Best way to see the Missions (San Antonio, San Juan: nicest, vehicle, bike)

[mr.parker]

I have never seen any of the missions before (except the Alamo of course) and wanted to know the best way to experience them. I've heard of the hike and bike trail but dont have a bike... is it too long of a walk for this heat we've been having? And how far/long is the trail? Can people Rollerblade on it?
Where is the best place to park or start?
Can you bring a picnic and if so whats the best place to set up a picnic?
Any other suggestions, tips, ideas would be greatly appreciated! Thanks in advance!

[Bowie]

The "trail" is a busy 4-lane road in most places. I imagine the sidewalks along side it are in disrepair at certain points. That's why the best way to experience it is in your vehicle.

In a couple of years, when the Mission Reach portion of the Riverwalk extension is completed that may change. For now, you'll want to drive.

http://www.nps.gov/saan/planyourvisit/index.htm

[TexasNick]

This may sound funny...but....segwey.

[AnthonySA]

I have yet to ride a segwey yet... it's on my bucket list though.

[satx56]

Park at Mission San Jose, go in and spend a couple hours... the other 4 just do a drive by!!!

[majormadmax]

You can bicycle between them, but I would not recommend walking or rollerblading. However, driving is the quickest and easiest way by far, as you won't have to worry about being hot and sweating when you get to each one or pedaling back once your done. It is not a bad bike ride, but it takes time and in this weather will be quite a toasty experience!

But by all means do visit the other missions. Most folks stop at the Alamo and that’s it; but these represent the “rest of the story” for San Antonio and each deserve to be visited as well!

[Chaka]

Originally Posted by Bowie

The "trail" is a busy 4-lane road in most places. I imagine the sidewalks along side it are in disrepair at certain points. That's why the best way to experience it is in your vehicle.

In a couple of years, when the Mission Reach portion of the Riverwalk extension is completed that may change. For now, you'll want to drive.

San Antonio Missions National Historical Park - Plan Your Visit (U.S. National Park Service)

Um, have you been lately????

At least for the past year or so, there's a lovely bike trail which connects each of the missions starting at Mission Concepcion. There's a little stretch right near the start where it's more sidewalk near the street than trail, but that is very short. There is another short stretch along the river which goes along the road, but it's anything by a busy four lane road (small, 2-way, used mostly by picnicker). The rest is all trail.

I would argue that the nicest way to experience it all is by bike, as you pass along the river, away from the cars. However, if you don't bike ever, it can be a bit long for a first timer. And I certainly wouldn't do it in this heat. I want to say it's about 7 miles between Concepcion and Espada, but could be closer to 10.

Too far to walk the whole thing or rollerblade.

Mission San Juan has a little hiking trail.

[Bowie]

Originally Posted by Chaka

Um, have you been lately????

At least for the past year or so, there's a lovely bike trail which connects each of the missions starting at Mission Concepcion. There's a little stretch right near the start where it's more sidewalk near the street than trail, but that is very short. There is another short stretch along the river which goes along the road, but it's anything by a busy four lane road (small, 2-way, used mostly by picnicker). The rest is all trail.

I would argue that the nicest way to experience it all is by bike, as you pass along the river, away from the cars. However, if you don't bike ever, it can be a bit long for a first timer. And I certainly wouldn't do it in this heat. I want to say it's about 7 miles between Concepcion and Espada, but could be closer to 10.

Too far to walk the whole thing or rollerblade.

Mission San Juan has a little hiking trail.

Not in the past year.