The last time I visited the San Antonio Missions, I was chaperoning a field trip with 3rd graders! This time, I was able to leisurely experience all five missions without having to make sure anyone was being left behind!
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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. This trip, I decided to take the Viva Missions Bus #40 since I was staying downtown and did not have my own car.
As soon as I checked in to the Marriott Rivercenter and put my stuff down in my room, I was ready to hit the sights! The concierge at the hotel told me that the bus stop was only 1 1/2 blocks at 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.
As we went along the road, two other couples joined me on the bus. When we reached the first mission, Mission Concepcion, everyone but me got off. The driver asked me didn’t I want to join them. I explained that I had a plan – I was going to 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 that I go to the first two missions and re-evaluate at that point whether to continue. That turned out to be a good call!
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.
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!
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 (really 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 really wasn’t much to see here. I think that the display was created as a way to keep visitors happy while passing the 30 minutes between buses. The bus drivers stop here for about 10 minutes after they drop 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 to pass the time.
Mission San Francisco de la Espada
This last mission was an unexpected surprise. The congregation here was the most active. Not only was someone really good at putting some plants, but there is a small store that sells both religious artifacts and local items. The hit with our group was a freezer featuring local popsicles and sweet empanadas! Plus they had sodas!
Satisfied with our tour and feeling a bit better after our treats, we went back 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!
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.
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!
And if you’re in San Antonio, check out our other posts on The Tower of the Americas, The Alamo, The Riverwalk, and 10 Things To Do In San Antonio.
Happy travels!
Annick, The Common Traveler
Raised as a third culture kid living in South America and Europe, Annick caught the travel bug early. Now that the children are gone, but still saving for retirement, she enjoys traveling in an affordable way and wants to share those ideas.
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When I saw the first pictures in your post I thought this might be somewhere in Europe lol. I was really surprised to learn it’s located far away in Texas. Glad the driver directed you well and you did finally enjoy all places.Getting a day pass here makes complete sense. I would love to for the mission tour and include the 3rd mission as well.
First of all I thought its somewhere in Rome, but you’re far away in Texas! I can partially relate to your feel chaperoning kids. I took a bunch of college students on a small trek. The mental pressure to keep them all safe beats everything else!
Glad the driver directed you well and you did finally enjoy all places.
Much more enjoyable!
It’s great to read about these various missions. Posts like these help you see so much more then just the normally promoted aspects of these cities. Love the architecture which reminds me a lot of Europe. The trip with the 3 graders must have been a complete different experience. Planes like these in the summer can be tough with the heat this a good tip on the water. Great post overall
Glad you took the driver’s advice. Dehydration is a very serious condition especially in really hot days.
Anyway, I really enjoyed reading your experience. I can’t wait to go through these missions too if given a chance.
San Antonio Missions look like a great step back in time. I would love to explore all of them – they all sound equally fascinating. It seems the weather was quite hot and dry. So, carrying a water bottle is a great tip. Thanks for sharing beautiful pictures.
How beautiful to visit. And great you could come back without the entourage of 3rd graders! I don’t really know anything about San Antonia so thanks for the introduction. It sounds like it was pretty hot and warm there though! Definitely good to bring water with you.
San Antonios missions looks perfect place for a day trip. The official five missions with 3rd graders must be a memorable one.. Thanks for sharing a great tip of going through Bus #40 if we don’t go through a car. Thanks for sharing hidden secret gem.
Way different without the third graders! Worth the trip.
Frankly speaking, I had not read much about San Antonia. But going by this post there sure seem a lot of things to do. I especially look forward to Mission Concepcion whenever I do visit this amazing place.
It is beautiful!
Looks like a nice place. A day pass here makes sense. The mission tour is so interesting. I would love to include the 3rd mission as well. It looks like an offbeat destination. Checking out your post on Alamo.
Thanks! Lots more coming!