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San Antonio Missions National Historical Park

In the centuries following Christopher Columbus's arrival in the Bahamas, Spain and other European countries sent Catholic missionaries and supporting workers to set up missions to convert Native Americans to Christianity and promote the interests of Spain. These missions were a combination of defense, storage, and religious buildings. The San Antonio Missions National Historical Park contains four missions established along the San Antonio River in the 1700s: Mission Concepcion, Mission San Juan, Mission San Jose, and Mission Espada, which are connected by trails and roads. Visitors can tour the buildings, which are still active parishes, and view the architecture and collections of artifacts. 

Things to Do

Things To Do Near San Antonio Missions National Historical Park

Visiting the San Antonio Missions National Historical Park is all about seeing the four Spanish missions, like Mission Concepcion, the oldest original stone church in the U.S. This unrestored mission still has much of its original architecture and many fresco paintings. Mission San Jose was restored in the 1930s and features workshops, Native American quarters, a granary, a convent, the church, the visitor center, and other buildings. Mission San Juan features beautiful gardens, a nature trail to the river, and a demonstration farm that has a 300-year-old acequia watering system. Mission Espada contains several brick-lined buildings, examples of woven arts, and the 18th-century Espada Aqueduct.

Hiking Trails

Sightseeing

Museums

Nearby Shops and Restaurants

map-marker-alt-regular How to Get There

How To Get To San Antonio Missions National Historical Park

San Antonio Missions National Historical Park is located in the city of San Antonio and is easily reached from many urban areas. It is south of Dallas and Austin and west of Houston. 

From Dallas, you will take I-35 S and drive for five hours and 275 miles to San Antonio. From Austin, you will take I-35 S and drive for 1.5 hours and 200 miles to San Antonio. From Houston, you will take I-10 W and drive for three hours to San Antonio.

Address

6701 San Jose Dr, San Antonio, TX 78214

Fee: Entry fee $0

Texas is a large state with a large history. The city of San Antonio is on the San Antonio River in South Texas and was founded in 1718 with the planting of the Alamo mission by Spanish missionaries and priests. Soon after, four more missions were established and now are part of the San Antonio Missions National Historical Park, while the Alamo is managed separately. Taking the time to tour each of these missions in the park and also the Alamo is easily accomplished by taking advantage of the Hike and Bike Trail. You will be conveniently located in San Antonio, and having an RV to drive around the city and the surrounding areas of South Texas is one of the best ways to see all the places you most want to visit.