The Alamo Reviews

Lots of history here. Defiantly worth paying the $40 for a guided tour. It was very hot the afternoon we were here. Take bottled water. Within walking distance of the river walk. A bit difficult to find parking.

The Cliff notes for the Alamo are the same as any other place, someone wanted it and there was a battle for it. We did the guided tour and the guide was great but it was way too bit to be outside and trying to concentrate. I think the best part was the museum or artifacts when we got to see the items Phil Collin’s collected.

A great site to visit . History still being shown and explained.
There is some construction underway at the site.
There is also an archeological dig underway searching for historical pieces.
It’s a credit to the city that this is being preserved .

It is a very good experience to go with the family, but if you are Mexican they do have some very marked stigmas from Mexico. In general I liked it a lot

You can't visit San Antonio without seeing The Alamo and learning all about the history. It's well worth the tour around the entire facility. Located right in the middle of the city and very close to the River Walk.

We took a small group tour of the Alamo, and it was pretty good half of our tour was the outside front of the Alamo and along the street. I was surprised when I went into the gardens of the Alamo and noticed the statues of the people that were discussed during our tour. I wondered why the tour guide didn’t do part of the tour there where he could point to the statues of the people he was talking about. Having said that I will admit the stories were very interesting and his descriptions of the time period were on point. I really enjoyed learning about this historic site.

Interesting to understand Texas history. Nice garden, everything is very well maintained. For us European, lacks the mythical side of this site.
A few steps from Riverwalk.
Parking "Houston garage" close and not too expensive.

I've been here 4 times in the last 23 years and it always amazes me. Some people call it a tourist trap. Well...those people can't comprehend what it stands for. The full tour is well worth it.

There isn’t a lot to see here except an historic building. As a non-American this was a bit underwhelming. As a foreigner it will take about 30 minutes.

Our family met our great guide, Andrew in front of the church entrance under the trees. We checked in with Tony (look for someone with a name tag) and were given our head sets to wear around our necks and on one ear. They were easy to use and we had a volume button we could adjust. Andrew walked us around the Alamo property and did his best to keep us in the shade. His presentation was interesting, well paced, and he was passionate about the topic. We walked through the church, out under the trees and then he led us to the Phil Collins collection of artifacts. The collection was well organized and interesting with primary documents, weapons, and a layout of the battle with a recording. I found the huge pair of riding boots to be interesting and appreciated seeing the letter Daniel Boone wrote about Andrew Jackson. The grounds were beautiful, the gift shop was very busy and there were many statues around the property. We stayed in a nearby hotel and were able to take a nice photo of the church without anyone around.

Really cool getting to go see this after learning about it in school for so many years. Even on an extremely hot day it was still comfortable inside.

We had a guided tour with Jesus and he was fantastic and it was well worth the price.
And we stayed to view all the film exhibits too.

The Alamo itself was great…5 stars. Tourist are taken advantage of. Car towed 16 minutes after 4 hours paid for expired.

Fascinating history, from mission, to fort, to battle site, to preserved museum in the middle of the great city. Highly recommend the self paced audio tour and stopping to see the out buildings, museum of artifacts and gift shop. All well done.

The highlight of our time in San Antonio! So full of history and be sure to watch the video about it. Very informative and it makes you appreciate the determination of those that fought and died there. A testament to the human spirit.

We did the audio tour which was informative if you’re not familiar with the Alamo. Otherwise, just pay to see the old church and the docent near the architectural diagram gave good information on the siege, the size of the fort and how easily it was penetrated by the Mexicans.

Pleasantly surprised. We've had friends and others say they were "underwhelmed." I think they must not have gotten the full experience we did.
Be advised. You can see this for FREE!!! Don't think you have to buy the "tours" or the "audio sets." (We did pay $10 for one audio and took turns with it). The self-guided tour through the church (which most people think is all there is) and the long barrack, palisade, and courtyard were well worth our time. Very informative. You MUST see this when in San Antonio. I learned a lot.

An absolute must when visiting San Antonio! It’s great to see such a significant historical monument well presented in America, as we were visiting from the UK.
Nicely laid out, with very informative boards telling the whole story of the Alamo.

Wow! Just amazing! This is a must see when in San Antonio! We loved it so much we stopped here several times (our hotel was located across the street) and we just sat under the 100-year-old tree and just enjoyed it so much! Do the audio tour. Must have a reservation to enter the church. This was the highlight of our trip!

The family and I stopped by while in San Antonio. Had a great time visiting the Alamo and learning about the area. I would highly recommend going.

We visited San Antonio especially to visit the Alamo and the Missions. Go it is the most fascinating piece of US history. We had a tour with Tony he was passionate, informative and super professional - highly recommend the tour pricey but worth every penny. Brilliant, brought history to life.

