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San Antonio, TX

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The Alamo

4.3 (1.5k reviews)
Closed • 9:00 am - 5:30 pm

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Delores L.

Growing up in San Antonio, TX whenever friends and family visited, they would certainly want to see The Alamo primarily due to its historical significance. I do not even remember how many times I have visited The Alamo, however, it is a lot. The Alamo was originally built as San Antonio Mission de Valero in 1718. It was later converted to a military fort called The Alamo. In 1836, The Alamo was a key fortress during the Texas Revolution, when Texas tried to secure its independence from Mexico. A small group of Texas defenders including Davy Crockett, James Bowie and William Travis fought to secure The Alamo for 13 days before being defeated by the Mexican army led by General Santa Anna. This uprising is known as the Battle of The Alamo, which is key to Texas history. Over the years, they have renovated The Alamo grounds making it more visitor friendly.

Walking inside is a step back in time.
Dan L.

You know, I had heard about the Alamo ever since I was a kid, heard about it in history class and in different TV shows, but you never really get to know something until you get to see it in person. I had a few hours to kill in San Antonio and thought this is definitely something on my bucket list. Beforewarned, choose your parking well. I went to the main parking lot as it was the closest, and had no idea. I was going to spend $36 to park for 2 hours. Take my advice, a little farther away is a $5 parking lot, save the money and buy yourself a t-shirt at the gift shop. That being said, with a senior discount, it only cost me $13 to get in and see the Alamo and the museum, and is totally worth it. Buff this is definitely a place for you. They have done a great job of preserving and restoring these grounds. Walking through the Alamo was a step back in time. Even though the battle itself only lasted 90 minutes, you totally get the feeling that that was the most intense 90 minutes of some people's lives. There are many plaques honoring the different people who lost their lives in this battle, as well as people that history had forgotten about.. sort of like the tomb of the unknown soldier. Over in the Alamo exhibit, are artifacts from people's personal collections. Now granted, I had no idea that Phil Collins. The musician was a big fan of the Alamo. But a lot of his personal items were on display. Super cool that he would donate his entire collection to the Alamo preservation society. I'm not going to lie, one of the main reasons that I wanted to come to the Alamo was to see Pee-Wee Herman's bike from Pee-Wee's Big adventure. You know, when he goes to Texas because a Fortune tiller told him his bike was in the basement of the Alamo? Well the bike is at the Alamo, but not in the basement because they don't have one. But there it was on full display. That alone was worth the $13 to get in. The two buildings are really great to go through, but there's more to see on the grounds, such as a live history encampment where guys dressed in the garb of today we're showing off muskets that could have been used during the war, as well as people showing gunpowder pistols. It was a really cool step back in time and is definitely worth the $13 to get in. Bottom line? Getting to view history is an amazing thing, if you are ever in the San Antonio area and have a couple hours to spend, I highly recommend going and checking out the Alamo.

Post board
Kevin G.

So glad we were able tp bring our three grandchildren to see the Alamo and go over the history of it. Had a chance to walk around the old church mission and see all of the new things they are doing to make the Alamo and the area improve so it will be around for many years to come to preserve our young history of this country. It was odd to hear that Americans were call "Immigrants" when they were coming into the Mexican republic. Many a hero died that day at the Alamo, 200 AMERICANS gave their life for the Republic of Texas in it infancy. Gift store had plenty of options to pick from and the staff was very helpful throughout out our visit.

Anjali G.

Must visit in San Antonio. They're doing a lot of construction right now. The line to enter moves pretty quickly. You need a ticket but it's free. It's very very hot this time of year and the air conditioning inside the alamo is terrible but in the welcome center where you need to pick up the ticket is good.

Timmy S.

What a stirring experience to walk through this historic site! I initially figured we'd be here for a short visit but, between the church, the grounds, and the museum, we spent three hours here. You must get a free ticket to go inside the church (it prevents overcrowding), which is the structure you associate with the Alamo. We got ours off the Alamo website ahead of time. You can pay for a tour or audio devices or just walk around on your own for free. We did the latter and found that whenever we had questions there were plenty of docents who could happily provide detailed answers. There is also, for a fee, a museum on site with many artifacts from that time period. Many items were donated by avid Alamo collectors including musician Phil Collins and David Zucker (director of Airplane! and Naked Gun). A new museum is being constructed as of the date of this review. A gift shop is on site too as well as many statues throughout the grounds honoring those involved in the battle. This is a "must visit" for anyone who comes to San Antonio, even more so if you love history.

Andrea F.

