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
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The Hike and Bike Trail
The Hike and Bike Trail is the mission trail that connects all five of the existing Spanish missions in San Antonio. Each mission is located approximately 2.5 miles from the next mission on the trail.
Location
Concepcion Mission (first mission on the trail), 807 Mission Road, San Antonio, TX 78210
Length
11 miles
Intensity
Easy
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McAllister Park Blue Loop Trail
McAllister Park Blue Loop Trail is a loop trail located near San Antonio, TX. The trail is flat and easy for all ages. Biking is a popular activity on the trail, and dogs are welcome if leashed. In the spring, there are wildflowers on the trail.
Location
McAllister Park, 13102 Jones Maltsberger Rd, San Antonio, TX 78247
Length
6.7 miles
Intensity
Easy
Sightseeing
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San Antonio River Walk
The 15-mile San Antonio River Walk is a prime destination for visitors to San Antonio. There is a multitude of activities available, including taking a boat ride, seeing a show at a historic theater, shopping, dining, visiting a museum, and taking part in outdoor recreational opportunities.
Location
849 E Commerce St, San Antonio, TX 78205
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Natural Bridge Caverns
Natural Bridge Caverns is the largest underground attraction in Texas. You can take tours of the caves and see the chambers, the largest of which is the size of a football field. While above ground, everyone can explore various minerals, rocks, and gems at the Natural Bridge Mining Company Suites. The Canopy Challenge is a fun obstacle course on a four-story, 60-foot-high adventure platform, and the zip line will take you over some great scenery.
Location
26495 Natural Bridge Caverns Rd, San Antonio, TX 78266
Museums
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Witte Museum
The Witte Museum is located next to Brackenridge Park in downtown San Antonio. The museum boasts a large collection of historical artifacts, relics, dioramas, fossils, and displays on Texas heritage, natural history, and science. Visitors will be able to see displays and exhibits of dinosaurs, depictions of famous and not-so-famous past Texans, view Gallery Theater productions, and more.
Location
3801 Broadway, San Antonio, TX 78209
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The Doseum
The Doseum is a children's museum in Brackenridge Park that presents interactive exhibits and learning areas that invite discovery and explorations. The exhibits include the SEMMES Foundation Spy Academy, where kids learn how to communicate with information across digital platforms; Force Course, where kids use simple machines to create and build ball runs and music; and Innovation Station, an open-ended building area that promotes imaginative play. The exhibits and programs provide joyful learning and invite discovery across critical content areas of STEM, literacy, and the arts.
Location
2800 Broadway, San Antonio, TX 78209
Nearby Shops and Restaurants
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Sake Cafe
There are too many great restaurants in San Antonio to list, but if you enjoy sushi and other Asian fares, the Sake Cafe is well worth a visit. Here, you will find signature items like their sesame chicken karaage, sashimi deluxe, mango eel roll, Konomi roll green tea ice cream, banana tempura, and mocha ice cream. They also have daily specials.
Location
19179 Blanco Rd #101, San Antonio, TX 78258
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Outlaw Kitchens
Outlaw Kitchens is another fun eating establishment located in a stone bungalow. They are an American cuisine-style restaurant with a varied menu that changes weekly. Diners can eat ala carte from the menu or choose the complete meal with an appetizer, entree, and dessert. There is one choice of appetizer, two choices of entrees, and one choice of dessert. One of the entrees is usually a vegetarian dish.
Location
2919 N Flores St, San Antonio, TX 78212
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Julian Gold
Julian Gold has been providing stylish clothes for San Antonio residents for more than 65 years. They feature a large and varied selection of styles from top designers that include Escada, Armani, Etro, Naeem, Khan, St. John, Emilio Pucci, and others. They also cater to brides, who can make appointments.
Location
4109 McCullough Ave, San Antonio, TX 78212
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Belle and Union
You can find unique gifts and stationery items at Belle and Union. Many of the products are designed by the store, and the rest are made from local artisans. Visitors will enjoy watching the antique letterpresses at work, and the store offers events and classes.
Location
310 E Basse Rd Ste 103 San Antonio, TX 78209