It was free, even though it had a history, the atmosphere inside, and the commentary was careful. The description of the mural, which has faint marks, also projects a short video, so it is very easy to understand even if you are not confident in the hearing.
Even though it is free, you still need to register to enter. Easily browse the web for desired date, time, name and location (Japan‼) registered. When I tried to register two people, I couldn't press the button and was in a hurry, but it was a quick application that allowed up to five people in one operation... so I ignored the number field and operated crisply. Have the person at the entrance read the QR code at the end with a terminal and go to the door. There is a photographer for a photo, but it is optional to purchase one, so take a picture and enter. He revels in the fact that it is the scene of a tragedy, and still does not dwell on the constant folly somewhere.
The photo above can be purchased at a shop in Masame Deguchi. Show them the postcards you got at the entrance and they will output your photos. Since it is a so-called composite photo, it will be a print of about four different sizes and backgrounds, but the set costs about $35. There are ruins outside that show the thickness of wells and walls, and I was grateful to my predecessors for trying to preserve them.
I wanted to see the movie again.

We finally got to see Alamo! It didn’t disappoint. It was good to learn so much about the history of Texas and American history. The site is well organized. We obtained our tickets in the little kiosk. I was nicely surprised that some key parts, like the Alamo church, the museum and the grounds, were free to visit. All the staff members were friendly and helpful. The 3 minute audiovisual presentation in the former sacristy of the Alamo church talking about the discovery of the hidden frescoes on the walls was very well prepared.

Don’t miss the exhibits in the museum - they have a lot of artifacts and additional history and context. When we visited, there were also some interpretive guides out in front of the museum. They were very interesting to talk to and provided a lot more information. We paid for the audio guide which is helpful if you like that information but not necessary.

Learn about Davey Crockett and battle of Alamo and how they lived there are very old trees where limbs are on ground huge trees see the canons statutes etc very nice gift shop

There’s so much history at this plaza. Make sure to grab your free tickets to enter the church before getting in line. The rest of the area is open to look at. Make sure to catch the short video that teaches you how the Alamo was won. Street parking by the River walk is only $4 for a 2 hour max parking

Great afternoon at the Alamo. Did the audio tour which allows entry to all buildings. Phil Collins collection was a big surprise. Loved the re-enactors firing rifles and their passion for the history of the Alamo. Spent about three hours watching the movies and casually browsing exhibits. Not much of the original structure left, but thank God people saved this treasure! Great day!

An interesting part of history, but leaves a lot to be desired with the construction everywhere. If you are into history it is a good one time thing to visit. They have bathrooms on site and a gift shop, the prices were pretty high.

I enjoyed it mostly but likely would not go back.

A historic site, a tourist attraction in San Antonio, located close to all other tourist attractions, a must-see for all visitors to San Antonio.

The Alamo had lots of history and was well worth the visit. My dad had suggested that we come see the Alamo and it was a great suggestion. Lots to see and learn. San Antonio was definitely a great city to visit.

We had a nice time walking and touring inside the Alamo. it was historical and informative. I booked online tickets for the Alamo and it was free, the audio guide is recommended (for a fee) to have the historical background explained. This was a good place to spend 2 hours and also visit their gift shop.

Having grown up with tales of The Alamo I had internalized certain expectations. Most were dismantled when I finally visited the place. First, it is not in some remote corner of Texas but relatively centrally located in the vibrant town of San Antonio. Second, the famous building facade is not The Alamo proper but simply part of a complex built up over decades by differing groups, that was eventually the last stand of a number of valiant men who rallied a people. Third that it was a US treasure; one of its greatest benefactors is actually British musician Phil Collins, who has contributed significant resources to its renovation, maintenance and growth. Fourth, that it was not some massive fortress but rather a smallish overall footprint that was a church, some storerooms and defensive walls. And fifth that there were a number of non-combatants there, including women and children, and those who did not choose to be there, namely slaves.
It is a very important part of our story, and an absolutely must-see place. The museum attached is fantastic and must be toured.

We were visiting San Antonio so gotta go to the Alamo! It's good to know a little bit before you go, even if you just read some internet articles. Go as early as you can to beat the crowds and the heat! Give yourself enough time to really explore the site. There are rangers and docents around to answer questions. Great experience. I want to know more, and plan to read a book about the Alamo when we get home.

Visiting from out of state. Got scammed parking near the Alamo in a parking lot labeled Alamo parking. It cost us of $35. Police in front of Alamo were no help. They take your picture and say free but the post card is the only free thing. Pictures are $35.

A World Famous Texas Landmark. Even in Japan, a friend, who is Japanese said "Remember the Alamo !!!" when we mentioned we had just been in Texas. The subject in many Movies, The Alamo is truly a Must See.

My has the Alamo area changed since the last time we visited. The streets in front are no longer there, it’s a plaza now. While it’s free to go in the chapel you still need a ticket. We got the $14.00 ticket to the museum which was interesting, maybe not a good value though. It’s a lot more organized now however still interesting.

It’s the Alamo !!!
All ages need a reminder of the great history here.
Do you remember Davy Crockett died here,
That’s right you did forget!!!

First time going here and it was a nice experience. It was nice seeing the history behind it and to top it off they have a gift shop I would it may be pricey but it worth it.

I loved seeing the Alamo in February. The weather was perfect and they had special events to commemorate the Feb 23-Mar 6 battle. The guided tour was well-worth the expense. They provide a hearing device to hear the guide's microphone making it easy for every to hear and adjust their own volume. They are replacing the flag stones in the plaza with another stone. They are reconstructing the southern wall. They are renovating the Cockett and Woolworth buildings to have more museum space. With the construction we were unable to get a good look at the Cenotaph (empty tomb).

