Favorite Historic Sites in San Antonio
San Antonio is one of those great towns whose past is so intertwined with our nation’s history that, for many people, just saying the name conjures up visions of the old west. The Alamo is one of the main reasons, drawing more than 2.5 million visitors from around the world ever year. Being just a short distance from the River Walk and with free admission, it’s must-see addition to your list of things to do in San Antonio.
Many people only visit the Alamo, yet miss so much by not visiting the city’s other missions, where people often get a more complete picture of the history of this great city. In 2015, the San Antonio's Missions were declared a World Heritage Site.
One of the most popular historic sites in San Antonio is Mission San José, built in 1720. Known as “Queen of the Missions,” today this National Historic Park is one of the largest and best restored missions in all of Texas. On Sundays, this mission even offers a mariachi service.
San Antonio Missions National Park is a nine-mile historical area that is home to the city’s other four important missions. Their beautiful architectures hold the secrets to a tumultuous past, where invasions, drought and disease changed the course of history for natives to this region. It’s a part of America’s story not to be missed. Admission is free, and buses downtown offer a great way to get there.