Visiting The Alamo:  Things To Know Before You Visit

Are you planning a trip to San Antonio and wondering if visiting The Alamo is worth it or not?

Short answer: YES.

But if you’re anything like me, you may want to know why and what exactly to do here.

Don’t worry—I’ve got you!

Whether you’re a history buff, casual tourist, or just someone who loves to explore free attractions while traveling, this place is for you!

In this guide, I’m breaking down exactly what to expect when visiting The Alamo.

Where to go, what to do, what to know in advance, and more.

Excited to know more about the Alamo?

Then, read my article on Things I Wish I Knew Before Visiting The Alamo!

Visiting The Alamo: Things To Know Before You Visit

Short History of The Alamo

Before you plan your visit to the Alamo, it is important to know its history.

Let me share a short summary of it with you.

You might’ve heard the phrase “Remember the Alamo!” in movies or memes.

But the story behind it is quite intense.

The Alamo was originally a Spanish mission built in the 1700s—Mission San Antonio de Padua.

Its purpose? To spread Christianity and help establish a Spanish foothold in Texas.

Later, it became a fortress and military post.

The reason why it’s important for Americans is due to the 1836 Battle of the Alamo.

During the Texas Revolution, a small group of Texan fighters helped out for 13 days against thousands of Mexican troops.

Sadly, they lost, but their sacrifice helped in Texas’ fight for independence.

As a result, the Alamo turned into a symbol of bravery, resistance, and Texas pride.

Here are my tips for traveling to San Antonio, Texas! Especially if it is your first time.

Where The Alamo Is Located And How To Get There

Now, let’s get to the address of the Alamo and how you can get here.

The Alamo is located at 300 Alamo Plaza, San Antonio, and is quite accessible.

From the San Antonio River Walk, it is just an easy stroll, depending on where your hotel is located,

There is a street parking lot behind the Alamo, but it gets filled quite quickly in the morning.

Thankfully, there are a few other parking options also available:

Parking Options:

• St. Mary’s Garage – It is reliable and close, but can be expensive at about $10–12.
• Riverbend Garage – This is slightly pricier but right next to the River Walk.
• Travis Park Plaza – You can get meter parking here which costs around $2 for 2 hours and is a 10-minute walk to the Alamo.
• If you are staying in a nearby hotel, then you can always walk to the Alamo.
• Another option is to check with your hotel about the free shuttle buses that many hotels offer to their guests for The Alamo.

Be Respectful Visiting The Alamo: This is Sacred Ground

I have noticed that a lot of people forget that this is not just a tourist attraction.

It is a shrine and burial site for those who died during the battle.

This is why you must treat the place with the respect that it deserves.

Make sure to keep your voices low, especially when exploring inside the Church.

Don’t take photographs inside the church, it is not allowed. Also, remove the hats when you are entering the shrine.

Of course, this seems like a basic rule that many people forget, but you shouldn’t be sitting or climbing the walls.

And yes, no food or drinks are allowed in the sacred area.

Visiting Hours For The Alamo

Let’s discuss the visiting hours for The Alamo now.

It is open from 9 AM to 5:30 PM every day of the year, except Christmas Day.

I think visiting the Alamo in the morning is the best.

You will not only escape the tourist rush but also find the weather more pleasant at this time.

The Alamo is crowded during the peak season which is why I feel off-season is the best time to visit San Antonio, including the Alamo.

September to October and March to April are great as the weather is still warm but there are fewer tourists.

Also, consider visiting the Alamo on a weekday between 9 and 11 AM to avoid school group excursions.

Entry Fee and Tickets for The Alamo

YES, it is free to enter The Alamo Church and the courtyard.

But there is so much more to see, and it requires admission.

It is a strong suggestion to reserve a ticket online.

This holds especially true if you are planning a visit during the weekends, spring break, or any holiday season.

Take The Audio Tour Of The Alamo

Okay, if there’s one thing I recommend doing at The Alamo, it’s taking the audio tour.

Well, you get to walk at your own pace while listening to a gripping story with rich details, so you feel as if you are watching history unfold in front of you.

The audio tour is not free. But if you are traveling with family and want an enriching experience for your kids, then taking an audio tour is a good choice.

Don’t Miss The Shrine: The Alamo Church

Of course, when you are visiting The Alamo, you cannot miss the Alamo Church.

It is the heart of the complex, the iconic front that you see in every photo.

One thing to remember when you visit is that you cannot take photos inside the shrine.

This ensures that you stay present during the visit.

Inside the shrine, you’ll find the original limestone walls, artifacts that were recovered from the site, and the tribute plaques for the fallen soldiers.