I am a such a history buff, and this place didn't disappoint. I loved how well they preserved the integrity of the structures and told the story of the Alamo. We opted for the self-guided tour. My sons hunted for the markers actively and couldn't wait to hear the story. The tickets are well underpriced for the value. I highly recommend you go in the fall or winter. You need at least 4 hours to enjoy the entire grounds, but the summer heat took the wind out of sails after about 2.5 hours. Overall, I want to go back and experience it again. It was phenomenal.

James C.

I was lucky to be in town for work staying five minutes away. I got to sneak away for a half hour to see the famous San Antonio landmark. What a great slice of history. It's free to go inside however, you have to pay for entry into the shop? Go figure. Surrounding they are doing tons of construction, but there's also a bunch of historical placards going over the history. It's always crowded, but it's spaced out. Great way to kill an afternoon. The Alamo In! I remember

Dale S.

You should definitely remember the Alamo... but that might be a little bit harder than you think. The Alamo was great but it was one of those places (like the Statue of Liberty for me personally) where it just feels smaller than you expected it to. I guess we hear so much about some of these places and things that they get really built up in our head and that's kind of sad because it can lead to some disappointment when we actually get to see them for ourselves. The grounds are well kept, clean and easy to walk through. There were a lot of people when I visited but it still had a calm feel. There are displays and historical markers that give context to everything and basically covers the essentials of the history here. I'm glad we stopped here, but I don't know if this is something that you would do more than once. It can get really packed but it's definitely a must do if you're in the area. And don't worry because it doesn't take as long as you think it might.

Cherise B.

I came here in 2010 and again today. Much of what made the previous experience special was that the Alamo wasn't trying to cash in at every opportunity. It was maintained by donations. And I get needing to raise money, but not to the point it becomes a subpar tourist attraction. This is a place where hundreds of men were killed. I won't get into the history behind the Texas Revolution but before, you had to maintain a reverent disposition while in the museum and chapel. You took your hat off inside the building. You took an opportunity to quietly wander the grounds of one of the oldest buildings in Texas. Now, the displays show cringey 3D graphics attempting to pass as photos, and the scan doesn't even work on the bottom corner. The gift shop is outrageously priced (which is why I'm shocked I found a decently priced history book), but I will say they had a good selection of books. You can't go inside the chapel unless you have tickets, which you have to go across the street for and then return. I am very disappointed in this experience, especially since I have been here during a time where the experience and history meant something. If you know nothing about the Alamo and happen to be in San Antonio at the River Walk, it's worth checking out. But I wouldn't go out of my way for multiple trips.

Sasha K.

Visiting The Alamo makes Texas history feel real the moment you step onto the grounds. The structure is instantly recognizable and more striking in person. there is a small chapel and museum which are full of artifacts, documents, and exhibits about the 1836 battle and the people who fought in it. You can take your time reading about the events or take a pause to soak in your surroundings. Right after, make sure to enjoy the upbeat downtown San Antonio full of tourists, great food and a nice boat ride.

I remembered to remember the Alamo
Babette C.

How can you give anything but 5 stars to a national monument. We came after hours, so the museum was closed, but I appreciate the outdoor displays showing the way the fort looked over the years with information, the statues, and the ability to take a picture in front so that anyone can see it no matter what time. Next time I'll remember to get there during business hours.

Jason M.

It's the Alamo, so if you are in San Antonio, you should see it. What else can be said that hasn't been mentioned? You can see the outside 24 hours a day, it looks pretty at night and it is a safe area. If you go inside, it's free for just the church or the grounds but costs money to get in the museum. The museum is nice, very informative. The Alamo itself is worth an hour, add 2 more for the museum. Very neat place to see in person, Id do it again

Patrick L.

Who doesn't know about the Alamo? Seeing it in person is still impressive, even if it's smaller than I expected. That actually makes the experience feel more personal and focused. I wandered around both inside and outside, taking my time and soaking it all in. The stonework, the quiet interior, and the contrast between the historic mission and the surrounding city create a strong sense of place. The recently completed Alamo Plaza really enhances the site. It's hard to imagine that city streets once ran through the area because now the space feels open, intentional, and thoughtfully reimagined. It gives the Alamo room to stand on its own and makes the whole visit feel calmer and more immersive. There's a large gift store adjacent to the site with a wide mix of stuff. Some of it is genuinely cool and well designed, and some of it leans delightfully kitschy. It's fun to browse and you're almost guaranteed to find something that catches your eye. Definitely worth visiting if you're in San Antonio, whether you're there for the history or just want to see a landmark you've heard about your whole life. 5 stars

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The Alamo Reviews in Other Languages

Ask the Community - The Alamo

Where is parking?

Where ever you can find it. There are paid lots all over the area.

