Uncover The Historic San Antonio Mission Trail: 5 Stops Not To Miss
One of the top activities in San Antonio is to explore the San Antonio Mission Trail and should be on every first time visitor’s itinerary.
The city has a played a huge part in American history and visiting each of the beautiful San Antonio missions is impressive from the historic significance to the remarkable Colonial architecture.
Once you understand the history of the missions, you’ll have a full understanding of how San Antonio has evolved with its unique and vibrant culture.
There are five missions along the mission trail in San Antonio with The Alamo clearly the most famous.
But don’t skip on visiting the other four as they are just as worthy of seeing!
All the missions were built between the early to mid-1700s when the Spanish arrived to colonize the area as part of New Spain.
When looking at a map (see below), the missions were erected a few miles apart from each other in a vertical line starting in the heart of San Antonio and moving south straddling the San Antonio River.
In addition to building the missions, the Spanish introduced irrigation through use of aqueducts which is a bonus stop I’ve included and pretty cool to see.
Let’s dive in as I share all the information you need to tour the San Antonio missions whether it is on your own or on a tour (I’ve done both).
Don’t Want To Bother With Driving? Take This Tour!
Book A San Antonio Mission Tour
Tip: ALL THE MISSIONS ARE FREE unless you want a guided tour. The Alamo does require reservations ahead of time for the free ticket.
How To Get To The Missions In San Antonio
Drive Your Car For A Self Tour
On one of my trips to San Antonio I drove from San Diego so I already had my car with me. So, it made sense to visit the missions on my own.
I had already visited the Alamo so I hopped in my car and drove to the next closest mission, Mission Concepcion and ending at Mission Espada.
It is a very easy drive taking between 10 – 15 mins to reach Mission Concepcion from The Alamo.
After that, the drive will range from 8 – 12 minutes between each of the other missions.
At each of the missions with the exception of The Alamo, parking is free so no need to worry if you’ll be able to find a spot.
Note: If you are renting a car this is a perfect activity to include while you have a car.
Take A San Antonio Mission Tour
If you don’t have your own car and have no plans to rent one, taking a tour of the missions is my top pick.
Note: You do not need to rent a car in San Antonio if you are planning to stay in the city center. Taking an Uber to places a little further than walking distance is fine!
With a tour, you don’t need to think about transportation and you get to learn so much more about the history with a guide.
In comparison, I found out so much more on a tour than when I visited on my own as you get to ask questions and learn straight from a local.
Keep in mind that this tour visits all the missions outside of downtown (doesn’t include the Alamo).
Reserve Your Missions Trail Tour Today!
Biking San Antonio Mission Trail (Or Walk!)
Enjoy getting in a workout while you sightsee? Then consider biking or even walking the Mission Trail in San Antonio.
For most this isn’t an option due to lack of time or not being fit enough to see the missions on foot or by bike.
If you were to do a loop starting at The Alamo, bike to each mission before turning around at Mission Espada, the distance of the loop would be approximately 20 miles.
You can enjoy walking or biking the distance along the scenic San Antonio River which adds to the adventure.
Unless you really enjoy cycling, opt to rent an E-bike to make it a little easier on yourself.
For added savings, you get a FREE 1 hour E-bike rental when you get the San Antonio City Pass.
Buy A San Antonio Pass For Your Trip!
Tip: Make sure to take plenty of water, sunscreen, and snacks.
San Antonio Mission Trail Guide
1. Mission San Antonio de Valero (The Alamo)
Of the five missions The Alamo is likely the only one you have heard of due to the infamous Battle of the Alamo on February 23rd, 1836.
The battle was fairly quick (13 days) but left quite the impression with references on various TV shows, movies, and part of U.S. school history curriculum.
You may have heard the coined saying, “Remember the Alamo” referring to what ultimately led to Texas gaining independence from Mexico.
Built in 1718, the Alamo was the first mission on the trail to be established and is still a reminder of the battle, the lost lives, and what resulted in Texas gaining its freedom.
Although most think of The Alamo as a fort it is actually a church (mission) but used as a fortress during the battle.
Even with its small design, the façade is very beautiful made of limestone in shades of white and tan depending on the lighting.
Inside it is a large room with a simple layout so it doesn’t take too long to look around. Also keep in mind you can take photos but NOT with flash.
Visiting the Alamo is completely free but you do need to reserve a ticket for a specific time.
If you want to take a guided tour or the audio guide then that will require payment.
Outside of the church the grounds are expansive with gardens, statues, exhibits, and an area to watch a short film summarizing the history of The Alamo.
Did you know? Notice that there are no tall buildings built around The Alamo. That is by design to prevent any building from casting a shadow on it.
Hours: Open daily from 9:00 am to 5:30 pm in winter (to 7:00 pm during the summer months).
Book A Guided Tour Of The Alamo
2. Mission Concepcion
Heading south on the San Antonio Mission Trail you’ll arrive at Mission Concepcion which was constructed in 1731 and completed in 1755.
Even though it is technically younger than the Alamo, it is the oldest unrestored stone church in the United States.
It is a lovely mission that definitely has a rustic feeling making its lack of renovation evident.
But that doesn’t take away from its beauty. Weathered over the years, you get a glimpse of what the mission actually looked like when in use.