A really interesting visit to a piece of Texan history. Staff and volunteers were approachable and knowledgeable. Worth a visit.

We start our tour with a group of World Adventures visiting San Antonio and The Alamo with all that this famous place has to offer. I recommend visiting it

This place was fantastic. Lots of history, we did the audio tour and that was great. It’s something you should do. It was a quick walk to our hotel very convenient. I’m glad we went.

A bucket list item checked off. My husband and I love history. If you come to the riverwalk..the Alamo is a must see. Plan on spending a few hours so that you can see everything!

On my trip to San Antonio, I visited their number one historic landmark. The Alamo. The Alamo, was built by Roman Catholic missionaries in the early 1700’s. It was originally known as Mission San Antonio de la Valero. The last time I was there, I was probably eight years old. I’ve gotten bigger, it stayed the same size. It just appears smaller. I don’t remember much from my first visit, but its history is a part of every Texan. The thickness of the mission walls is really impressive. I enjoyed the self-paced tour of the old mission, its grounds, and the ever-present curio shop.

I have to say it was a big cluster f… We were going to take the e-bikes down the Riverwalk to all the missions. They are doing a ton of construction around the Alamo so just getting there by bike was a challenge. Then we were told they took all the bike racks away and we could maybe lock up our bikes on a fence across the street and around the corner of the building. Only to be told by a volunteer that the thief rate on bikes is crazy high, including police bikes being stolen. But we took our chances. Went through the Alamo and you know what? It’s a good thing it’s free it just wasn’t that interesting. Cool to see the outside, but really just read a history book it’s much more interesting. Bikes were fine. Then try to get directions to the bike trail. No one knew where it was. We finally spotted a bicycle cop and he knew

If you are a history buff or a Texas patriot this is a must. I was brought to tears during the tour when we went into a room and they played a projection on the walls that took you back in time and you heard the roar of the cannons. What an amazing and memorable experience.

Went to see family near San Antonio and this was a must stop. They are expanding, so there are highlights of what's to come. We did the self guided tour, and it was a memorable experience. The gift shop is pricey.

Guided tour is a must

The Alamo was our number 1 reason for coming to this wonderful town and you will not appreciate it unless you have a guided tour. Tony was an amazing historian who brought history to life. He pointed out things that we would have missed on our own. Loved every second of the morning tour—even though it was a scorcher. He always remembered to get us in the shade. 5 stars

This was my second trip to the Alamo. The first time was during 2020 and much of it was not accessible. We did not purchase tickets to inside of the church and I honestly do not regret not doing so. We walked around the property, it is bigger than I thought it was and read up on the history of the battle and people involved. It was very cool to see the areas that we could access, some were under repair, and learn about such a historic place. I wasn't overly wow'd, but it is the Alamo and if you are in the area you need to check it out just for the historic value alone.

The Alamo has always been one of my stops in San Antonio. I have been there many times. When I was stationed there and when I visited there. I will be there again. They have made updates through the years and the gardens are beautiful 😍

Wonderful experience seeing this historic place. Such moving history. Friendly staff as well. I am glad I made it in-between my conference classes to see the Alamo. Make sure you have at least two hours to tour.

It seemed very commercialized. There were some good demonstrations going on (weapon and medical equipment) that I really liked but overall it seemed to touristy instead of historical. They took our picture out front and handed us a photo pass... like Disney. I thought that was weird.

March 23, 2024 would have been my moms 75th birthday. She died in October and wanted to be spread on the Alamo grounds. From the beginning of these plans being made, the entire Alamo staff was so empathetic, cooperative and fantastic with my brother and I. I contacted event services and was given a time to be there after closiong. The gardens were cleared during our time and it was very private and personal for my brother and I. We were able to celebrate and grieve our mom in peace. The ranger gave me some words of comfort that were shared with him and I am grateful.

The history of the Battle of the Alamo and building itself is like nothing else. It is in the process of being well preserved, honored and has such a rich history for the state of Texas. You simply must go visit and see the museum as well.

I thank the entire Alamo staff that helped make a goodbye as least painful as possible. God bless you all.

If you are in San Antonio, Texas, The Alamo is a must see. I had a great historical lesson of this place especially that it is really close to the Riverwalk. Both a must see.

Very interesting history about this famous site. What is amazing is the history about the people who fought there many years ago. Beautiful grounds and exhibits. I am glad I got to enjoy this experience

This historic site is a must see. I appreciate how the city is protecting the area and making it more of a walkable experience around the Alamo. Miguel was a charming and enthusiastic guide in the Alamo. His passion about the history was evident in every word.

Great learning experience. We did not do the guided tour but bought the listening tour which we liked very much. With family, the prerecorded listening tour allowed us to move at our own pace. Highly recommend. Also the indoor exhibit was awesome.

I remember seeing the Alamo over 5 years ago and not paying a fee to tour the grounds. Perhaps my memory is failing me. Sigh. Since I’d been here before I didn’t want to pay to go through the Alamo. So I walked around.

For someone unfamiliar with the Alamo, I’d recommend paying and having the guided tour.

