-rising farmers and workers at the local mercado (market) in 1941 and has gone on to become a San Antonio Tex-Mex institution. The food is hearty and authentic – you’ll find the city’s best huevos rancheros here. And the decor is suitably over-the-top and dazzling.

If it’s quiet, head waiter Gerry Sepulveda will take you on a tour of the premises, including the extraordinary mural celebrating Hispanic leaders in the community.

2. Walk back through time at Mission San Jose

The missions in San Antonio date back to the 1700s and are the only UNESCO World Heritage Site in Texas. They are a reminder of a time when drought forced the native people of South Texas to give up their traditional life to become Spanish, accepting a new religion and agrarian lifestyle in order to survive. 

Mission San Jose, known as the “Queen of the Missions,” is the largest too, and was restored to its original design in the 1930s. Take a ranger-guided tour for unique insights into this fascinating period of Texan history.

3. Explore the incredible San Antonio Museum of Art

The San Antonio Museum of Art (SAMA) takes you around the world and through 5,000 years of art in a collection of buildings that once housed the Lone Star Brewery. Visitors will particularly want to explore the museum’s extraordinary collection of Latin American art, including a number of pieces related to the city’s own colonial past.

SAMA also houses special exhibitions, most recently American Made , an exhibition spanning over 250 years of American art.

4. Step up to the world’s largest cowboy boots

Towering over a branch of Saks Fifth Avenue, right beside the busy Interstate 410, these stylish 36-foot-high boots have been marking the entrance of the North Star Mall for over 40 years. Made from tubular steel sprayed with polyurethane foam, they were designed and built by Austin-born artist Bob “Daddy O” Wade, who claims they could hold 300,000 gallons of beer.

They remain all the proof you need that everything really is bigger in Texas.

5. Taste the latest culinary delights at La Gloria

Chef Johnny Hernandez is a stalwart in the San Antonio foodie scene and a mentor to many of the city’s most exciting up-and-coming chefs. His dishes showcase the flavors of Mexico and the Southwest and La Gloria, in the hip Pearl district is the purest expression of what he does.

It focuses on ocean-fresh ceviche, tiraditos, and enchiladas with a colorful new raw bar bringing fresh excitement to dining at La Gloria. All enjoyed alfresco, overlooking a lush section of the city’s River Walk.

6. Take part in America’s most colourful Day of the Dead celebrations

San Antonio is famous for its authentic Day of the Dead celebrations, regarded by many as the grandest in the entire United States. As the end of October approaches you’ll notice ofrenda – altars – popping up all over the city – in hotels, stores, restaurants, and other places of business – remembering and celebrating the lives of loved ones who have passed.

The ofrenda are colorfully decorated with photos, candles, sugar skulls, and paper papel picado – and fresh orange marigolds essential in guiding the spirits with their vibrant shade.

7. Cheer on the Day of the Dead River Parade

The official celebration begins with the Day of the Dead San Antonio River Parade. Visitors and locals alike line either side of River Walk in downtown San Antonio to cheer 26 colorfully decorated barges as they parade down the river. Each barge represents a different figure or tradition associated with the Day of the Dead, often with an accompanying Mariachi band to supply the soundtrack.

Quite simply, it is one of the most colorful and joyous water parades you’ll ever see.

8. Dive headfirst into Muertos Fest

The focal point of San Antonio’s Day of the Dead celebrations is Muertos Fest, a huge cultural event held in Hemisfair, the city’s newly redeveloped central outdoor space. The paths are lined by authentic altars, created by local citizens, and there is live music, delicious street food, and stalls selling all kinds of colorful produce as well.

The event culminates in a spectacular procession, but most of the enjoyment comes from watching San Antonians parade through the park in their finest Day of the Dead costumes. The amount of work that goes into them is astounding.

9. Savour local flavours at Tasting Texas

On the same weekend as Muertos Fest, Tasting Texas is a four-day festival celebrating the unique culinary delights of this part of Texas. Visitors get to sample delicious menu items from the city’s best restaurants and sip on specialty drinks made right in front of you.

There are seminars presented by chefs and beverage experts so you can sharpen your own skills. And each session has a different theme like ‘Burgers, Bourbon and Beer’ and ‘Bubbles, Booze and Bites.’

Choose which one takes your fancy. Or attend them all.

