Visiting the Alamo in San Antonio; It’s a Big Deal Y’all

I was born and raised in Texas, so the Alamo is a huge deal. It wasn’t until I was about 22 when I visited for the first time. Oddly enough, that visit is a huge blur as I spent it sick with a massive kidney infection, which meant I was all doped up.

I visited for the 2nd time in 2015 and again this past December when we took the kids down there for 2 nights during Christmas. I think this may become a yearly tradition for us!

I remember the very first time I visited and how disappointed I was at the size (which apparently is a common feeling). I expected it to be bigger. For some reason, I thought there would be more buildings than just the chapel that was left intact.

Growing up in Texas and learning about the Alamo, I think you keep the visions from the textbooks in your head. The only thing that still stands is the chapel. Don’t get me wrong, it’s amazing in itself.

As you can see, there really isn’t much more to see inside the walls and what you do see definitely isn’t time period specific. Feels more like a tourist attraction than it does a museum. Thankfully, the other missions are not like this.

My 13-year-old son, a history buff, was disappointed as well. He was hoping there would be more to see but was grateful that part of it still stood in order for him to visit.

I assured him the other missions were mostly intact and amazing! If you are going to visit one mission, you really should visit them all!

Also, make sure to visit at night, bonus points if it is during Christmas time as well!

Alamo Information

The Alamo is open 363 days a year and only closed on Christmas Eve and Christmas Day (something to keep in mind if you plan to visit during Christmas).

Address: 300 Alamo Plaza, San Antonio, Texas 78205

Hours:
Regular Hours: 9:00am – 5:30pm
Summer Hours: 9:00 am – 7:00 pm from Memorial Day through Labor Day
Closed Christmas Eve & Christmas Day

Distance from Fort Hood: 150 miles (2.5 hours)

Admission: Free