They are under a big renovation, so there is a lot missing. We got one of the walking tour audio guides ($10) for our family of 5, but it was too much to try to relay the info because the stops had lengthy audio. There was a worker by a diagram in the church who gave us some information about the differences in the movie we watched in preparation and what actually happened. The entrance tickets were free, and the gift shop was nice ( also nice to cool down in). It was easy to get good pictures at night, and it felt a little better outside.

What a historic site and valuable information about the state of Texas.

You can self guide or pay extra for the headphones to get extra knowlege which is about one hour and 30 minutes. We felt with all the information, museum and small free film you could get much information with a smaller fee.

Really interesting and great for history lovers.

Ok, our experience at the Alamo was so much better than I anticipated. There are many exhibits to see, plenty of room to get around, and a wonderful film in the Barracks that does a great job of explaining the history of the area, and what lead to the capture of the Alamo prior to the arrival of Sam Houston who brought troops to recapture it from Mexico. Highly recommend.

We enjoyed almost everything about the Alamo and found it very interesting doing it on our own. The church itself is the main attraction of course, but take time to explore the exhibits and walk the grounds. There were a number of people in character and we had a great conversation with one of them (David), who gave us some history and background we were not aware of, especially about Santa Anna. The only downside was the two Sacristy rooms, where it was very difficult to hear the individual in the first room when the video in the 2nd room was playing.
Overall a must do in SA (stating the obvious!). For folks interested in going, remember to reserve tickets in advance. They're free, but you still need them. We noticed several folks arriving who were unaware of that.

Just enjoyed the grounds and the free tour of the chapel. Didn’t take the plunge and buy the guided tour which was over $40. Surprised it was in the middle of everything downtown. Very cool historical site. It definitely made me want to know more.

This is a bucket list item, especially if the traveler has any ties to Texas and/or Texas history. My husband and I knew our history well before we arrived, so we didn't encounter any surprises. But actually being here and imagining the events that took place here give the visitor a whole new level of appreciation for and connection to the men who lost their lives here.

We opted not to take a live tour, but instead we rented the audio tour for each of us. It was a good choice. The audio was very well-done--interesting and very informative. We didn't have to worry about being able to hear or see a tour guide--no small feat at a location which was quite frankly, very crowded with tourists everywhere, all talking at once. By having our own audio, we could listen to a track and then comment or discuss it before moving on to the next track--all at our own pace.

Our culture has come to a place where many people would say there is no principle important enough to sacrifice one's life for. Arguments can be made on both sides of that premise, but a visit to The Alamo at least forces the visitor to wrestle in his own heart with his own convictions. It's a useful exercise.

A tip--if you can make the time, get over to the Rivercenter Mall (at the end of the eastern spur of the Riverwalk) to the IMAX theater there. It's not easy to find--3rd level of the mall, tucked way back in the back--but it's worth your time to see the 1988 movie "Alamo: The Price of Freedom." While we were there, the movie was screening three times per day: noon, 1:15 and 3:45. It runs only 45 minutes (so reduced price) and it's the best, most engaging movie on this subject of any we've seen. It brought history alive for us.

At least once a day someone asks if there is a basement and noooo Pee Wee, your bike is not here!

It's very small, right in the middle of the city and they are restoring a good bit of the surrounding areas so just know that if you go during Summer of 2025, lots of restoration is happening.

Historically significant and certainly should be toured if visiting San Antonio. In all fairness, it is rather small and not a lot to see inside the structure, but it is also worth taking a look inside the adjacent museum. Having toured it previously, it was nice just to stop by and admire the illuminated exterior facade at night this trip.

The Daughters of the Republic of Texas used to be the caretakers. They were knowledgeable and gave great information. Now, there are a bunch of people in khaki pants and red shirts who make up information. The Alamo used to be a shrine where people were silent and paid their respects, removed their hats...now, it has been turned into a tourist location where the guides know nothing and the visitors don't respect what happened there. It is kind of sad really...

Been here hundreds of times, but the letter is a special piece of history. Kept in Texas archives is has been at the Alamo 2 times, since it’s author wrote it on 2/24/1836.

Under Construction. Cool Historical site but awkward to try to get around with all the construction.
We were short on time so we did the self-guided tour.

It isn't often a historical site disappoints me, but I was a little underwhelmed by the Alamo. It's a small site in the middle of an urban area. You can see everything there is to see in about 15 minutes. The site is free to enter, as is the church, but you need a ticked (which is free) to get inside the church. However, parking near the site is rather expensive. (You can pay for tours as well, but we didn't do a tour.)

I wouldn't say don't go here, because it is still worth a quick visit for the historical significance, but don't plan on a long visit. And, if you're limited on time, go to San Jose Mission in San Antonio Missions National Historical Park. It's a much bigger and better site.

A lot of construction around the Alamo right now, but it is a SanAntonio must see! It feels like hallowed ground and they have done a great job in preservation!

Must see historical site, we enjoyed our informative guide and our roughly 1 hour tour very much. Our guide was entertaining and knowledgeable.

