The Alamo
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For 13 days between February and March of 1836, the Texan Army fought valiantly to defend the Alamo from attacking Mexican soldiers. With more than 2,000 Mexican troops fighting only 260 Texan forces, the Alamo fell. Notable defenders who lost their lives at the Alamo are William Travis, Davy Crockett, and James Bowie. While the Alamo was originally used as a mission, it is now remembered as a fort because of this epic battle. San Antonio, with a population of roughly 1.46 million today, has grown around the Alamo. The Alamo Plaza is a preserved historical site that is now surrounded by downtown buildings and is close to some of the city’s other popular attractions.
How to Get There
The Alamo is only 7 miles from the San Antonio International Airport in the heart of the city. Several VIA bus stops are located within walking distance of the Alamo. Bus stops that are a four-minute walk away are found at Navarro and Houston, Alamo and 3rd Street, and Navarro and Crockett. Numerous public parking garages and lots are also located nearby.
Rent an RV For Your Visit to The Alamo
Visit The Alamo
The Alamo is among the most popular tourist attractions in San Antonio with several million visitors each year. Summer is the peak season for visitors, and the venue is most crowded in the middle of the day. Inside the Alamo and across the grounds, you can find real artifacts and numerous exhibits covering the Battle of the Alamo and its individual defenders. The last Texan defenders fought from the Alamo Church on the grounds, and this is among the most popular attractions. To enjoy all that the Alamo offers, it is best to plan your visit during the offseason or otherwise earlier or later in the day. Numerous exhibits and displays are located outside of the main structure on the grounds, so visit the Alamo when weather conditions are suitable for both indoor and outdoor exploration.
Ticket Information
There is no cost to tour the Alamo and its grounds. However, entry to the Alamo Church is limited to 100 people at a time. You can reserve your ticket for timed entry on the Alamo’s website. A 45-minute audio tour is also available. The cost of the audio tour is $10 for adults and children ages 12 and under. Audio tours for military members, first responders, and senior citizens are $8. Temporary exhibits are displayed at the Ralston Family Collections Center at the back of the grounds. The cost is $14 for adults, $10 for children ages 12 and under, and $12 for seniors, military members, and first responders. Tickets are available online and at the venue.
Family-Friendly Options
The Alamo is a family-friendly venue with accessibility for strollers and wheelchairs. Several courtyards and a huge garden area are on the grounds with seating spaces. Concessions are available at the gift shop.
How to Make the Most of Your Visit
Self-guided tours of the Alamo Church, the Long Barracks, and the grounds are free. However, the best way to get the most out of your visit is to take an audio tour. To reduce your wait time to enter the Alamo Church, reserve your entry time online. Cameras are permitted throughout the venue and grounds, but flash photography is not allowed.
The Alamo Accommodations
Campgrounds Nearby
Traveler’s World RV Resort is just 12 minutes south of downtown San Antonio on I-37, making it easily accessible. It sits along the scenic banks of the San Antonio River, right next to a large golf course and the San Antonio Missions National Historical Park. Just minutes away, you’ll also find a large shopping center, the Walmart Supercenter, and a number of different restaurants.
Located close to famed historical site the Alamo, this is one of the best places in Texas to take a new RV. This KOA books groups from churches, clubs, and other organizations for big events and has something of a Southwestern history and culture theme with chuck wagon breakfasts, bicycle rentals, and fishing being some of the included amenities. Best of all, it’s securely located behind a locked gate.
Mission Trails is a mid-sized park. This is a great choice for people who want to be close to downtown San Antonio, which is just a five-minute drive from this campground. There is also public transit nearby.
Activities Near The Alamo
Things to Do
Fishing
While the Alamo is located in downtown San Antonio, there are several ways to enjoy time outdoors while you are in the area. The San Antonio area is home to several lakes that are popular for fishing. Lake Dunlap in nearby New Braunfels is a great spot for largemouth and Guadalupe bass. Canyon Lake is a much larger lake only a few miles from Lake Dunlap. Largemouth, smallmouth, and Guadalupe bass are found here.
Swimming
With San Antonio’s long, warm summers, you may want to cool off in one of the area’s popular swimming spots. Several parks are located along Canyon Lake with swimming beaches. Swimming is also popular at Blanco River State Park and Guadalupe River State Park.
Stargazing
Stargazing at the Curtis Vaughan Jr. Observatory is a popular way to spend evenings in the San Antonio area. This venue hosts First Friday Stargazing and Friday Nights Celestial Lights. Check the schedule before visiting.
National Sites
Weather, Safety & Accessibility
Weather & Packing
Because a large portion of the Alamo is located outside, visiting the area in the spring or fall months on a sunny day is most ideal. However, because weather conditions can be extreme throughout the year, you should check the weather forecast before packing your suitcase. Comfortable walking shoes, a hat, sunglasses, and sunscreen are recommended.
Safety & Accessibility
The Alamo is a one-story venue that is accessible to those with disabilities. Because occupancy inside the Alamo Church is limited to 100 people, maneuverability with a wheelchair or other device is manageable even at peak times. Staff members are available to assist as needed. Guests are permitted to bring food and drinks on-site, but containers must remain closed while inside the structures.
Conclusion
The Alamo is recognized around the world for the valiant efforts of the brave Texians fighting against Mexican forces. With its location in the center of San Antonio, it is easy to reach and is in proximity to other popular attractions, including the River Walk, the Majestic Theatre, HemisFair Park, the Alamodome, and others. Visiting the historic Alamo is a must for your upcoming trip to San Antonio.
FAQ
Several tent and RV campgrounds are located within a short drive of the Alamo, but camping is not permitted on-site. Some of these campgrounds are the Alamo KOA, Mission City RV Park, and Greentree River North Travel Park.
RV parking is not available on downtown city streets or in nearby parking garages and lots. When traveling to San Antonio in an RV, plan to drive a car or use public transportation to reach the Alamo.
Exhibits and displays are located indoors and outdoors at the Alamo, so you should dress for the weather and bring refreshments in closed containers. You can avoid long waits for entry by reserving your timed entry online before your visit.
Visitors of all ages are welcome at the Alamo. Entry is free, and discounted rates are available for audio tours for select groups.
ADA service animals are permitted at the Alamo. Non-service animals are not allowed.