10. Remember the Alamo

Arguably San Antonio’s most famous landmark, The Alamo is a honey-stoned historic Spanish mission and fortress that holds a special place in the Texan psyche.

The battle here in 1836, although lost, became a rallying point for the fight for Texan independence. The knowledgeable guides here explain the story as well as characters like Davy Crockett, who played their part in creating the legend.

Make sure you check out the Phil Collins Collection. The former Genesis drummer accumulated the biggest collection of Alamo memorabilia in the world and recently gifted it to the State of Texas.

11. Discover history and rye at the Maverick Whisky Distillery

Almost directly opposite the Alamo, in a handsome building that used to house the Lockwood National Bank, you’ll find the Maverick Whiskey Distillery. The distillery takes its name from Sam Maverick, a Texas land baron, cheater of death (he survived combat at the Alamo and being captured by the Mexican Army, among other feats), and one of the signatories of the Texas Declaration of Independence.

He is also the man from which all other mavericks are named. The distillery is run by his great (x3) grandson Kenneth Maverick, and their distillery and tasting tour is a highlight of any visit to San Antonio.

12. Feel the serenity at the San Antonio Botanical Garden

The San Antonio Botanical Garden serves as a 38-acre living museum of plants and offers a tranquil escape from the Texas heat. The focus here is on Texas natives that thrive in arid conditions, as well as endangered plants not found anywhere else.

Whether you take a guided tour or wander freely along its winding paths, each corner reveals another soothing vista. Or a terrifying mythical creature, sculpted from plants, part of the Imaginary Worlds: Once Upon a Time exhibition.

Lunch at Jardin, the park’s elegant restaurant, is highly recommended too.

13. Get your country on at The Lonesome Rose

No trip to Texas is complete without a visit to a Honky Tonk Bar. And it doesn’t get much more Honky Tonk than The Lonesome Rose out in Tobin Hill on San Antonio’s St Mary’s strip. The lights are kept suitably low and the walls are covered in neon beer signs and country and western memorabilia.

And on any given night you’ll find a red-hot band playing mournful tunes, country karaoke, or, if you’re really lucky, hosting a Dolly Parton look-alike competition. Just pull up a stool, order a beer, and take it all in.

14. Pick up a souvenir at Historic Market Square

Historic Market Square is where the culture of San Antonio comes alive. Here you can immerse yourself in the sights and flavors of old Mexico as well as pick up a truly unique souvenir from the hundreds of vendors selling authentic Mexican curios and artifacts, hand-crafted leather goods, and a diverse collection of other cultural apparel.

On the weekends there is live entertainment too, with Mariachi bands turning the whole square into a mini fiesta.

15. Expand your mind at the Witte Museum

Located on the banks of the San Antonio River, the stunning Witte Museum is where nature, science, and culture meet. Here you’ll find massive exhibits on dinosaurs, the people of the Pecos, and wild Texas in a cavernous, recently renovated space that feels like a cathedral to learning.

You’ll find recreations of traditional Texas buildings in the beautifully maintained grounds and, tucked away in the South Texas Heritage Center, a real treat: Davy Crockett’s fiddle, which he may or may not have played as the Alamo lay under siege.

16. Get a custom-fitted Stetson at Paris Hatters

Family owned and operated since 1917, Paris Hatters at 119 Broadway is the place to go if you want to buy a Stetson the proper way. Not only does the company have the largest inventory of the iconic cowboy hat in the country, it has the expertise to create and style a Stetson to fit your head perfectly and bring out your hat’s unique personality.

Satisfied customers include American presidents Bush, Eisenhower, Truman and Johnson, country music royalty Johnny Cash, Merle Haggard, and Dwight Yoakam, and more unlikely souls like Pope John Paul II and Luciano Pavarotti.

17. Refuel with coffee and pastries at La Panaderia

Brothers José and David Cáceres opened bakery-cafe La Panadería in 2014 to share their Mexican heritage and love for baking with the people of their adopted hometown of San Antonio. San Antonio locals promptly responded by making it the most popular breakfast spot in the city. You might have to queue on the weekends but the super-fresh Mexican pastries, hearty breakfasts, and great coffee are well worth the wait.