We did the VIP Guided Tour with tour guide Jesus. I would not recommend the tour with Jesus unless you are already familiar with the Alamo. After a full hour of what was supposed to be a 30 minute tour, I whispered to the other people in my party if they understood what the battle at the Alamo was even about? They did not and neither did I. Jesus went into great detail about the location of wells, the difficulties with conserving the building, the deaths of specific people, the connection to PeeWee Herman, etc, but he did not provide an overview of basic things like who was doing the fighting and why. He also seemed to contradict himself by saying things like the Mexicans took the fort without firing a shot. But later he pointed out where bullet holes marked the walls from a Mexican firing squad. He also said services never took place in the church, but then he said they did take place in the church, just not in the nave. I wish I had read the Alamo's Wikipedia page at least before the tour. The gift shop was outrageously priced, and most items were not labeled with a price tag. We shopped elsewhere on the San Antonio Riverwalk for souvenirs. The video in the church building is very short and could be skipped if you aren't interested in badly damaged frescoes because that's what it is about.

Now the positives: the Surrounded Augmented Reality experience was amazing, and the kids enjoyed it. The grounds are clean and beautiful, with extensive construction going on in part of the property, so don't expect to find it the same as you did years ago. The Ralston museum building requires admission (included with the VIP tour), and it has interesting clearly labeled artifacts, from firearms to clothing to tools and coins. Ralston building is also the only building on campus with bathrooms, water fountains and air conditioning (except there is a/c in the gift shop). The tour started off with complimentary water bottles and ear pieces so we could hear Jesus very well.

Very interesting walk to realize and know the history. Very well preserved, good explanations, volunteers who tell you the story. The church tour is free, and then there's a paid tour.

Educational, well represented and grounds maintained were immaculate. An event came together while we strolled through the grounds, and lots of volunteers on site who were willing to share.

Several ways to see the Alamo. First do it as a free entrance and read the various signs. Second takea full guided tour or Three get a self paced tour with audio stops. In all cases you need to set up a timed entry. We opted to do the self paced tour and purchased the add on special museum exhibit featuring the Phil Collins collection of Alamo Guns, Art. Letter and so much more. Only about 10 percent of the original grounds still exist. However they are working to expand this. Buildings were purchased across the street and will be remodeled in to a new Welcome Center and more. A couple years away but it should enhance the experience. This is American history don't miss it

Very interesting, well known part of history. Comprehensive museum and artifact collection. As to be expected, not a solemn place simply for the volume of people. Not quite as I pictured it since it's in the middle of a commercial area of town. I expected something more like the other mission sites. They are currently renovating/restoring some of the surrounding area to make it more of a complex reflecting the area of the period. Best time to see the place was to go after dark when the people were thinned out.

We arrived from the UK having vaguely heard of this thing called The Alamo, and after the tour we were basically experts(!). A completely fascinating historical event which is well preserved and looked after right in the heart of this awesome city. If you do one thing in San Antonio, visit The Alamo.

My wife and I had a great time exploring and learning all about the history of this amazing place. Along with the Riverwalk, it’s a must-see for visitors to this wonderful city.

We took the guided tour for some extra insight into the significance of the site, and we were NOT disappointed. Tony was our guide and he clearly loves and understands the history of the Alamo. He told some great stories, answered our questions, and was courteous and friendly. Thank you!

The Alamo is piece of American History we can share with our kids. It was handicap accessible and the tour guide was wonderful and engaging.

The Alamo Plan, which aims to restore dignity and reverence to arguably the Lone Star State's most sacred historic site, has 3 major objectives:

"- Preserve the 300-year-old Church and Long Barrack
-Recapture the original mission site and battlefield footprint
-Create a world-class Visitor Center and Museum to tell the full history of the site"

While preservation efforts seem to be an ongoing effort at this historical treasure, Long Barrack, where the fiercest fighting of the battle occurred, has already been upcycled. An interactive program that should appeal to children and curious adults breathes new life into this otherwise dark, literally and figuratively, space.

Many previous reviews mention how unexpectedly small the Alamo is. But determined efforts to highlight the original footprint, with the intended consequence of offering visitors a more comprehensive experience, are rapidly progressing.

The Plan has been well crafted to ensure that the Alamo retains maximum appeal as expansion proceeds.

I spent most of my time at a newer structure, the Ralston Family Collections Center, which is temporarily displaying items that will be permanently housed in the Alamo Visitor Center and Museum, on track to open in 2027 after restoration of the Woolworth Building, made famous by an important event in the Civil Rights Movement, is complete.

The Alamo Plan is committed to preserving the memory of the events of March 16, 1960, when Woolworths in San Antonio and six other local stores united to peacefully desegregate their lunch counters. Installed in the new Alamo Vistor Center and Museum will be a permanent display commemorating the building’s vital role in desegregation.

The variety of artifacts on display, including many donated by Alamo history buff and singer Phil Collins, as well as Donald and Louise Yena, is impressive. Ultimately, the Collections Center will host traveling exhibits, thereby expanding the educational opportunities available at this destination.

Perched on the 2nd level of the Collections Center is the Alvarez Family Terrace, a quiet refuge from the bustling activity below. The views of the Alamo and downtown San Antonio from this elevation offer a new perspective in a comfortable setting.

Although the Gift Shop gets crowded, bring your patience and explore. Treasures of all sizes and price points are stocked along every wall and packed onto every shelf.

Take a few moments to observe the on-site archeologists who maintain active dig sites as tourists flock to exhibits all around them. They continue to unearth artifacts that answer questions, including how best to preserve iconic structures, such as the church.

