Mission San José Tours

Built in 1782 out of Texas limestone and stucco, Mission San Jose is the largest mission in San Antonio, earning it the nickname Queen of the Missions. While portions of the church and its gristmill and granary have collapsed over the years, much of the structure has been fully restored to its original design.

The Basics

Start your explorations of Mission San Jose at the visitors center, where you can learn more about colonial Spanish missions, and watch a short film about the park and the indigenous communities of South Texas in the 18th century. Tours of San Antonio’s UNESCO-listed missions typically stop by Mission San Jose, along with Mission Concepción. Many also include the Alamo, San Antonio’s most famous mission.

Things to Know Before You Go

• Admission is free to all four missions in the national park.

• Wear shoes suitable for walking over uneven ground.

• Mission San Jose remains an active Catholic parish with regular services in English.

• Plan to spend 90 minutes to two hours visiting Mission San Jose; give yourself half a day to explore the entire park.

• The mission is partially accessible to wheelchairs, and wheelchairs are available to use on-site.

How to Get There

Mission San Jose is located in San Antonio Missions National Historical Park. Ten miles (16 kilometers) of hiking and biking trails connect the four missions in the park to the Alamo in downtown San Antonio. To get there by public transit, take VIA Bus 42 or VIVA Bus 40.

When to Get There

Mission San Jose is usually open daily from sunrise to sunset (except for Thanksgiving, Christmas, and New Year’s Day). Check the national park website for the schedule of ranger-led programs.

San Antonio Missions National Historical Park

Some 300 years of history are on display at this national park site in San Antonio, home to four historic Spanish missions along the San Antonio River. Besides Mission San Jose, check out Mission Concepción, the nation’s oldest unrestored stone church. Mission Espada, dating back to 1690, was the first mission founded in Texas, and Mission San Juan Capistrano is known for its lovely gardens and fountain-filled courtyards.