Mission San Jose, San Antonio: Hours, Address, Mission San Jose Reviews: 4.5/5
Mission San Jose
Mission San Jose
4.5
9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Monday
9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Tuesday
9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Wednesday
9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Thursday
9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Friday
9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Saturday
9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Sunday
9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
About
Founded in 1720, this Spanish frontier mission, the largest of the five San Antonio missions, is best known for its rose window. On Sundays, this Texas and U.S. National historic site offers a mariachi mass.
Suggested duration
1-2 hours
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Top ways to experience Mission San Jose
The area
Address
Neighborhood: Harlandale
Best nearby
Restaurants
324 within 3 miles

Nicha's Comida Mexicana
176
0.4 mi$$ - $$$ • Mexican • Southwestern • Latin

Pizza Hut
3
0.2 miPizza
Mustang Sally's
2
0.3 mi

Taqueria Nuevo Vallarta
12
0.4 mi$ • Mexican

Tequila Mexican Restaurant
5
0.4 miMexican
Subway
2
0.4 mi

Golden Corral
30
0.4 mi$ • American

Luby's
11
0.5 mi$$ - $$$ • American
McDonald's
2
0.5 mi
Church's Texas Chicken
2
0.5 miAmerican
Attractions
144 within 6 miles

San Antonio Missions National Historical Park
1,900
29 ftPoints of Interest & Landmarks • Parks

Mission Trail
844
407 ftHistoric Walking Areas
San Antonio Public Library - Mission Branch
1
0.3 miLibraries