Also pay attention to embedded and often inconspicuous historical plaques sprinkled throughout the historical site. One envelope-sized plaque, marks a legal property line, while a larger one that is displayed in a more prominent location, honors two women, Adina Emilia DeZavala and Clara Driscoll, "Two loyal members of the Daughters of the Republic of Texas, each in her own way responsible for preserving this historic site."

Once completed in 2027, guests will always "Remember the Alamo" Plan that is shaping up to exceed the goals of restoring dignity and reverence to this sacred place.

Since I was a boy, I am 74, I have wanted to see The Alamo. I was not disappointed. My family took the guided tour. All of us were impressed with the experience. It is a bucket list item off my list.

Make the time to go in and tour it. The tour was free. Put things in perspective. Walked away with more information than I walked in there with and a whole new appreciation.

A historic site in the heart of the city of San Antonio. The tour without guide is free. The gardens are beautiful. For history lovers. Very well preserved site where recent discoveries have been made. Ideal for families!

Much smaller than I thought. Great history and highly recommend seeing if in the area. Parking can be difficult so be prepared to walk.

A bucket list item and I finally got there. The church is the only buulding remaining as they continue to build the area up around it. Enjoyed walking around and looking at the artifacts. Glad I made the trip. The Alamo is a must for histoty buffs

This was a super interesting walk to look around the REAL Alamo! Many historic facts and fun activities to do in there! And plus, it’s free to get in there so you can go anytime you want to before it closes! I recommend going to the newly exhibit with real artifacts from the war! If your ever visiting San Antonio I recommend this is a MUST go!

was very well presented explained what happened at the Alamo as well quite detailed Texas and Mexican History. Should not be missed when in San Antonio

I liked the history and the preservation of all the old buildings. But the storyline of the battle is hard to understand and most of the experiences are outside and during the hot weather, it is hard not to feel comfortable.

Given the stories about the Alamo and the importance of the building , I felt a little disappointed. Aside from the nice garden- it lives on the story as the building itself is not very special. The San José mission,I found much better and less crowded.

However, very good that the Alamo is free for everyone to enjoy and learn.

Signage is repetitive and tell the same story again and again- but slightly different.
BUT I can imagine, when really busy that is useful. So no need to crowd around the first signs you see.

Even though I'm not Texan or even an American, I was brought to tears to stand on the hallowed grounds of so many lost lives (both sides) almost 200 years ago. The valor of the defenders in the face of overwhelming odds is particularly admirable and I feel Texas' loss of those valiant men.

This was my 3 rd trip to the Alamo over 40 years ago. There is so much rehab taking place in the area it was difficult to navigate the area. The signage is confusing. It’s free but they offer so many options it’s really hard to know that.

Good tour with an interesting story teller in Tony - Thankyou. I think that the present state of upheaval detracts from the experience but once additional works are completed it could well be a 5.

Honestly it’s worth seeing once and it’s mostly about what you see in the outside. Obviously the famous facade. Inside is pretty much nothing but there are good reads and nuggets you can read about. Ice gift shop and the surrounding grounds are historic. I’d spend no more than 1-2 hours and call it good. It’s not an all day type of visit.

Excellent place to visit. I've not here for a few years but I went back because a friend was visiting and wanted to see it. The new building and the exhibits are fantastic, especially the model of the Alamo with a detailed description of what happened there, narrated by Phil Collins.
If you go make sure you see the monument outside as well, just to the left when facing the Alamo.

This was a bucket list item.
Of all the San Antonio missions, this was the most disappointing. It is just a shell, with minimal information inside. In fact, I went in twice as I thought I’d missed something! Tickets are free, and you can reserve them in advance
Don’t park in the lot closest to the church - it’s $30/hr. Use the mall parking lot ($5.80/hr). And you won’t even need that much time!

Went to the Alamo parked for free at Mission Conception and walked River Walk. Probably over an hour walk enjoyed history of the Alamo and staff very friendly and knowledgeable. On the way back we took sidewalk down South Alamo to St Mary’s street then crossed to Mission and it was a lot shorter.

We did the guided tour package which included a wonderful tour guide narrating the history of the site,a stop in the church and a visit to a fantastic archeological/collection exhibit. Another highlight of our visit was a musket shooting exhibition. We learned so much today.

Everyone must visit The Alamo when visiting SA. The introductory film was very interesting and gave us needed history. Walking around was inspiring.

This was a fun and educational experience. My family and I reAlly enjoyed our time here and would definitely recommend to others.

This is kind of a required visit, but I was left disappointed by the amount of construction and by the limited amount I got out of paying for the guided tour

About 75% of our guided tour was conducted out by the Cenotaph, which if you look at a map, is nearby, but not inside the grounds where you would expect a tour to go. We spent < 5 minutes inside the chapel, did not walk up to the 18 lb cannon or into the old mission (which was roped off by construction crews) or the long barracks... it was basically a long narration of the Alamo events out where you can only see the outside of the long barracks, followed by a quick pass through the chapel to the museum, where they let you go. And I watched a history channel documentary on the Alamo that night, which was so much more clear than what I got onsite. So I would give a 1/5 on the guided tour.

