Before Your Education Visit

San Antonio Missions Safety Video - Know Before You Go!

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Welcome to San Antonio Missions National Historical Park, one of over 400 sites managed by the National Park Service.

We're so excited to have you visit us while you prepare for your field trip, please review these important rules to ensure that your visit is fun and safe come on in.

San Antonio Missions National Historical Park protects 4 separate Spanish colonial missions.

These include Mission Concepcion, Mission San Jose, Mission San Juan, and Mission Espada.

Some of these mission communities have had a presence in town for more than 300 years and they're visited by people just like you.

This means that these buildings and ruins are really old and need to be protected so that they can continue to stand for another 300 years.
For your safety and the continued preservation of our past, playing on, climbing, leaning, sitting, or disturbing the walls in any way is not permitted.

Remember, if it's stone, leave it alone.

Did you know that our park is home to over 300 species of animals and nearly 600 kinds of plants?
When visiting, you may encounter wildlife such as insects, squirrels, birds, and even the occasional stray dog or cat.
Just like our historical structures, these critters deserve respect too.

Please do not feed or harass mission animals and make sure all plants, including flowers, are left alone during your visit.
There's a chance you won't be the only ones here.
Each year, San Antonio Missions National Historical Park receives over 1.5 million visitors from around the globe.

As a UNESCO World Heritage Site, these places are special to all who travel here.
And like you, these individuals deserve to enjoy their visit too.

While you and your classmates explore these sites, be respectful of those around you by staying in a straight line, using walking feet, and maintaining an appropriate voice level.

If those walking feet happen to lead you to a really big building, stop for a moment and take a look around.

The churches are often considered to be one of the most striking features of each mission, but they're more than just historical architecture.
They're all active Catholic parishes. Mass weddings, baptisms, quinceaneras, and funerals are a frequent occurrence here, and one of these may be happening when you visit.
Should one of these events occur during your trip, remember to respect those participating and refrain from entering the building.

If the church is open when you visit, feel free to explore the inside.

Just remember to be respectful of potential worshippers by remaining in line, removing all hats, staying silent, and only taking photos of the building, not people.

Finally, while visiting the park, there's a chance you might find cool things on the ground.

Federal law prohibits unauthorized collection of plants, animals, minerals, fossils and historical objects in national parks.

If you do find something special and you want to share it with others, leave it.

Be an alert a Ranger to its precise location.

Remember, leave nothing but footprints and take nothing but pictures.

San Antonio Missions National Historical Park is a special place to so many people and we're so excited that you get to experience it for yourself.
Whether self exploring with your class or joining us for an educational program, we just want to say thank you, thank you, thank you, thank you, thank you for choosing to visit us.

We can't wait to see you.

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Duration:: 4 minutes, 27 seconds

San Antonio Missions National Historical Park needs your help preserving and protecting it! Learn these rules and safety information to be prepared for your visit to the national park. In this flight-attendant inspired safety video, please enjoy these important messages.

Self-Guiding Resources

If your class is visiting San Antonio Missions National Historical Park without a ranger-led program, we would recommend picking up our new Junior Ranger booklet. This is a resource for all ages to learn about the park through a colorful, informational, and fun activity. Upon completion of the activity, students and educators alike can earn a San Antonio Missions National Historical Park Junior Ranger badge.

To obtain this activity:

Please visit our main Visitor Center at Mission San José during operating hours.
Return to the Visitor Center desk upon completion to be "sworn in."
Visitors may also review and download the booklet on this webpage. Please print both hyperlinks for a complete booklet.

San Jose Bus Lane Map — Bus parking map for Mission San José.

Bus Parking Maps

Here you can see recommended bus parking maps per location:

Here are the addresses:
Mission Concepción
807 Mission Road
San Antonio, Texas 78210

Mission San José
6701 San Jose Drive
San Antonio, TX 78214

Mission San Juan
9101 Graf Road
San Antonio, Texas 78214

Mission Espada
10040 Espada Road
San Antonio, Texas 78214

bus lane parking — Bus parking for Mission Concepción, San Juan, and Espada.

leave no trace — Leave No Trace Principles

Expectations for Visiting San Antonio Missions National Historical Park

Please review our park’s Land and Water Acknowledgement Statement

Leave No Trace Seven Principles

Whether it’s one person, one family, or a whole classroom or more of visitors, each of us plays a vital role in protecting our national parks. As we spend time outdoors, it’s important to be conscious of the effects our actions may have on plants, animals, other people, and even entire ecosystems.

Following the Leave No Trace Seven Principles can help us minimize harmful impacts. They can be applied anywhere, at any time, while taking part in recreational activities.

Respectful Church Behavior
The churches at each of the four missions are still active places of worship. If entering the church, please adhear to general curteous behavior such as using quiet voices, being respectful of anyone in prayer, and removing hats when inside the church. The churches are owned and operated by the San Antonio Archdiocese.

Program Request Forms

Ready to book your education program?

We look forward to seeing you at the national park!

Bus Lineup at San Jose — Buses line up at Mission San José's bus lane.
Paola Longoria for the National Park Foundation

Last updated: April 17, 2025

Contact Info

Mailing Address:

Headquarters
2202 Roosevelt Avenue
San Antonio, TX 78210

Phone:

210 932-1001