Close
We're Sorry
San Antonio Missions National Historical Park
San Antonio Missions National Historical Park
Southside
view website6701 San Jose Dr
San Antonio, TX 78214+2715
210-932-1001
Good-for-Kids Rating
Babies
Toddlers & Pre-KSchool-Age KidsPre-Teens & Teens
San Antonio Missions National Historical Park Description
The Alamo didn't always share a plaza with Fuddruckers. Biking off into San Antonio's less commercial districts, kids who follow the designated bike trail will find the city's other four historic missions to look much the way they did in the 18th century. The biggest surprise is San Jose, a completely restored structure surrounded by a fortress-like wall. Turns out the term "mission" referred not to a singular building but to an Indian village, one of the facts everybody learns from the film playing in the San Jose visitor's center.
Scenic Landmark
Bicycling
Kid Tips
School-Age Kids: The biking part will appeal to this age more than anything.
Pre-Teens & Teens: Many will find the old, old structures very cool.
Planning Notes
- Bike rentals and tours. Try Charles A. James Bicycle Rental (charlesajamesbicycle.com).
- Pack a picnic. There are no restaurants here, so bring a lunch and picnic right in the park's designated area.
- Don't overdo. The entire four-mission trail runs 12 miles, south from Mission Concepcion. That means 12 miles back. The distance between any two missions is roughly 3 miles.
- Sit for a service. All four missions have active Catholic congregations. Mission Concepcion's lively Sunday Mariachi Mass (held at noon) attracts crowds of all faiths.
Just the Facts
Hours: Daily, 9 a.m.-5 p.m.
Fees: Free
Recommended Time: Half day