But I understand why that's what the guided tour shows - it's just too small an area with too many people to spend time in the grounds themselves. There's a museum dedicated to Phil Collins which is OK (I jest; a lot of the stuff was donated by Collins, but the focus on him is a distraction).

I understand that they believe it will be a much better experience in 5 years when construction is complete. I am skeptical - the footprint of the Alamo is just underwhelming, as are the actual events that took place there.

No trip to San Antonio would be complete without a stop at the Alamo. I had secured tickets months before for entry for you group of 6. The Alamo is actually a little tiny building. There was plenty of reading material, a short film, and a model of the mission all inside. Other than that, there really is not much to see. We did spend some time in the gift shop buying photos and such which were surprisingly reasonably priced compared to the rest fo the places we visited in San Antonio.

Our first visit was during spring break so super crowded with long lines. I would not recommend visiting during that. We went back a few days later and it was much more enjoyable.

I am a history buff and this is history right here. Seems strange right in the middle of a growing city but its fantastic. Well worth your time to visit. The exhibits are amazing. I would go two or three times a years if we lived in San Antonio.

A must-see when visiting San Antonio, this historic site—located just off the River Walk—is deeply tied to the legendary battle for Texas independence. It’s a perfect destination for history enthusiasts. We arrived just before 10 AM and found it pleasantly uncrowded, though it got busier by the time we left around noon. We opted for the self-guided audio tour, which included headphones and a narrated guide—very informative and easy to follow. The site is mostly outdoors, so it can get quite hot on sunny days, so plan accordingly. There’s plenty to explore, and the interior museum filled with artifacts is truly impressive. I highly recommend adding this experience to your itinerary.

A free experience to walk around and is helpful if you pull up the history before going to understand the landmarks and the story. There is an option to pay for the voice guided tour to explain the story which is helpful but does take significantly more time than just reading the markers

Good place to visit if you’ve never been. Seeing pictures does not do it justice. It is good to read the history.

I would recommend taking the guided tour which gets you into see Phil Collins' collection of Alamo memorabilia. Also, you get to use a self guided tour on a IPAD in the Long Barracks. Otherwise, getting into the Alamo and Long Barracks is free. Don't miss the statues garden. Texas is going to renovate the west side of the Alamo Plaza with a new museum and interpretive center in 2027. Be sure to go see the San Fernando Cathedral and the free museum in the Bexar County Courthouse.

You can't come to SA and not see The Alamo. It is so interesting to walk around the Alamo, read the signage, see the statues, and absorb history. It is worth the time, for sure.

Not much has to be written about the Alamo. The history and importance speaks for itself. Do note that even though basic entry is free that you do need to reserve a date/entry time to go into the church portion. The exhibits are great and informative, the outside plaza is undergoing a overhaul and looks to be great for the future! There are the additional fee based exhibits you can check out, but we didn't partake in those.

What an amazing history, and a beautiful mission. We very much enjoyed the Alamo. There is much more to it than I thought. You can tour the long Barrack and there is a garden with beautiful bronze statue of some of the people that were at the Alamo. There is also a new exhibit of artifacts but you have to pay $14 and we did not have time to see it. The gift shop is also beautiful, it was built in the 1930's and looks like it has been there as long as the Alamo.

Probably the most famous historic site in Texas. The last stand symbolizing Texas independence. It appears much of the inspiration was drawn from the Spartans at Thermopylae. The slogan “Come and Take It” is much like the Greek “Molon labe.”

Because it’s a famous site and being enormously popular, it’s essential to arrange tickets, admissions, and tours in advance. I would recommend the audio tour which you can do at your own pace. Entering the church is free but there an admission fee to see the exhibitions.

Definitely recommended!

My family and I visited the Alamo. We reserved our tickets ahead of time online. They are free but there is a limited number of tickets. The anniversary of the battle had occurred the day before. The grass area was adorned with wreaths and yellow roses in memory of the defenders. The mission itself is the most impressive structure to tour. Unfortunately it was extremely crowded with lots of visitors and school groups. We enjoyed it, but that did take away from the experience some.

Obviously the Alamo is a very small exhibit, but I found it very nice. I loved the big oak tree..construction there a bummer...but remodeling to make a better experience..so..gotta let it go..Obviously if you come here...you should go

This place is listed as the number one tourist spot in Texas. On the Wednesday we visited at 9:00am, the line of people waiting to get in numbered several hundred; it doubled-back and extended across the plaza. Even with repurchased tickets, we waited about a half hour to get it. By the way, the Plaza immediately outside of the Alamo, as well some of the grounds, are in the midst of some serious construction. This place reminded us of Plymouth Rock, a must see sight that is underwhelming once you see it.

Another very hot day in Texas, but it was certainly worth a trip to the historic setting of The Alamo - a place where the character of Texas was firmly established. We booked the guided tour - individual headsets proved and a guide then talked us through the history and key locations - this was by far the best option to get the most out of the visit. There is a small kiosk to book on the square just opposite the Chapel itself. The site is supported by an excellent museum - very new and very good aircon! The surprise of seeing Phil Collins' collection of memorabilia and artefacts was delightful.

Due to events happening that weekend all the exterior sites were fenced off with no access. It was very disappointing. Glad we didn't pay for the full tour and not get what we paid for. Otherwise, The Alamo is worth seeing for the history of it.