18. Shop and eat in the hip Pearl district

Located just north of downtown San Antonio, Pear l is a hip new mixed-use neighborhood, set in the grounds of a brewery that operated between 1883 and 2000. Now it is a bustling mix of picturesque green spaces, riverside paseos (walks), quirky boutique stores, and some of the best new cafes and restaurants in the city.

Start your visit with coffee and macarons at Bakery Lorraine and then just wander. You’re sure to find something that takes your fancy.

19. Indulge yourself at Hotel Emma

The real pearl of Pearl is the stunning Hotel Emma. Set in the main building of the old Pearl Brewing Company, it combines the extravagance of the iconic 19th century Brew House with the shirtsleeve industrial aesthetic of the brewery’s back rooms.

Stay in one of the boutique rooms, enjoy world-class cuisine at the Supper restaurant or simply pay homage to the building’s heritage by enjoying a beer (or a cocktail) at the Sternewirth bar. Perhaps in one of the old vats, refashioned into hip little hidey-holes for modern day drinkers.

20. Explore the iconic River Walk

Life in San Antonio has always revolved around the San Antonio River. Downtown, the city’s famous River Walk sits below street level, lined with lively bars and restaurants, shaded by venerable bald cypresses, and crossed over quaint stone arched bridges. It is a focal point when the city celebrates – the boat parade during the Day of the Dead, illuminations at various points of the year, boats full of carollers at Christmas.

It is best enjoyed from the river itself, on a Go Rio cruise, where entertaining guides reveal the city’s history with great knowledge and humor.

21. Sample chilli con carne at the source

In the late 1800s San Antonio’s plazas were famous for their ‘Chili Queens,’ local Mexican women doling out huge bowls of steaming chili con carne. The original inhabitants had always eaten a chili stew of sorts. But when the Spanish arrived with cattle, ‘chili’ had a ‘con carne’ (with meat) for the first time.

For real authentic chili con carne, head to the Four Brothers restaurant at the Omni La Mansion del Rio hotel. Made following a traditional recipe, it also comes with a huge serving of cornbread, baked in the shape of Texas.

22. Relive the Wild West at Briscoe Museum

Briscoe Western Art Museum is San Antonio’s newest museum, named in honor of the late Texas Governor Dolph Briscoe Jr. Set in the former San Antonio Public Library building, overlooking River Walk, it features nine galleries, each celebrating the art, history, and culture of the American West. Highlights include Pancho Villa’s saddle, a diorama of the Alamo, an authentic Chuck Wagon, and works by Frederic Remington and Taos Society of Artists.

23. Try a Reuben sandwich at Schilo’s Deli

Shilo’s has been proudly serving up Texan-German fare for over 100 years and is San Antonio’s oldest restaurant. You feel that history as soon as you walk in the door, in the patina of the serving counters and booths, and in the unashamedly old-fashioned menu items like meatloaf, wiener schnitzel, and a sausage platter, served with two sides and a choice of breads.

Its signature Rueben sandwich on a dark rye will keep you going all day. The iced coffees are divine too.

24. Be dazzled at America’s oldest cathedral

Head to San Antonio’s Main Plaza on any night other than Monday and you’ll be treated to The Saga, a breathtaking light show that depicts the discovery, settlement, and development of the city. The unique video art presentation is projected onto the majestic facade of San Fernando Cathedral – the oldest cathedral in the United States – and is the brainchild of French artist Xavier de Richemont.

The Saga debuted in 2014 and has become a must-see when visiting San Antonio. And a truly memorable introduction to the events and people that make it the city it is today.

Now discover 40 more fantastic things to do in the Lone Star state...

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UTSA takes next strategic steps to ensure bold future for the Institute of Texan Cultures

APRIL 3, 2024 — The University of Texas at San Antonio (UTSA) today announced a series of strategic next steps to realize the Institute of Texan Cultures (ITC) Centennial 2068 vision and ensure the museum’s sustainability as the preeminent venue for sharing the stories of the people who call Texas home, providing connection and insight into the past, present and future.

The university has a deep commitment to the ITC museum as a gathering place for those who love Texas history, for students to learn about the state’s past and present, and for researchers to make new discoveries that advance the knowledge of what it means to be a Texan.

“UTSA is entrusted with the stewardship of the ITC museum. We remain deeply committed to advancing its mission, honoring its past and creating a new, engaging experience that Texans of all ages can enjoy through the 2068 centennial,” said UTSA President Taylor Eighmy . “To realize that important future, we must proceed on a thoughtful path forward to maximize current opportunities that will allow us to properly preserve the museum’s current exhibits while building a new museum that will serve and educate visitors for decades to come.”