Can you explore the alamo on a rainy day?

Yes. In fact, the day that I had gone, it was raining.

Is it free and can you just show up or do you need to book beforehand?

The Alamo( church) is free. No photos allowed inside. But for $7.00 you can do an audio tour of the grounds.

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Review Highlights - The Alamo

“The Alamo, the infamous site where the Battle of the Alamo took place between Texians and Mexican Troops in 1836.”

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San Antonio Museum of Art - Main Entrance

San Antonio Museum of Art

4.4(253 reviews)
0.8 mi•Downtown

Wow never expected such a world class museum here So much to…read moresee and the lay out is great Spacious and def classy Glass elevators and the glass walkway between the two towers are impressive Love the exhibits from Egypt to China. The bookstore is fun too! They provide stools to sit and saw some artists sketching the Egyptian statues Too much to see. Will def return Also will try the Italian restaurant on campus along the river Romantic and scenic too

What a great experience visiting this art museum again! The last time I was here was in 2016 on a…read moreschool field trip, but now that I live in the area, I've been taking advantage of the free Tuesday events at local museums. This was our second museum visit of the summer while my sister is staying with me. I feel like they've added so many new exhibits since my last visit, or maybe I just rushed through everything back then. This time, I really took my time reading about the artwork and exhibits, and it made the experience so much more fascinating. Each floor had its own unique collections and displays to explore. My favorite part was the Chinese vases exhibit. I don't remember seeing it before, and it was incredibly interesting. It was something completely new to me and definitely stood out during the visit. It was a little warm inside, but nothing that took away from the overall experience. The staff was very friendly and welcoming, and we had a wonderful time. I definitely plan on bringing my other sisters here in the future. Highly recommend checking it out, especially on the free admission days!

Photos
San Antonio Museum of Art - I think I'll commission the carving of a desk as a tribute to my favorite author! (in this case, Miguel de Cervantes) :P

I think I'll commission the carving of a desk as a tribute to my favorite author! (in this case, Miguel de Cervantes) :P

San Antonio Museum of Art
San Antonio Museum of Art

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McNay Art Museum - Architecture  2/2026

McNay Art Museum

4.5(255 reviews)
4.5 mi•Terrell Heights

This place was awesome and so much larger than it looks from the outside. Inside, there were…read morevarious galleries and a garden with a pond in the center filled with koi and turtles. Outside, there are some water features and an outside gallery of sculptures. It has various paintings, statues, and other pieces, including some of Picasso's sculptures, Rodin, and even a Degas downstairs. The cheese doodle pieces in the contemporary section were one of my favorite pieces. It's air-conditioned, takes around 2 hours if you're thoughtfully looking, and has a decent amount of parking. Bonus points if you're on a certain day as a Bank of America cardholder for free entry.

Absolutely beautiful museum! Perfect for a day out and not overwhelming one bit. I happened to luck…read moreout and observe this museum on one of their free entrance days- the first Sunday of the month. Best to arrive around opening time to get parking up close. A sculpture garden surrounds the museum so there's plenty of areas to stroll and take photos. This museum resides in a gorgeous 1920s Spanish colonial revival residence built by Marion McNay. The building itself is art with its wood detailing, arches, and intricate tile ceilings and floors. The actual art collection consisted of over 20,000 items, but only some are displayed and occasionally on rotation. The collection embodied European and American art of the nineteenth century, twentieth, and twenty first centuries. Sooo much to see- paintings, special exhibits, vase collection, Angelica Raquel Mystic Threads, sculptures, and a lovely garden/pond/fountain containing koi. The museum has a gift shop, restrooms, and a special collection of art displayed by many artistic school children. My new found artist I discovered here was Carl Rice Embery. A pure Texan, his art was amazing ! Initially I thought the pieces were photographs, but up close they are actual paintings. That's how realistic they are. Simple Texan scenery. We had a great time and would definitely come back!

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McNay Art Museum - 2/2026

2/2026

McNay Art Museum - 2/2026

2/2026

McNay Art Museum - Sandy Skoglund: Enchanting Nature

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Wonder Chamber

Wonder Chamber

3.8(58 reviews)
6.7 mi•Uptown Loop

I just have to take a moment to shout out Wonder Chamber Selfie Museum I had been here before with…read moremy daughter but when talking about the selfie museum a young lady close to my daughter has been going through a really difficult time. She's a high school senior currently experiencing homelessness, and her mom wasn't able to celebrate her birthday this year.. As someone who runs a nonprofit, I reached out to a few places hoping someone would be willing to help make her day special. When I say they were absolutely amazing, I mean that with my whole heart. They were kind, welcoming, and so accommodating. They helped create a beautiful space where she and her friends could celebrate, laugh, and just be young for a moment. And listen... it wasn't just pictures. It was joy, confidence, and memories. Watching these girls light up, feel beautiful, and enjoy themselves in such a fun, creative environment meant everything. You could literally see their spirits lift. Everybody deserves to feel special, especially on their birthday and especially a young woman pushing through life and still showing up and doing her best. Because of this experience, I will always support and recommend them. If you're looking for a place that brings fun, creativity, and positive energy, this is definitely a spot you should check out

