Take the Exit: Top Historic Sites in San Antonio, Texas – Discover the Missions!

Vanlife isn’t just about camping in nature, it is about the freedom you have to pull off the highway anywhere. What I love most about being a vanlifer, is the flexibility it gives me to take any exit I want so I can explore a new destination. Even driving into the city isn’t a hassle since many vans can fit into regular parking spots. There are so many amazing historical sites in the U.S. to visit, so just “Take the Exit.”

I recently took the exit off of Hwy 37 in Texas so I could visit some great historic sites in San Antonio. The city provides an authentic glance into the rich cultural heritage that plays an important role in United States history. The National Park Service tells the story of early Spanish colonial life in Texas at the San Antonio Missions National Historical Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

What is the San Antonio Missions National Historical Park?

The San Antonio Missions National Historical Park is a set of four Franciscan mission sites that were established between 1718 and 1731. They were built in order to convert the indigenous people to Roman Catholicism and expand the Spanish Territory. These self-sustaining communities included a church, living quarters, gardens, and an open plaza within protective rock walls. The National Historical Park immerses you in the history, architecture, and blending of the Spanish and indigenous cultures of these still active parishes today.

What is a UNESCO World Heritage Site?

A World Heritage Site has the designation as a place of outstanding universal value to humanity that is to be protected for future generations. The only UNESCO World Heritage site in Texas includes the San Antonio Missions National Historical Park missions, the Alamo, Ranchero de las Cabras and their irrigation systems.

Historic Sites to Visit at the San Antonio Missions National Historical Park

Mission San José

I started at Mission San José since this is where the park visitor’s center, museum, restroom, and gift shop are located. Viewing the park film first gave me an understanding of the mission system and what the ultimate goal was for these sites. The largest of the missions, known as the Queen of Missions, is unquestionably beautiful. Founded in 1720, this is the most restored mission on the trail. I took a guided tour and viewed the protective rock walls, impressive church, granary, and the well-cared-for open plaza. Seeing that this is an active parish, the members were busy enjoying the spaces that are part of their heritage.

Mission Concepción

I continued on to one of the oldest unrestored churches in the United States. Mission Concepción was founded in 1716 and moved to this site in 1731. A once-striking building that had been painted with colorful geometric designs, it now stands with weathered walls 250 years later. This would have been a walled compound, but the church, priest’s residence, and quarry are all that remain today. I explored the four rooms within the priest’s residence and viewed the beautiful “Eye of God” painted on the library ceiling. This was the quietest location I visited while in the National Historical Park.

Mission San Juan

I certainly couldn’t miss seeing Mission San Juan with its white exterior and stunning three-bell tower. The Mission was founded in 1716 and moved to this site in 1731 along the San Antonio River. Although smaller than the two previous missions, the grounds here offered ample farmland and access to the river. I walked over to the San Juan Acequia to see how the water is moved from the river to the demonstration farm and then explored the small museum. If you want to attend mass, they have two services on Sunday.

Mission Espada

My favorite mission of the day was Mission Espada, with its beautiful three-bell tower. This southernmost mission was founded in 1690 and moved to this site in 1731. I was struck by how simple this charming yet rustic church was constructed of bricks instead of limestone. A stunning rock wall surrounds the courtyard, and the grounds are dotted with lush mesquite trees. I really felt like I had stepped back in time with how remote it felt here, even though it is a very active parish.

The Sites that Make up the Rest of the UNESCO World Heritage Site

Ranchero de las Cabras

One of the first ranches in Texas, Ranchero de las Cabras, was an outpost for the Mission Espada. The area was discovered as ruins were found in the prairie lands 30 miles south of Mission Espada. The only way to see this area is with a 2-hour guided tour with a park ranger that must arranged ahead of time.

Espada Aqueduct

I took a short drive north of Mission Espada to see the oldest Spanish aqueduct in the United States. Built between 1740 and 1745, the Espada Aqueduct spans a six-mile creek connecting the hand-dug ditches on either side. This beautiful, double-arched stone bridge still carries water south to Mission Espada.

The Alamo

I drove back into downtown San Antonio to see the final site that made up my “take the exit” destination. The Alamo is the final location that completes this Texas UNESCO World Heritage Site. Originally known as the Mission San Antonio de Valero, it was established in 1718 and moved to its current location in 1724. It ceased being a mission in 1793. I had gotten a free-timed ticket and spent a number of hours at the 4.2-acre compound viewing museums and exhibits on Texas history and the Texas Revolution. There are so many things to see here, including the church, long barracks, statues, cannons, and so much more. Famous for its role in the 13-day siege fought in 1836 for Texas liberty, it is one of the most visited locations in the city.

There are so many things to see and do in San Antonio, and being a vanlifer makes it so easy. Just a quick exit off the highway, and you are immersed in over 300 years of history. Planning on staying in the area for a few days? There are a number of campgrounds highly recommended by the RV Life community. So are you ready to “Take the Exit” and see some amazing historic sites in San Antonio, Texas?