Top Tips For Visiting The Alamo

As one of San Antonio’s and Texas’s top attractions, the Alamo is a MUST see! You can’t go to San Antonio and not visit the Alamo if it’s your first time. Is it touristy? Absolutely! Will it be crowded? Probably! Since it’s a must, here are the best tips for visiting the Alamo.

What is the Alamo?

Just in case you didn’t grow up in Texas and don’t understand the significance of visiting an old building, I’ll share a little history.

The Alamo is one of 24 UNESCO World Heritage Sites in the US. It’s a national landmark and symbols Texas resistance to oppression. Over 2.5 million people visit this site each year.

Established as a mission in 1718, the Alamo was built to offer protection for Indians from hostile tribes and convert them to Catholicism.

Fast forward a hundred years to 1836 and now it’s the site for the Battle of the Alamo where Texas is fighting against Mexico for independence. Unfortunately after a 13 day siege, it becomes a massacre, a brutal loss.

This is a pivotal turning point in the war and rallies Texans to fight harder. “Remember The Alamo” becomes their battle cry and Texas wins their independence.

Where is the Alamo?

The Alamo is located in downtown San Antonio surrounded by shops and other attractions in Alamo Plaza.

Because the Alamo is a war memorial, no man made structures can cast a shadow on it.

300 Alamo Plaza San Antonio, TX 78205

When to Visit the Alamo?

The Alamo is open daily except Christmas from 9:00 AM- 5:30 PM.

Summer and spring break are peak times, so I recommend visiting from September – early May (excluding spring break in March) for less crowds and better weather.

Also, week day morning times are best before the crowds and weather heats up.

Tips For Visiting The Alamo:

1. Admission is FREE for a self guided tour! One of the best tips for visiting the Alamo is to take a guided tour or using the audio tour to learn more. However it’s not a necessity, you’ll still get a lot of just visiting.

2. Like I stated earlier, when to visit is very important if you want the least amount of crowds as possible. Ideally you want to visit during a weekday morning before 11:00 AM. And visit during off peak times from September to May excluding spring break.

3. They do not allow you to wear hats in the Alamo. I wouldn’t bring one, unless you’re fine with carrying it the entire time.

4. No pictures are allowed to be taken inside the Alamo and this includes phone pictures.

5. Check out the gift shop to see an entire diorama of the battle!

6. Take in the scenery, because this is a beautiful historic site!

7. If driving, allow extra time to find parking. The Alamo does not have it’s own parking, but there are several parking garages nearby.

8. Allow at least 1 to 2 hours to tour the Alamo.

Attractions Near The Alamo:

The Alamo is located to a number of attractions within walking distance.

San Antonio Riverwalk
Rivercenter Shops – (Legoland and Sealife Aquarium)
Ripley’s Believe It Or Not Museum
Guinness World Records Museum
Buckhorn Saloon & Museum
Briscoe Western Art Museum
San Antonio Fire Museum
The Menger Hotel- the lobby is beautiful and it’s the most haunted hotel in Texas!

There are four other Spanish missions nearby that you can visit as well. Check out this post for more information.

Those are my best tips for visiting the Alamo. Have you been to the Alamo?