South Texas · History · City
The Alamo
San Antonio, Texas
Family friendlyFounded in 1718 as Mission San Antonio de Valero, the Alamo is where about 200 defenders held out for 13 days in 1836 — the shrine of Texas liberty.
Entry to the church is free but timed; reserve a slot online, then add the guided or audio tour for the full battle story.
Know before you go
Plan your visit
Nearest town: San Antonio · About 0 hrs from San Antonio · Explore the San Antonio city guide →
- Best season
- October–April; March 6 anniversary events
- Time needed
- 2–3 hours
- Cost
- Free church entry; $ tours and exhibits
- Getting around
- Flat plaza and accessible church; paid garages nearby.
- Reservations
- Reserve a free timed church entry online.
For families: Living-history musket demos on the plaza are a hit; hats off inside the church — it's a shrine.
Where to eat
Schilo's Delicatessen
German deli on Commerce St. since 1917 — get the root beer.
Family friendlyCasa Rio
The River Walk's first restaurant, opened 1946.
Family friendlyThe Guenther House
Pioneer Flour mill-house breakfast in King William.
Family friendlyMenger Bar
1887 bar where Teddy Roosevelt recruited Rough Riders.
Things to do nearby
Alamo Church & Long Barrack
The 1744 church and the oldest building on the site.
Family friendlyAlamo Collections Center
Crockett, Bowie and Travis-era artifacts, including the Phil Collins collection.
Family friendlySan Fernando Cathedral & The Saga
Defenders' tomb and a free nightly light show.
Family friendlyLa Villita
Artisan village on one of the city's first neighborhoods.
Bike to the four other Spanish missions.
Hours and details change — check before you go.
Also nearby
South Texas · History
San Antonio Missions
The Alamo plus four 18th-century missions linked by the River Walk's Mission Reach — a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Hill Country · Music & Culture
Gruene Hall
Texas's oldest continually operating dance hall, with worn wood floors and live music most nights.
Hill Country · Country & Small Towns
Fredericksburg
German heritage, peach stands, Main Street shops and a wine trail that stretches down Highway 290.
Parks & recreation nearby
Curated trips
Weekends our advisor already planned
Advisor picks · Tours & tastings
San Antonio tours & food our advisor recommends
Hand-picked by our Texan travel advisor so nobody has to be the designated driver. You book and pay directly on Viator.
History & River Walk
- FeaturedSan Antonio Premium City Tour with Alamo & River Walk CruiseAbout 4 hoursThe Alamo, the missions and a river cruise in one morning.See dates & prices
- San Antonio Full Day Historic City TourAbout 8 hoursA full day of historic sights, with lunch included.See dates & prices
- Ultimate San Antonio Walking Experience: Alamo & River Walk Cruise3½ to 4 hoursA guided walk through the Alamo and downtown, finished on the water.See dates & prices
- Podcast Tour: San Antonio's Cultural Shift, Adobe to AshlarAbout 2 hoursA self-guided audio walk through the city's architecture.See dates & prices
Food
After dark & day trips
- San Antonio's Ultimate Ghost and Murder Walking TourAbout 1½ hoursTrue crime and ghost stories after dark.See dates & prices
- San Antonio Ghost Tour: Haunted History Walking TourAbout 1½ hoursHaunted history around downtown's oldest blocks.See dates & prices
- Taste of Fredericksburg Small-Group Wine Tour from San Antonio6 to 7 hoursA Hill Country wine day with the driving handled.See dates & prices
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Tours, tastings & tickets
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