The feeling of standing at a place where people made sacrifices for freedom is indescribable.

You won’t spend more than 10-15 minutes here, but it’ll stay with you for longer.

Enjoy The Scenery At The Alamo

Okay, I wasn’t expecting the grounds here to be so beautiful.

From the stone archways to the tall oak trees, to blooming flowers, everything adds a magical touch to this place.

Honestly, it made me feel like sitting on a bench and just taking in the surroundings peacefully and quietly.

So, if you are not a history buff, you can still visit the Alamo for a calming experience and take some amazing photographs.

Explore The Long Barrack Museum

A lot of people miss this, but I feel the Long Barrack Museum is a must-visit.

It is the oldest standing structure at the site, and there is an awesome museum inside.

You can learn about the 1836 battle, what happened before it, during it, and after it. Plus, there are personal stories of people who fought and died here.

There are also original artifacts like letters, uniforms, and weapons that you can admire here.

Don’t Skip The Living History Encampment When Visiting The Alamo

Another thing that surprised me upon visiting the Alamo is that there is a Living History Encampment just outside the main building!

Here, you will find costumed interpreters demonstrating how people lived during the 1830s.

There will be shown traditional cooking demos, old-school weaponry, blacksmithing, etc.

Plus, some cool Q&A with people wearing full historical gear.

Trust me, this is perfect for kids and fun for adults as well. It feels like a fun way to travel back in time.

Visiting The Alamo: Make A Wish In The Courtyard

Another thing I would suggest you try, just for fun, is touching one of the oak trees planted in the courtyard and making a wish while closing your eyes.

The locals believe it brings you peace, clarity, and good luck.

Now, I’m not saying it’s a magic tree. But I did it. And it felt meaningful.

So, why not just try it? What do you have to lose?

When Visiting The Alamo: Visit The Gift Shop

Last, but not least, don’t miss the official Alamo Gift Shop here.

Trust me, it is not your usual souvenir scam, there are some amazing things that you can buy here.

This includes historic maps & replicas, art prints, books, Texas merch, and so much more.

So, if you wish to bring a thoughtful gift home or if you like collecting unique things on your trips, then do pay this gift shop a visit.

If you are in the planning stages of your trip to San Antonio, here is my article on planning a girls’ weekend in San Antonio!

Visiting The Alamo: Essentials Packing List

If you will be traveling, either by plane or by car, to San Antonio, Texas, here are some tips on how to pack lightly.

This unisex RFID-blocking concealed travel pouch is lightweight and comes in several colors.

These RFID sleeves are another solution.

This Anker high-speed phone charging battery is the exact one I carry with me on all of my trips.

My daughter gifted me this FugeTek selfie stick and tripod setup for my birthday. It is made of lightweight aluminum and so easy to use.

I never leave home on a trip without my Bobble filtration bottle. The 18.5-ounce size is perfect for when exploring.

And the replacement carbon filter ensures fresh, clean water whenever you fill the Bobble.

Then this collapsible silicone foldable water bottle would work well for you as well.

This foldable water-resistant backpack would be great for a daily go-pack.

These quick dry slip-on Aqua shoes will be useful when heading to the hotel pool.

These men’s quick dry trunks are essential.

For women, this one-strap one-piece bathing suit is amazing.

Consider bringing along quick-dry super-absorbent microfiber towels.

This wet-dry bag with handles is a good option.

These unisex polarized sunglasses come in many lens colors and frame designs and are extremely affordable too.

If you are fond of aviator-style sunglasses, these polarized aviators may interest you.

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Where to Stay in San Antonio

Comfort Suites Alamo/River Walk – If you are looking for a budget stay with unique features, then Comfort Suites Alamo-River Walk is a good choice.

This is a boutique-style hotel with old-world Spanish charm and is close to The Alamo.

Plus, there is an outdoor pool and a fitness center along with free WiFi to make your stay more comfortable in San Antonio.

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Drury Plaza Hotel San Antonio Riverwalk – For a mid-range hotel, you can check out Drury Plaza Hotel San Antonio Riverwalk which is close to numerous city attractions.

The hotel has a rooftop pool with two whirlpools, two-room suites with terrace patios, daily happy hour, and so much more.

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Mokara Hotel & Spa – For a 4-star experience, I would highly recommend the Mokara Hotel & Spa which is located along the River Walk in a historic 19th-century building.

What I love about this place is that they have a full-service spa, rooftop pool, fitness center, luxurious amenities, etc. and it is close to the key attractions in San Antonio.

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