San Antonio Missions National Historical Park

Activity Overview

San Antonio Missions National Historical Park is one of the most popular attractions in San Antonio, Texas. It consists of four Spanish colonial missions that were established along the San Antonio River in the 1700s. Each of the four missions features a church and other buildings where priests and Native Americans lived and worked together. Since 1983, visitors have been able to explore all four missions in the National Park, walk along the recreational trails that connect the sites, and learn about local history in its informative visitor center.

Things to Do

• Visit Mission Concepción, the best preserved of the missions. While most of the paintings on its stone exterior have faded over the years, it is still possible to view some of its original frescoes inside.
• Go for a walk along the beautiful nature trail at Mission San Juan Capistrano, which is known for its important farmlands.
• Explore Mission Espada and view its well-preserved acequia, an irrigation system which is still used to this day.
• Check out Mission San José, which features an impressive church, a granary, and a gristmill.

San Antonio Missions National Historical Park Insider Tips

• Consider taking a guided tour of the park - tours are free, as is admission to all of the mission sites.
• Don't miss the Visitor's Center in Mission San José, where you can view museum exhibits, purchase souvenirs from the bookstore, and watch a film about life in the missions in the 1700s.
• If you're interested in spending the day outdoors walking from mission to mission along the San Antonio River, this handy map might be useful.