Mission San Juan, San Antonio

✝️ Quiet, Open-Ground Mission - Perfect for a Peaceful Stroll ✝️ My pictures will speak louder than my words can when discussing San Juan. It's a tranquil, vibrant, and homey Mission, with an onsite chapel. There's a house built nearby where someone actively lives, and their small courtyard and porch make for some cozy photographic keepsakes (benches, stone walls, old doors, lush potted plants, etc.). The grounds are just the right size for a stroll, with many paved pathways leading through the Mission into the woods--for those seeking a longer venture. History buffs will want to visit the burial grounds, as well as see the chapel's interior, with its thatched ceiling and soft yellow glow. It's a great choice for explorers wanting to visit a quieter locale with less traffic.

I loved learning about these missions. A fun family place to visit. No charge for this national historic park. They do have a jr Ranger program at the main visitors center and the Ranger so super friendly and helpful. A great variety at the gift shop with local artist.

More than historic ruins. We did our own tour of all of the missions in San Antonio, and the Mission San Juan Capistrano is as unique and has its own identity as any of the other missions. They are all within just a few miles of each other, and can all easily be seen in a day. The Alamo is the most famous mission, but these more “local” ones are arguably more charming and personable in a sense. For more info, I’d recommend looking at my profile to review my other brief reviews regarding the missions. At glance, this specific site has a large green space with a plain, yet elegant white church. One could spend 30 minutes strolling around and see the entire grounds, or a couple of hours. Either or, it’s a lovely visit. The Mission San Juan is family friendly, welcoming regardless of religion, and an overall wonderful place to spend the day. It was founded in 1731 by Spanish Catholics and sits on the eastern banks of the San Antonio River. The first chapel was built out of brush and mud. Later on a campanile ("bell tower") containing two bells was added into the structure, around 1750’s.

Great and beautiful historical mission church with lots of space to walk around and reflect. I hate all that there’s Covid propaganda but don’t let that stop you. Bonus the church still holds service.

If you like history this trip is for you. Free visit in all three missions. All three few minutes apart. Like 15 min in a car from San Antonio town. Beautiful churches and museum. Nice,clean and very interesting..the trees are beautiful. A place to walk and enjoy.Real history.. people working were absolutely nice. All Texas people were very friendly during my trip from Plano, San Agustin and Austin!