Exploring San Antonio’s Missions by Bike
The famous Alamo, Mission San José, Mission Concepción, Mission San Juan, and Mission Espada are the five Spanish missions that make up the San Antonio Missions National Historical Park. Each one gives a different view of the past. Walking or riding a bike is one of the best ways to see these historic places because you can enjoy the city's scenery while going at your own pace. Here is a complete guide to riding through San Antonio's missions. We will also show you how Lockaway Storage - Northwest Loop 410 can make your trip even easier by providing safe storage for your bike gear and other items.
The San Antonio Mission Trails
The five Spanish colonial missions in San Antonio are linked by the Mission Trails hike-and-bike system, a series of paths for pedestrians and bicyclists alike. Bicyclists like this trail because it has well-kept paths, not much traffic, and access to many of Texas's most important historical places. The road is mostly flat, so cyclists of all skill levels can use it. This makes it a good choice for families as well.
Lockaway Storage - Northwest Loop 410 is a good place to store any extra bags, gear, or supplies while you get ready for your cycling trip. With a variety of unit sizes and an easy location near the center of San Antonio, this storage facility gives you a safe place to keep your things while you enjoy the Mission Trails.
Starting Point: The Alamo
The Alamo is where your trip down the Mission Trails starts. This world-famous mission, which is in downtown San Antonio, is a sign of Texas's fight to break away from Mexico. Before you ride your bike, check out the sights of the Alamo. See the church, the barracks, and the Long Barrack Museum.
For cyclists, starting early in the day is often best because they can avoid the heat and people. After seeing the Alamo, it's easy to get back on the Mission Trails from the bike tracks that go south to the other missions.
Mission Concepción
From the Alamo, you can go about four miles south to get to Mission Concepción. This mission is famous for being the oldest stone church in America that hasn't been restored. It still looks almost exactly the same as when it was originally built. The well-preserved frescoes and building structure let us take a step back in time to see the mission as it was meant to be seen.
It will be a pleasant ride to Mission Concepción if you ride your bike through quiet areas and parks. Make sure you take a break and enjoy the peace before moving on to the next stop.
Mission San José: The Queen of the Missions
Mission San José is a few miles further south. It is often called the "Queen of the Missions." This mission was built in 1720 and is the biggest of the San Antonio missions. Numerous repairs have been made to it. The church at Mission San José is a beautiful example of the building style of the time. It has beautiful carvings and the famous Rose Window, which is a masterpiece in baroque design.
It also has a visitor center where you can find out more about the past of the mission and the native Ohlone people who lived their lives on the land. The mission's large grounds have granaries, workshops, and living areas that show how the people who lived at the mission lived their daily lives.
Mission San Juan
Keep going down the trail to get to Mission San Juan, which is smaller and quieter than Mission San José. When it was built in 1731, Mission San Juan was known for its fertile farmlands that helped the local people stay alive. With its simple white church and serene landscape all around, the mission makes for a peaceful place to think and relax.
There is also a lovely park at Mission San Juan that you should check out. Often, the mission grounds are less busy than other places, so it's a great place to rest and get ready to keep going.
Mission Espada: The Final Stop
Mission Espada is the southernmost mission in San Antonio. It was built in 1690, making it the first mission in the province of Texas, and moved to its current location in 1731. With its country charm and old aqueduct system that still works today, Mission Espada may have the most interesting atmosphere of all the missions. Visit the acequias and see for yourself that the water is still flowing to this day. It makes a unique, beautiful sight to end your bicycle tour.
Practical Tips for Your Mission Cycling Tour
Ready for your bike trip around the missions? These tips can help.
- Bike Rentals: If you don't have your own bike, you can rent one from a number of shops in the area or even on the trail itself. Some of these shops offer electric bikes for those who need a little extra help on the road or are looking for a relaxing trip.
- Safety First: Always wear a helmet, bring a lot of water, and put on sunscreen before you go. The sun in Texas can be very strong, especially in the summer. You may want to plan your trip to avoid the hottest times of day, or aim to bike on a day with cooler weather.
- Plan Your Visit: Anyone can visit the missions, but it's helpful to know when the tourist centers are open and if there are any events that might affect your trip.
- Storage Solutions: Lockaway Storage - Northwest Loop 410 provides easy and safe storage choices for people who need to keep their bikes, gear, or personal items while they are on tour. Lockaway Storage has spaces that can meet your needs, whether you need short-term storage for the day or long-term storage.
Why Choose Lockaway Storage - Northwest Loop 410?
Cycling on the Mission Trails is fun, but you need to plan ahead and keep track of your gear.If you’re a bicyclist in San Antonio looking to hit the trail, Lockaway Storage - Northwest Loop 410 is the right storage facility for you. We have a range of unit sizes, from 5x5 to 10x30, that can fit your biking gear, souvenirs, or even your collection of bicycles. Do you have a larger vehicle? Don't worry, our facility has parking spaces as well.
Lockaway Storage - Northwest Loop 410 is close to major roads and has easy access to the Mission Trails. It also has state-of-the-art security features, such as climate controlled storage units and 24-hour surveillance, to keep your things safe and out of the elements.