Beginning in 2021, the university engaged in significant community engagement, visioning and evaluative processes to understand how to advance the financial well-being and accessibility of the museum to ensure its success. The next steps include three strategic efforts: relocating the ITC museum to a temporary site, finalizing the location for a permanent home, and maximizing the benefit of the land at the Hemisfair Campus to support the future museum.

“The ITC museum is an important part of San Antonio’s history and means so much to our community.”

Relocate to a temporary home .

As the Texas Pavilion—which serves as the current home to the ITC—continues to face deteriorating facilities and costly repairs, the university, with the guidance of leading experts, has determined that preserving the museum’s historic archives and exhibits would be best accomplished by relocating to a temporary facility until a permanent museum can be constructed in the next few years.

UTSA has secured space on the first floor of the Frost Tower that will serve as the ITC museum’s temporary home for approximately the next five years. The location is easily accessible to visitors in downtown San Antonio and offers an engaging setting to host curated museum visits.

“Since its opening more than 50 years ago, the ITC has showcased the unique beauty of the many cultures that comprise Texas. Our goal is to provide an updated experience to reconnect with the community and connect with new visitors,” said Monica Perales , associate vice provost for the Institute of Texan Cultures. “The ITC museum’s collections are central to our ability to tell the rich stories of Texas, and they will continue to be vital to how we connect with the public. Our new space will allow us to share these precious artifacts with the community as we rotate them through our new space.”

“A dynamic schedule of changing exhibits developed collaboratively with community partners will illuminate the intersections between groups, showcasing the vibrant spectrum of cultural expression within Texas. Our temporary location will help us do this, providing a compelling destination for visitors while increasing our visibility as we continue to progress on our long-term plans,” added Perales.

The Frost Tower location will offer an engaging museum experience and will leverage nearby cultural assets, including the San Pedro Cultural Creek Park, to enhance the visitor experience. The university has additionally secured 25,000 square feet of climate-controlled storage space to safeguard objects and archives not currently on display. While moving collections to this storage facility, museum staff will continue to update the inventory of all collection items.

The museum facility in the Texas Pavilion on the Hemisfair Campus will conclude operations and close in May. The museum is expected to reopen in its temporary space in early 2025.

If the museum were to locate near the Crockett Hotel, it could tap into the 2.5 million guests who visit the Alamo each year.

FINALIZE LOCATION FOR PERMANENT HOME

While the ITC museum transitions to its interim home in Frost Tower, UTSA is continuing to explore location options for the construction of a permanent museum. Currently, after reviewing expert reports on several sites, UTSA’s favored location is adjacent to the Crockett Hotel, with an alternate site being considered at the UTSA Southwest Campus.

At either of these locations, the university envisions a new museum that will showcase Texan cultures to a broader audience through engaging, community-oriented programming.

UTSA is close to concluding the due diligence period for the Crockett property, an option that could allow the university to tap into the 2.5 million guests who visit the Alamo each year, bringing in more visitors to experience the ITC’s collections.

If an agreement is reached regarding use of the Crockett property, the university is exploring the option to build a 65,000 square-foot, state-of-the-art immersive museum, as well as an adjoining parking facility. The multi-story museum would include various engagement spaces, with the conceptualized museum building upon the rich architectural history of the Texas Pavilion.

If, after conclusion of due diligence, UTSA decides not to pursue the Crockett site, UTSA’s Southwest Campus remains a top choice for the new museum’s location. The proposed site at 1123 Navarro Street would allow for the new museum to complement the existing facilities at the Southwest Campus, where all regular operations, including classes and exhibitions, would continue. The Southwest Campus is home to UTSA’s growing academic and community arts programming and is located in close proximity to many cultural destinations—including the San Antonio Public Library and the Tobin Performing Arts Center—making it an ideal alternate site for co-location with the ITC museum.

The second option UTSA is exploring is locating the museum to the UTSA Southwest Campus.

“Following our successful community visioning process, we are progressing to bring the public’s feedback to life,” said Heather Shipley , UTSA interim provost and executive vice president for Academic Affairs. “Our shared vision for the future of the ITC is to create a bustling hub of activity and learning for all in our community and beyond to understand and experience the tapestry of diverse cultures that make up the great state of Texas. We are thrilled to have such exciting options for locations that will help to establish a deeper connection to our community.”