It is miraculous that the two bell towers to the church and the roof are still intact.
Inside, you can imagine the walls would’ve been covered with frescoes but today they are completely gone or very faded.
With the surrounding palm trees, the property is great for taking photos.
The mission and its surrounding land were established by the Franciscan Friars from Spain with the goal of converting the local indigenous people to their way of life.
The friars introduced farming and agriculture with irrigation and why all the missions are located along the San Antonio River.
Mission Concepcion and the next three missions on this list are all part of San Antonio Missions National Historic Park.
San Antonio Missions National Historic Park is also the ONLY UNESCO World Heritage Site in Texas.
Hours: Open daily from 9:00 am to 5:00 pm.
Bathrooms? Yes, but no other facilities such as food or drinks.
Book Your Spot On A Missions Trail Tour!
3. Mission San Jose
Next up on the San Antonio mission tour, is Mission San Jose (Mission San Jose y San Miguel de Aguayo).
Mission San Jose was established in 1720 but the main structures you’ll see on your visit were built between the 1760s and 1770s.
Of all the missions, I think Mission San Jose is the prettiest with its wide open plaza surround by a stone wall.
Unlike the Alamo, which is quite busy with tourists, the other four missions are quiet in comparison.
Walking the grounds of San Jose is very serene and you can visualize what life would have looked like living in the community.
As the largest mission in San Antonio with full restoration and the most striking, it is commonly referred to as the “Queen of the Missions”.
The ornate Rose Window on the south side of the church sacristy also adds to its grace.
Mission San Jose is the only mission outside of The Alamo that has a visitor center and a museum onsite.
So, make sure to stop in and watch a short film before entering the mission complex.
Hours: Open daily from 9:00 am to 5:00 pm.
Bathrooms? Yes, plus a fountain to fill up your water bottle and picnic tables.
4 Missions Tour Including San Jose
The Alamo, Mission San Jose, River Cruise Tour
4. Mission San Juan
Mission San Juan (San Juan Capistrano) may have the simplest design but it’s a charming sight from a distance with a stark white exterior surrounded by the dark green of the grass and trees.
I especially like its bell tower with two bells which adds to its gracefulness.
The mission was founded at this location in 1731 with the stone church built later in 1756.
Of all the missions I felt that Mission San Juan was the most peaceful. Other than a few others, I had the mission almost to myself.
You’ll notice there is a lot of land that was used for farming and raising animals (cattle and sheep).
Crops grown here ranged from beans to corn, squash, sugar cane, peppers, and sweet potatoes.
If you have the time, take a stroll on the shady Yanaguana Trail (0.3-miles) that leads you to the San Antonio River and is a beautiful nature walk.
You can expect to spend no more than 30 – 45 minutes walking around unless you venture on to the Yanaguana Trail then maybe an hour in total.
Hours: Open daily from 9:00 am to 5:00 pm.
Bathrooms? Yes
5. Mission Espada
The last mission on the famous mission trail in San Antonio is Mission Espada and it is the furthest mission from downtown.
Of the 5 missions on this list, Mission Espada is the smallest one and was originally settled east of San Antonio in 1690 but later moved to the current location in 1731.
With it stone and brick façade this quaint church appears to be something you might see on a movie set.
The key shaped doorway catches your attention before you gaze up at the bell tower with dual bells.
Along with farming and livestock, weaving using the wool from the sheep or cotton from the crops was an integral part of the mission community.
Besides walking the grounds and going inside the chapel there are a few rooms with exhibits and a weaving workroom.
Hours: Open daily from 9:00 am to 5:00 pm.
Bathrooms? Yes
Book A Tour Of 4 Missions Today!
6. The Espada Aqueduct
Although not a mission, a stop at the Espada Aqueduct is a must after you visit Mission Espada.
Leaving Mission Espada, take Espada Road for 1.5 miles north and you’ll come to the parking area for the aqueduct.
Water was essential to the mission communities so that they had access to water for farming, livestock, and daily essential needs.
Each mission had its own acequias (irrigation ditches) and a corresponding aqueduct and dam.
The Espada Aqueduct was constructed between 1740 and 1745 with the notable recognition of being the oldest Spanish aqueduct in the United States.
You can still see water flowing in the aqueduct and it is impressive to see that it has withstood time for over 275 years!
Hours: Open daily from 9:00 am to 4:30 pm.
Don’t Stress About Driving, Take A Guided Mission Tour!
Book a mission trail tour of San Antonio that includes transportation and a guide so you don’t have to worry about renting a car.
On this tour you visit Missions 2 – 5 on this list. The Alamo is not included.
But this tour takes you to The Alamo, Mission San Jose, Tower of America and on a River Cruise!
Where To Stay In San Antonio?
If you are planning a trip to San Antonio, then stay at one of the best hotels along the Riverwalk for the perfect location near all the top attractions!
Find The Perfect Room Along The Riverwalk
San Antonio Missions Trail Map
But Before You Go…
Click to read more about the best activities in San Antonio after your visit to the missions!
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Vanessa Shields
Vanessa Shields is the founder of Traveling Ness helping people with trip ideas, itineraries, travel planning, and boosting confidence for female travelers to take a solo trip. She has been a travel writer and content creator since 2019.