San Antonio River Walk
26,741
Scenic Walking Areas

The Alamo
19,428
Historic Sites • History Museums

Padre Park
1
0.5 miParks • Playgrounds

Mission Concepcion
1,009
2.2 miMissions

Hot Wells At Bexar County
4
0.6 miPoints of Interest & Landmarks

PicaPica Plaza
7
0.6 miShopping Malls

Mission San Juan
354
2.4 miMissions
Contribute
Detailed Reviews: Reviews order informed by descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as cleanliness, atmosphere, general tips and location information.
Popular mentions
4.5
3,446 reviews
Excellent
2,522
Very good
806
Average
108
Poor
7
Terrible
3
TimGinMN
Maple Grove, MN65 contributions
As others have said this is one of the must see places in San Antonio. After visiting the Alamo, we went into a tourist information shop across the street and found out they have a special city bus (VIA) route that stops at all 4 of the missions that are in a string to the south of downtown. A bus pass for the whole day (good for all city buses) was only $2.75 each and we could get off an on at each mission. A much better bargain than the "tourist" buses. Since it was the mission route their were mostly adventuresome visitors on the bus. We did ride a regular route for one leg as it parallels the mission route and the driver stopped and said it would stop at the next mission. He also made sure we knew that we had to get back on the right route number to get to the next mission or back to downtown. Very helpful.
If you don't need your hand held, this is the "route" to go!
If you don't need your hand held, this is the "route" to go!
Written March 5, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
wireless_in_CA
United States4,585 contributions
Couples
It’s been over 20 plus years since I last visited the San Antonio missions. The National Park Service in collaboration with the Catholic Church have done a very good job maintaining the churches but also creating visitor centers to provide more information on their history. Definitely so much nicer and better maintained now than my first visit.
The San Jose Mission was the largest in size and breadth including many of the supporting structures. Inside each were more details about life in the mission as well as the efforts during its renovation. Rangers also roamed throughout and gave talks.
It was a little walk from the visitor center to the back where the church was located. Path was mostly gravel.
The San Jose Mission was the largest in size and breadth including many of the supporting structures. Inside each were more details about life in the mission as well as the efforts during its renovation. Rangers also roamed throughout and gave talks.
It was a little walk from the visitor center to the back where the church was located. Path was mostly gravel.
Written May 31, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Russell A
Portland, OR180 contributions
There are 4 missions you can see and this one was the best. Cool old church you can walk through with a little bit of old art, plus a walled 6 acre open area that you can explore the ruins of this mission. Best part about the missions are the San Antonio electric assist bikes you can rent for $11/day and a nice paved path between teh missions. Definitely the way to go. The path follows the river and is quite lovely as well.
Written April 26, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Kelly B
Iowa4,162 contributions
Family
Wow! I can see why they call this one the crown jewel of the missions.
We arrived around 10 a.m on a Saturday in June; although there were other people visiting as well it was far from crowded.
Near the parking lot there’s a very nice gift shop. Restrooms and water fountains/water bottle refill are also located here.
The actual church is on the far side of the courtyard. Along the way are a few rooms in the long buildings that you can go in. I believe there’s another set of restrooms as you approach the church.
The interior of the church is lovely, and the exterior very impressive. If you continue walking past the church ( you need to go through a stone arch) you’ll find an old mill. Also near the church are a few more rooms with furniture inside, so you can see what it was like. There’s also a miniature model of the mission.
Like the other missions, this one is free and there’s no parking fee. The church does welcome a small donation: there’s a donation box inside the church.
We arrived around 10 a.m on a Saturday in June; although there were other people visiting as well it was far from crowded.
Near the parking lot there’s a very nice gift shop. Restrooms and water fountains/water bottle refill are also located here.
The actual church is on the far side of the courtyard. Along the way are a few rooms in the long buildings that you can go in. I believe there’s another set of restrooms as you approach the church.
The interior of the church is lovely, and the exterior very impressive. If you continue walking past the church ( you need to go through a stone arch) you’ll find an old mill. Also near the church are a few more rooms with furniture inside, so you can see what it was like. There’s also a miniature model of the mission.
Like the other missions, this one is free and there’s no parking fee. The church does welcome a small donation: there’s a donation box inside the church.
Written July 1, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
PurpleAnkh
Fort Washington, MD213 contributions
I am fascinated by the historical significance and the architecture of the mission. I did the mission as part of a half day tour and the visit was awesome. I liked being able to visit the exhibits and seeing some of the original plans such as the living quarters for the residents when the mission was active.
Written June 24, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
volcanogirl
Texas13,429 contributions
We really enjoyed seeing Mission San Jose; of all the missions, San Jose is the largest and has the most to offer. There's a large visitor center with a museum featuring period clothing and weapons. If you have time, watch the free movie about the history of this place and the people who lived here. This mission has the most elaborate architecture, the prettiest interior chapel, the famous rose window, and the most extensive grounds. It's amazing to see history so well preserved. If you only have time to visit a couple of missions, I would make this one a priority.
Written April 19, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
The Elusive Armadillo
10 contributions
