Mission San Jose

Activity Overview

Mission San Jose is a part of the San Antonio's Missions National Historic Park, the park encompasses four historical missions that are separately walled compounds having a church and buildings where priests and native Indians used to live. Mission San Jose also known as the "queen of missions", is the largest mission in San Antonio, Texas, the construction of which was completed in 1782. More than 300 Native Americans/Indians used to live and work in this mission that served as a sanctuary. Mission San Jose has a visitor center that shows a historical film on the life in the mission during the 1700's. Guided tours to the missions are free of charge. The park and mission San Jose are open daily to the visitors.

Things to Do

• Mission San Jose has a rich history that is intriguing to the visitors of all ages, it was built by Spanish designers using Texas limestone and brightly colored stucco.
• The mission was a sanctuary and a community center for more than 300 native Indians, the mission's gristmill and granary are still preserved.
• Explore the mission along the River walk's new Mission Reach, it's an 8-mile long stretch of trails, picnic areas and pavilions.
• See the story of the native people in the film "Gente De Razon", it is shown everyday in the visitor center.
• The mission has a museum that displays original and replica artifacts of the community in the mission in the 1700's. The museum also has a bookstore.
• Prayer services are still held in the churches of the historic missions.
• Families can have a picnic in the picnic areas of the Mission reach, no food is sold inside the missions park.

Mission San Jose Insider Tips

• Bring bottled water.
• Wear close-toed shoes.