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The last time I visited the San Antonio Missions, I was chaperoning a field trip with 3rd graders! This time, I could leisurely experience all five missions without making sure anyone was being left behind!

There are five official missions: The Alamo, Concepcion, San Jose, San Juan, and Espada. Because of the importance of The Alamo, it is featured in a separate post.

Tips for visiting San Antonio Missions shared by top US travel blog, The Common Traveler: San Antonio's Missions stone building with wooden outcrops

I was ready to hit the sights when I checked in to the Marriott Rivercenter and put my stuff in my room! The concierge at the hotel told me that the bus stop was only 1 1/2 blocks from the Alamo Plaza. The bus stop was easy to find. I hopped on the Viva bus. The first driver was extremely friendly and helpful. He explained to me how to purchase an all-day pass.

Tips for visiting San Antonio Missions shared by top US travel blog, The Common Traveler: stone walls with tower - Mission Concepcion San Antonio's Missions
These unique walls at Mission Concepcion!

Two other couples joined me on the bus along the road. When we reached the first mission, Mission Concepcion, everyone but me got off. The driver asked me if I didn’t want to join them. I explained that I had a plan – I would start at the furthest mission and make my way back. He looked at me and shook his head, “Hon, you don’t have a water bottle, and it is over 100 degrees out there!” He suggested I go to the first two missions and re-evaluate whether to continue. That turned out to be a good call!

Tips for visiting San Antonio Missions shared by top US travel blog, The Common Traveler: San Antonio's Missions stone sign with words Mission Concepcion and old church in back

Mission Nuestra Señora de la Purísima Concepcion de Acuna

The first mission on the tour is the Mission Concepcion. While there was a facility with bathrooms and a water fountain, there was no gift shop or a place to buy a drink.

Tips for visiting San Antonio Missions shared by top US travel blog, The Common Traveler: San Antonio's Missions foot path with old church complex - Mission San Juan

Mission San Jose y San Miguel de Aguayo

The second mission on the tour is the Mission San Jose. As soon as we walked into the grounds, we heard that the movie explaining the history of the San Antonio missions was about to start. Air conditioning! If you only have time to see one of the missions, this is the one!

Tips for visiting San Antonio Missions shared by top US travel blog, The Common Traveler: San Antonio's Missions stone sign with text Mission San Juan and old church in back

Mission San Juan Capistrano

If you’re running short on time, consider skipping the third mission of the tour. There is an indoor museum here (more of a display) where you can see some of the history and how they even used the building within the last 50 years as a school. But other than the church, the home used by the priests, there wasn’t much to see here. I think the display was created to keep visitors happy while passing the 30 minutes between buses. The bus drivers stop here about 10 minutes after dropping off the passengers. We saw it driving away as we finished a quick look, so we forced ourselves back to the display to use the restrooms and pass the time.

Tips for visiting San Antonio Missions shared by top US travel blog, The Common Traveler: San Antonio's Missions old church facade at Church Espada

Mission San Francisco de la Espada

This last mission was a surprise. The congregation here was the most active. Not only was someone really good at planting some plants, but a small store selling religious artifacts and local items. The hit with our group was a freezer featuring local popsicles and sweet empanadas! Plus, they had sodas!

Tips for visiting San Antonio Missions shared by top US travel blog, The Common Traveler: San Antonio's Missions mango ice cream popsicle in front of small freezer

Satisfied with our tour and feeling better after our treats, we returned to waiting for the bus. What a surprise when we met the missing couple who had been riding the bus to stay in air conditioning! The trip back collected more and more sweaty and tired tourists. We exchanged tips on where to go, eat and drink. What a marvelous afternoon!

Tips for visiting San Antonio Missions shared by top US travel blog, The Common Traveler: stone walls covered with dried limbs San Antonio's Missions
Mission San Jose

8 Things to Know Before You Visit San Antonio Missions:

  • There is free WiFi at Mission Concepcion and Mission San Jose.
  • Access a free audio tour on your smartphone at WorldHeritageSA.com.
  • Bring water or something to drink – your opportunities will be limited!
  • There is no cover or air conditioning at most of the facilities, so wear sunscreen.
  • If your time is limited, visit Mission Concepcion and Mission San Jose.
  • San Antonio Missions hours are from 9 am to 5 pm.
  • San Antonio Missions are closed on Thanksgiving Day, December 25, and January 1.
  • For more details, check out the National Park Service website.
Tips for visiting San Antonio Missions shared by top US travel blog, The Common Traveler: circles in ceiling inside church San Antonio's Missions
Looking up at the light system in Mission Concepcion’s church rotunda.

Although I was so hot and sweaty, I would do it again! Do yourself a favor and add the San Antonio missions to your Hill County itinerary!

If you’re planning a trip to San Antonio, these other blogs will help you:

Happy travels!
Annick, The Common Traveler

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Tips for visiting San Antonio Missions shared by top US travel blog, The Common Traveler: San Antonio's Missions Don't miss San Antonio's Missions - a UNESCO World Heritage Site! #sanantonio #missions #UNESCO
Tips for visiting San Antonio Missions shared by top US travel blog, The Common Traveler: San Antonio's Missions Don't miss San Antonio's Missions - a UNESCO World Heritage Site! #sanantonio #missions #UNESCO