Upon advice from friends, we started here for our dip into the Mission history. We watched the film inside the visitor Center first which provided the context for the indigenous roots of the Mission system and the changes to indigenous culture. We then went on a 40 minute tour (free and well worth your time) which took us inside the Mission and provided information on the buildings themselves and the indigenous people who lived there. As a person who comes from The Yukon I was impressed to see the Native peoples hilighted and their contributions and struggles recognized. The Mission itself is a great place to start and was not as busy and hurried as the Alamo.
Written February 15, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
JennieB97140
Portland, OR24 contributions
Couples
It was pretty hot when we got there so we made sure we had cold water with us. There is a lot of walking involved all around the complex. The main church is beautiful. They were getting ready to say mass so we just peeked inside. Take note of the carved door (it's huge) and the statues carved into the stone around the door.
Written June 9, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Scott_Adolphe
Kitchener, Ontario8 contributions
Couples
Visited on a Saturday and went on one of the free guided tours. Ranger Dana was probably the best tour guide I have ever had anywhere. Her energetic, passionate and friendly stories answered questions I didn't know how to ask. I appreciated honesty in the telling of the history here. Highly recommend going on a guided tour to augment the learning experience.
Written March 26, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
TABristolUK
Bristol, UK59 contributions
National Park rangers are exceptional people and they made our visit to MSJ memorable, we attempted the junior ranger badge for my little one which gave our visit a focus, we watched a very moving film on how the local indigenous population sat in catch 22 between Apache attackers and European settlers that eventually killed them and their traditions off through assimilation and disease after thousands of years. We learned a lot about the Mission concept and also how the missionaries despite belief in the honour of their intent never quite achieved the control they had desired. All the missions are different but this was a good first one to start at and you can either drive or for the paltry $2.50 even less for kids, get the fantastic 40 bus to hop between the missions with great drivers reminding you that Texans are some of the friendliest people you'll ever meet. Thumbs up to this mission and the rangers looking after it.
Written January 8, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Explorer785824
Erie, PA8 contributions
How much is open now due to COVID 19?
TimGinMN
Maple Grove, MN65 contributions
According to NPS website:
Independence Day Weekend Modifications to Operations
All parking lots, picnic areas and restrooms will be closed July 2-5. Picnic area parking will also be prohibited near Mission San Jose. Please do not gather at the mission sites on Independence Day weekend. Changes follow modifications made on 3/23.
Louise Escobar
Dallas, TX
Is there an area to get holy water at this church?
DEBH
Indian River, MI221 contributions
Yes you can and we lucky enough to also attend mass as this active church..
parking prove?
Stephen A
Indian Trail, NC346 contributions
Yes... good parking..
Pookiemon89
8 contributions
I want to rent one of the b bikes and bike the trails. My question is are they bike docks at each stop? or do we need to bring our own bike lock?
s24835
Kingston, Ontario36 contributions
As others have said you'll need to dock every 60 minutes or pay an extra fee. Each bike also has a lock built in if you need to lock your bike somewhere. Some ducks may be full in which a quick call to customer service should keep you from being charged extra.
What does it cost
Cody V
Memphis, TN45 contributions
It's free to tour the grounds, but they do ask for a donation of $1 to enter the church.
mjschoenrock
Eden Prairie, MN
Is this mission in the San Antonio Mission National Park?
Brenda M
Dallas, TX10 contributions
Yes. The missions Mission San José, Mission Concepción, Mission San Juan Capistrano, Mission Espada are in the National Park.
Mission San Antonio de Valero "The Alamo" is part of the World Heritage but I don't think it is part of the National Park.
mjschoenrock
Eden Prairie, MN
About how long is the park ranger's guided tour? How long should we plan to be at Mission San Jose?
D0nna52
Centreville, VA46 contributions
I would say spend at least two hours--especially if you view the theatre presentation before seeing the mission.
Ferreira C
alsace78 contributions
Bonjour ,
Je me permet de vous contacter par rapport à votre séjour à San Antonio.
Je compte faires les différentes missions et j'aimerai savoir si c'est compliquer de se garer ?
J'ai entendu dire que les parkings étaient très chers.
Et avez vous fait la river walk ?
J'ai entendu dire que l'on peut circuler avec des vélos en libre accès mis à disposition par la ville ... Quelqu'un a déjà essayé ?
Merci d'avance pour les réponses
Mercedeshes
Madrid, Spain83 contributions
Buenas noches,
Excepto El Alamo, en el resto el aparcamiento es gratuito y con muchas plazas para aparcar.
No hice el paseo en el barco y desconozco la opción de las bicicletas gratuitas, lamento no poder darle esta informacion.
Un saludo
Barbara m
Winterville, GA56 contributions
How much time should I allow to visit Mission San Jose?
Red House Project/Julie
Little Falls, NY213 contributions
At least an hour
Jean T
Montgomery, TX14 contributions
What are the pet friendly areas/places along the Riverwalk. We will be traveling with our dog.
Baldragon448
Dundee, UK80 contributions
Although we don't have pets we did see a few people around with dogs on leashes etc. at San Jose and on the Riverwalk.
Frequently Asked Questions about Mission San Jose
- Mission San Jose is open:
- Sun - Sat 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
- We recommend booking Mission San Jose tours ahead of time to secure your spot. If you book with Tripadvisor, you can cancel up to 24 hours before your tour starts for a full refund. See all 9 Mission San Jose tours on Tripadvisor
- According to Tripadvisor travelers, these are the best ways to experience Mission San Jose:
- San Antonio Missions Tour with Hotel Pick Up (From $85.00)
- San Antonio Missions UNESCO World Heritage Sites Tour (From $65.00)
- Small-Group World Heritage San Antonio Missions Guided Tour (From $70.84)
- Best of San Antonio Tour from Austin Texas (From $215.00)
- Private Missions and More - Half-day City Tour (From $134.00)
- Hotels near Mission San Jose:
- (0.24 mi) Camino Real Motel
- (2.08 mi) Embassy Suites by Hilton San Antonio Brooks Hotel & Spa
- (4.47 mi) Canopy By Hilton San Antonio Riverwalk
- (5.64 mi) Hotel Emma at Pearl
- (0.91 mi) Travelers World RV Resort
- Restaurants near Mission San Jose:
- (0.21 mi) Pizza Hut
- (0.37 mi) Nicha's Comida Mexicana
- (0.30 mi) Mustang Sally's
- (0.36 mi) Taqueria Nuevo Vallarta
- (0.42 mi) Tequila Mexican Restaurant