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San Antonio Missions National Historical Park

 

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San Antonio Missions National Historical Park

In 1718, Franciscans and Spanish representatives established the first mission. Within 13 years, five were located along the San Antonio River. The missions' purpose? To acculturate and Christianize the native population and make them Spanish citizens. Today, visitors can retrace the footsteps of the mission Indians and friars. And, possibly, meet descendants of those first inhabitants.



 The Basics


Hours:

Open daily from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
Closed Thanksgiving Day, December 25, and January 1.

Address: 2202 Roosevelt Avenue
San Antonio, TX 78210
Phone: 210-932-1001
Phone: 210-534-8833
Fax: 210-534-1106


 Map

San Antonio Missions National Historical Park , Texas Map


Click here for a full-sized map of San Antonio Missions National Historical Park

 Directions

Roadways connect each site in this mostly urban park.

From downtown and the Alamo area:
Travel south on South St. Mary’s Street. Approximately one mile south of downtown, after passing beneath railroad tracks, South St. Mary’s becomes Roosevelt Ave. Continue on Roosevelt 4 miles, to a drive-in theater on your left, followed by a large stone structure: Mission San José. At the first stop light past the mission turn left onto New Napier Ave. Follow the signs.

From north San Antonio and the airport area:
Take Hwy 281 S past downtown San Antonio, where Hwy 281 becomes I-37. Continue on I-37 S to exit 135 west (SE Military Drive) – the first right turn on the ramp. Drive approximately 3 miles to Roosevelt Ave and turn right. At the first stop light, turn right onto New Napier and follow the signs into our parking lot or bus lanes.

From northeast San Antonio or the Austin area:
Take I-35 S to just north of downtown San Antonio. Exit 158B onto I-37 S (same as US 281 S). Continue on I-37 S to exit 135 west (SE Military Drive) – the first right turn on the ramp. Drive approximately 3 miles to Roosevelt Ave and turn right. At the first stop light, turn right onto New Napier and follow the signs.

From northwest San Antonio and the Fiesta Texas area:

Take I-10 E toward Houston. When you reach the downtown area make sure you stay on I-10 E; you will take a ramp to remain on I-10. Stay to the right and exit I-37 S toward Corpus Christi. Continue on I-37 S to exit 135 west (SE Military Drive) – the first right turn on the ramp. Drive approximately 3 miles to Roosevelt Ave and turn right. At the first stop light, turn right onto New Napier and follow the signs.

From west San Antonio and the Sea World area:
Take Hwy 90 E. Stay to the right and exit I-37 S toward Corpus Christi. Continue on I-37 S to exit 135 west (SE Military Drive) – the first right turn on the ramp. Drive approximately 3 miles to Roosevelt Ave and turn right. At the first stop light, turn right onto New Napier and follow the signs.

From southeast San Antonio and the Corpus Christi area:
Approach San Antonio on I-37 N. Exit 135 west (SE Military Drive) – the second right turn on the ramp. Drive approximately 3 miles to Roosevelt Ave and turn right. At the first stop light, turn right onto New Napier and follow the signs.

From southwest San Antonio and the Laredo area:
Approach San Antonio on I-35 N and take exit 150 onto SW Military east. Drive approximately 4 miles to Roosevelt Ave and turn left. At the first stop light, turn right onto New Napier and follow the signs.


 Climate
 

From April through October be prepared for hot, humid weather. Wear a hat, use sun screen liberally and often, and drink plenty of water.

In November through March, weather is more temperate, and sometimes chilly.

Link to our San Antonio Weather coverage for more information.

 Fees
 

No Fees.


 Reservations
 

Reservations required for large groups.


 Guided Tours
 

Guided Tours of the Missions

Join a Park Ranger or Docent on a guided tour of one of the four missions. learn more about the 18th-century Spanish Colonial period -- What was a mission? Who built it? Why was it built here? What happened to them? Discover the importance of this critical part of America's history, which is entrusted to the care of the National Park Service.

These tours last 40-50 minutes. Meet at the visitor center or information center of the mission you want to tour.
10:00 am Mission San José
Mission Concepción
11:00 am Mission San José
1:30 pm Mission San Juan
2:00 pm Mission San José
Mission Concepción
Mission Espada
3:00 pm Mission San José
Mission San Juan
3:30 pm Mission Espada

Tour of Rancho de las Cabras

10:00 am, first Saturday of the month, weather permitting. Call 210.932.1001 for more information.

Much of the American cattle industry of the 1800s was built on the legacy of these mission ranches. Learn about the equipment, vocabulary, and folklore of the mission vaqueros, while exploring remnants of Espada's ranch, Rancho de las Cabras.

Located 30 miles south of San Antonio, meet at Floresville River Park on SH 97 in Floresville, Texas, to caravan to the site. From San Antonio, take I-37 south. Exit onto Hwy 181 south to Floresville. Turn right on Hwy 97 west to River Park. An unimproved dirt road leads to the area that could cause difficulties for some low-clearance vehicles.

Because the site is undeveloped, it contains brushy areas and fire ants; it is recommended that boots and appropriate clothing be worn.


 Guides & Outfitters

  Historic Texas Tours Historic Texas Tours
  San Antonio 210-467-2534
  Historic Texas ToursTravel the same trail that the Missionaries traveled from 1690 through the 1700's. Travel that trail with a local. Travel with Historic Texas Tours.



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