Plan Your Visit

One Park. Four Missions.

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  Mission Concepción

  Visit Mission Concepción and explore original Spanish colonial architecture and frescos.

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  Mission San José

  Visit the "Queen of the Missions", the largest mission site in San Antonio and where our park Visitor Center is located.

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  Mission San Juan

  Visit Mission San Juan and enjoy a short nature trail, explore a historic acequia, and see the colonial demonstration farm.

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  Mission Espada

  Visit the peaceful Mission Espada and imagine the evolving community that called this site home.

 

Visit Mission San José, the Queen of the Missions, and check out our Visitor Center while you're there. Ranger-led programs at Mission San Jose are usually at 10 am & 11 am every day at Mission San José.

Photo by Artists-in-Residence Jenny & James Tarpley of JT FineArt. NPS Photo.

One Park. Four Missions.

San Antonio Missions National Historical Park embodies nearly 300 years of rich history and culture. Within the national park, four separate mission sites, a colonial ranch, as well as irrigation features like an aqueduct and acequias offer recreation opportunities for the whole family. Step back in time while never leaving the city at Mission San José, Mission Concepción, Mission San Juan, and Mission Espada.

All four of the mission sites at San Antonio Missions National Historical Park also still contain active catholic parishes. The churches hold regular services in these historic buildings and are owned and operated by the Archdiocese of San Antonio. They are open to park visitors during park hours (9am-5pm), except for during special services, such as weddings and funerals.

Whether you plan to visit just one mission or all four, we hope this information will help you plan your adventure.

Explore San Antonio Missions

San Antonio Missions National Historical Park's Spanish colonial architectural structures are more than 250 years old. Even the structures that were reconstructed in the 1930's are now almost 100 years old! These mission structures were not built for the 1 million visitors that the park sees every year. Be mindful that some structures are not built to today’s safety standards. Surfaces are uneven, walls may crumble and entrance heights may vary. Use caution when moving about in the historic rooms. For your safety and the preservation of the mission sites, please do not sit, stand, or climb on any of the structures.

Visit the city of San Antonio

San Antonio is a city of deep roots and vibrant culture, located in the heart of South Texas. In the early 1800s, the city grew around the mission communities along the San Antonio River. San Antonio Missions National Historical Park is located just 10 minutes south of downtown San Antonio. Learn more about the city of San Antonio and other recreational opportunities that the city has to offer at Visit San Antonio.

 

Plan Your Trip to the Missions

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  Where do I go?

  Directions & Transportation

  Find maps, directions, transportation options and more!

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  Listen to our Audio Tour!

  Listen to our Audio Tour!

  Hear audio stories as you explore the site.

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  What you need to know!

  Current Conditions

  Find important information about current conditions at San Antonio Missions NHP, including inclement weather and road closures.

 

Open Transcript 

Transcript

Welcome to San Antonio Missions National Historical Park, one of over 400 sites managed by the National Park Service.

We're so excited to have you visit us while you prepare for your field trip, please review these important rules to ensure that your visit is fun and safe come on in.

San Antonio Missions National Historical Park protects 4 separate Spanish colonial missions.

These include Mission Concepcion, Mission San Jose, Mission San Juan, and Mission Espada.

Some of these mission communities have had a presence in town for more than 300 years and they're visited by people just like you.

This means that these buildings and ruins are really old and need to be protected so that they can continue to stand for another 300 years.
For your safety and the continued preservation of our past, playing on, climbing, leaning, sitting, or disturbing the walls in any way is not permitted.

Remember, if it's stone, leave it alone.

Did you know that our park is home to over 300 species of animals and nearly 600 kinds of plants?
When visiting, you may encounter wildlife such as insects, squirrels, birds, and even the occasional stray dog or cat.
Just like our historical structures, these critters deserve respect too.

Please do not feed or harass mission animals and make sure all plants, including flowers, are left alone during your visit.
There's a chance you won't be the only ones here.
Each year, San Antonio Missions National Historical Park receives over 1.5 million visitors from around the globe.

As a UNESCO World Heritage Site, these places are special to all who travel here.
And like you, these individuals deserve to enjoy their visit too.

While you and your classmates explore these sites, be respectful of those around you by staying in a straight line, using walking feet, and maintaining an appropriate voice level.

If those walking feet happen to lead you to a really big building, stop for a moment and take a look around.

The churches are often considered to be one of the most striking features of each mission, but they're more than just historical architecture.
They're all active Catholic parishes. Mass weddings, baptisms, quinceaneras, and funerals are a frequent occurrence here, and one of these may be happening when you visit.
Should one of these events occur during your trip, remember to respect those participating and refrain from entering the building.

If the church is open when you visit, feel free to explore the inside.

Just remember to be respectful of potential worshippers by remaining in line, removing all hats, staying silent, and only taking photos of the building, not people.

Finally, while visiting the park, there's a chance you might find cool things on the ground.

Federal law prohibits unauthorized collection of plants, animals, minerals, fossils and historical objects in national parks.

If you do find something special and you want to share it with others, leave it.

Be an alert a Ranger to its precise location.

Remember, leave nothing but footprints and take nothing but pictures.

San Antonio Missions National Historical Park is a special place to so many people and we're so excited that you get to experience it for yourself.
Whether self exploring with your class or joining us for an educational program, we just want to say thank you, thank you, thank you, thank you, thank you for choosing to visit us.

We can't wait to see you.

Duration:

4 minutes, 27 seconds

San Antonio Missions National Historical Park needs your help preserving and protecting it! Learn these rules and safety information to be prepared for your visit to the national park. In this flight-attendant inspired safety video, please enjoy these important messages.

 

Go green and refill your water bottle.

NPS Image

Reduce, Reuse, Refill!

Single-serve plastic water bottles are NOT available for sale at the park.
We encourage everyone to bring your own reusable water bottle.

Water filling stations are available at all mission sites throughout the park and in the Visitor Center at Mission San José.

Reduce, reuse, refill!

San Antonio Missions National Historical Park staff and partners have made a commitment to reducing waste, saving energy, and reducing carbon emissions.