I would say the pricing is steep for the experience. There are definitely some cute photo ops…read more However, it wasn't as interactive as I hoped. The diner was very cool but the juke box wasn't working. The candy room could use a bit more whimsy. I appreciate the vision but it could use some more pizazz. More embellishments, more interactive moments. Just needs more for the price.

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Wonder Chamber
Wonder Chamber
Wonder Chamber

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Briscoe Western Art Museum - Full size chuck wagon

Briscoe Western Art Museum

4.5(140 reviews)
0.3 mi•Downtown

This museum is right off the Riverwalk (if you go the right way). If you are driving, park in the…read morepublic lots nearby, as they will be cheaper than the parking garage directly across the street from the museum. There is a public parking lot down from the museum on the corner of West Market Street and South Alamo Street. One may think, why go to a Western museum, but it's more than just Western information. This museum tells the story of how Texas became Texas. The various tidbits of information were just great, like who knew that in New Spain, Franciscan friars were the first missionaries playing a huge role in evangelizing. If you're even a little curious about how Catholicism plays a role in history, this museum answers those questions and offers insight. They also have an area for Selena. I thought there would be more info about her in that area, but I definitely loved seeing photos from the photographer's own collection. The museum is definitely worth checking out! They also have information for free field trips and various community days with additional activities. The staff to include the security is very knowledgeable about the museum as well.

I have been waiting to check out this museum and it didn't disappoint! Located downtown near the…read moreriverwalk this museum focuses on the history of the American West and teaches you a lot behind san antonio's culture as well. This is such a fun activity for families to check out, with several parts of the museum having interactive art. My favorite part was seeing the exclusive Selena art exhibit which ends January 4th so make sure to check it out before it's gone! It was amazing seeing the history behind some of the topics discussed in school and around the world. This is a great place for some down time especially if you are looking for something different and quiet to do in San Antonio. They also offer tours and sometimes have different events that happen so make sure to follow their accounts to keep up with what's going on!

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Briscoe Western Art Museum - One of my favorites

One of my favorites

Briscoe Western Art Museum
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The DoSeum - Dino exhibit (7/2026)

The DoSeum

4.2(345 reviews)
2.1 mi•Mahncke Park

My grandson and I go here once a week! We are members, and I cannot imagine our lives without this…read moreweekly outing. There is constantly something new to do... And the consistently is reassuring for young children. They are always adding new exhibits, and they decorate for the holidays impeccably... My grandson and I make an effort just to walk around and look at the decorations... It is so much fun! We spend so much time engrossed in one singular activity that we have to go back week after week and it seems like there's always something brand new to do there! Take a change of clothes if you're going to go because if you don't go home wet or dirty you didn't do it right! There are water exhibits outside add gravel pits to play in and bubbles to experiment with outdoors and of course if you want to stay clean and neat , there are lots and lots of things to do indoors. I've never met any parent or child who hasn't been thrilled to walk in excited or walk out exhausted from that facility. Everyone has a great time and there is food available at the mini Bakery Lorraine... a limited menu: the items we have ordered have been satisfying for children and shareable for one adult and kid. Healthy options and satisfying for picky eaters. Kid food. Don't expect high cuisine... but what you order there will be satisfying and hold you over until you get home... Keep you satisfied until nap time... Until dinner. It serves its purpose and well it is good food. The chef brings it out to you personally or the shift manager does... with a smile on their face... they recognize regulars and I love that.

I finally got back to the Doseum. It's been years since I've been here. FYI: Admission was $18 for…read moreme and my child (total $36). The price can be expensive for parents with multiple children. Even on family day (free admission), tickets are taken within seconds. Anyway, we visited on Saturday and even though it was crowded, we managed to experience and view lots of exhibits. This is truly a children's museum where children can interact and touch some exhibits. Parking is free and plentiful. The cafe food is OK and moves quickly.

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The DoSeum - Dino exhibit (7/2026)

Dino exhibit (7/2026)

The DoSeum - Upstairs with the tool area

Upstairs with the tool area

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Shadow work

The Alamo - museums - Updated October 2026

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