The best way to visit the missions is by bike but the weather did not cooperate for us. Instead we drove to each of the 4 missions, which takes most of a morning. Very knowledgeable interpreters, some of whom are volunteers.
Very historical and beautiful. If you enjoy old historic things you will enjoy this. We all love history so this was great.
The missions are all a but different from one another but give you a real feeling of what they must have been like when they were active as missions. They are still used by the Catholic Church for services for local people.
Each one is different, and there are vast differences in the amount of restoration and access, but good to see all four
While the Alamo is the most famous, and has the right to be, Mission San Jose, the Mission National Historic Park is a must see. Entrance is free. The Mission church is still a functioning Catholic community. The mission has been restored as have the Indian quarters. At this time (2013) restoration is still in process and I have on two occasions had great conversations with the stone masons working on the property. The mission church is gorgeous. Be sure to notice the antique graffiti carved around the front entrance. No one necessarily points this out but it's quite interesting. This was done in the early 1800's when the church was mostly in ruins before the facility was restored. As you face the front door, look to the left of the stone facade and find the excellent horse's head an old graffiti artist carved. While all of this is sad to see happened, it is a very interesting touch of history. Graffiti is not new.
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