Mission San José
The grandest mission, with the park's visitor center, restored walls and the famous Rose Window.
San Antonio Missions
Four 18th-century Spanish missions, still active parishes, strung along the river south of the Alamo, with which they form a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Mission San José is the grandest.
South of downtown San Antonio, four Spanish missions from the 1700s stand along the San Antonio River: Concepción, San José, San Juan and Espada. Together with the Alamo, they form a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and all four are still active Catholic parishes.
San José, the Queen of the Missions, is the largest and most complete, with its walls, granary and the carved Rose Window. At Espada, a 1730s aqueduct still carries water to the fields. A riverside trail links them all.
- Best Time
- October–April; summer is very hot
- Time Needed
- Half a day to a day
- Cost Level
- $$$$
- Open
- Every day; check nps.gov/saan for hours
- Getting There
- Starting about ten minutes south of downtown San Antonio. Drive, cycle the river trail, or take a VIA bus.
What to See
4 of 4 are freeMission Concepción
The oldest unrestored stone church in the country, with faded original frescoes inside.
Mission Reach Trail
About 8.1 miles of riverside trail linking the missions; rent a bike downtown.
Espada Aqueduct
A stone aqueduct from the 1730s, still carrying water over a creek.
Know Before You Go
- All missions are free. Ranger talks start at the San José visitor center.
- They're working churches; visit quietly during Mass and weddings.
Where to Stay
Stay in downtown San Antonio.
Where to Eat
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Last checked 2026-10-31. Part of the Texas list.