As planning for the new museum moves forward, the university will continue to engage community stakeholders as it delivers on a new vision for the museum. Additionally, the university will identify ways to honor the lasting legacy of trailblazing architect William “Willie” M. Peña , who helped design the Texas Pavilion, where the Institute of Texan Cultures is currently housed.

The university is exploring potential opportunities both at Hemisfair and at the new museum to recognize his significant contributions as a prominent Mexican American architect of the 20th century.

“We are grateful to the many museum experts who have been engaged throughout the visioning and evaluative processes,” said Perales. “The valuable insight provided from community stakeholders, museum experts and long-time supporters of the ITC has been essential to developing the vision for the future of the ITC museum.”

This conceptual interior art draws inspiration from the Texas Pavilion with a reimagined dome show.

MAXIMIZE BENEFIT OF THE LAND

With the ITC relocating out of the Texas Pavilion, the university has begun to look at the future of the Hemisfair Campus and how to best maximize and monetize resources to support the temporary and permanent homes of the ITC. Through a careful review of consultant reports, it has been determined that redeveloping the land at Hemisfair will best serve the future of the museum, the university and the community. To accomplish highest use of the land requires removal of the Texas Pavilion.

This past February, The University of Texas System Board of Regents conditionally approved granting an exclusive option to the City of San Antonio to purchase or lease approximately 13.59 acres located on the Hemisfair campus for a potential downtown revitalization project. This Memorandum of Understanding between UTSA and the city advances the university’s due diligence process for evaluating feasible scenarios for the future of the ITC museum.

In order to be as flexible as possible as next steps are evaluated, the university will issue a Request for Proposals to remove the Texas Pavilion, ensuring plans can move forward depending on how the land is eventually redeveloped. UTSA will continue to work directly with the Texas Historical Commission to ensure that the legacy of the Texas Pavilion is properly documented and celebrated.

“The ITC museum is an important part of San Antonio’s history and means so much to our community,” said Veronica Salazar , UTSA executive vice president for Business Affairs and chief enterprise development officer. “By maximizing the benefits of the land, we can support the best future for the museum. Moving forward in this way, we can bring a new ITC museum to San Antonio and create memories for generations to come.”

The next steps for the ITC museum are the result of several years of thoughtful work, beginning in 2021 with a year-long community visioning process that explored the future of the museum. This broad and participatory project resulted in three proposed scenarios for the ITC museum, including the option of relocating outside of Hemisfair. Those three scenarios were thoroughly explored, culminating in an evaluative report released in fall 2023.

Moving forward, the university is committed to advancing the ITC Centennial 2068 initiative by bringing to life one of the steering committee’s scenarios. Regular updates will continue to be provided to the UTSA and San Antonio communities as the vision for the future museum progresses.

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University of Texas at San Antonio receives ‘transformational’ $40M gift

Utsa’s mission.

The University of Texas at San Antonio is dedicated to the advancement of knowledge through research and discovery, teaching and learning, community engagement and public service. As an institution of access and excellence, UTSA embraces multicultural traditions and serves as a center for intellectual and creative resources as well as a catalyst for socioeconomic development and the commercialization of intellectual property - for Texas, the nation and the world.

UTSA’s Vision

To be a premier public research university, providing access to educational excellence and preparing citizen leaders for the global environment.

UTSA’s Core Values

We encourage an environment of dialogue and discovery, where integrity, excellence, inclusiveness, respect, collaboration and innovation are fostered.

UTSA’S Destinations

• UTSA will be a model for student success
• UTSA will be a great public research university
• UTSA will be an innovative place to work, learn and discover

UTSA is a proud Hispanic Serving Institution (HSI) as designated by the U.S. Department of Education .

Our Commitment to Inclusivity

The University of Texas at San Antonio, a Hispanic Serving Institution situated in a global city that has been a crossroads of peoples and cultures for centuries, values diversity and inclusion in all aspects of university life. As an institution expressly founded to advance the education of Mexican Americans and other underserved communities, our university is committed to promoting access for all. UTSA, a premier public research university, fosters academic excellence through a community of dialogue, discovery and innovation that embraces the uniqueness of each voice.

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