Visited this place on 7th July 2023

This place is a piece of Amarican history and is very well preserved. The information boards, lighting and designation of the architecture of the time is worth mentioning.

The place is a very popular attraction for locals and tourists.

No entry fee is charged and visit during evening in recommended.

The fire at Alamo is a great story which makes all Americans associated with the event.

Must visit while in San Antonio

Some photos from a past visits. It is mostly from the 175th anniversary of the battle, but the last few are more recent. I can't wait for my next visit.

The Alamo mission tour is part history, part cultural. Both worth doing. Now, we had been warned the place is quite small. Well, not really. Seeing the preservation is quite interesting and the docents are excellent. There is quite a bit to see and learn. I really enjoyed my time there.

A must do, but I wish someone would have warned me not to stand in the line once you get in the actual Alamo building! Upon entering, there is a line around the interior of that main building; we stood in it thinking "we're here, everyone else is doing it, we must do it too".

An hour and 15 minutes later we were in the room where the women and children stayed during the attack - and watched a 3 or 4 minute projection of what the room looked like. An absolute waste of time. I can't imagine anyone thinking differently if they stood in that line.

The 17 minute movie in the other building is worth it, and really no line, just the wait until it starts again.

The grounds are a nice walkthrough, and obviously a must do when in San Antonio, but nothing very memorable about touring the place. Just checking it off the list.

This will be a lot better when all the construction on Alamo plaza is competed hopefully by the next Fiesta. Historically it is interesting.

It is a historic site, one of the landmarks in San Antonio.

Good explanations, recess from the Battle of the Alamo.

The visit inside is free

It was very historical and for what it actually is/was it has a lot of information. But I’d compare it to Strawbery Banke in Portsmouth NH, Sturbridge Village in Sturbridge MA or Plimoth Plantation in Plymouth MA. It was an hour and a half visit and that included the gift shop. It’s a must see if you are in San Antonio but not a bucket list item.

I have been to the Alamo several times before, but my wife has not. She is not a history buff like me but she agreed that this was a a great tour. There is so much history here; so critical to the creation of the Republic of Texas. Highly recommended.

The Alamo

San Antonio

946614389

Everyone in the US has learned about the Alamo so it's a must see destination.
We had to have been there at the WORST conceivable time in conjunction with a group tour to see the Total Solar Eclipse. Place was unbelievably crowded. Waited for the little video presentation but didn't say anything more than the guide already said. We had an excellent knowledgable guide (Mickey) but he informed us he couldn't talk inside the place which seemed really weird. He made himself available for questions on the outside.

If you want to delve into the history of Texas, you should visit the Alamo. We booked the self-guiding tour for $20 dollars. Afterwards, however, it turned out that much was free to visit, the tour only offered us access to the exhibition and gave us a locker on which we could play an audio tour. However, this adds little. There are many signs with information and also a film is played in the long barracks that clearly explains how the Alamo has been used over time and what events have taken place. All this is therefore also free to visit without a ticket. To enter the church, it is necessary to reserve a free ticket through the Alamo site.

The souvenir shop is very spacious and well worth a visit. We combined the visit with the River walk in San Antonio. Also highly recommended!

Was on my bucket list for years. So happy to finally get here. Truly enjoyed seeing the cannons and props giving you the idea of what it was like back in the day. I always enjoy visiting historic sites. Definitely worth a visit if you in the area.

We came to San Antonio for the Fiesta. The four days we were here, they had a military day at the Alamo. We went on Monday and found the Alamo to be very interesting and worth seeing. Then we went back on Wednesday, April 29th because it was Marine day at the Alamo. That was super great with all the Marines and their demonstrations,

Great history, but the area around is under construction which makes travel difficult. All of old San Antonio is under construction which makes it hard to get around, and many shops are closed because of it.
The church/mission is free, but the museum has a charge. But great to see the area, with lots of shops around the Plaza.
Take an Uber or Lyft, well worth the money.

Hubs is a great fan of all things John Wayne and Davey Crockett so this is one of his favorite movies and always a goal to visit the real Alamo. The mission itself is pretty neat to see and go into but the grounds are what was more impressive except for the construction going on in the area and on the grounds. Kinda dimmed the mood of the experience. It was an easy walk from our hotel. It is all free and well worth seeing to experience and pay respect to the history of the site.

We did the guided tour. ED was amazing! See the items that have been donated back to The Alamo was so great!

It's the big fort that is such an important part of the local history, the war between Mexico and the Texas rebellion. It has an iconic front and we all take a lot of photos. A definite part of your tour of the city as it is right in the center.

The Alamo is small so don't expect too much. However, the story is memorable and definitely a must not miss attraction for us.

If you are in San Antonio, you have to see this place. Visit it and just think back to the time that all this happened and what these people went through. Across the street is a place that has a scale model of the Alamo done in legos. A few blocks away is a church that has the remains of those that were killed.

Wow! The updated Alamo experience was worth the trip to San Antonio. We started our trip with a visit to the missions (take the free guided tour of Mission San Jose). We ended the trip with a visit to the Alamo. There was so much more to do and see than there was in the 90s when we were kids. There is new reconstruction of areas of the mission de San Valero, a new museum that is worth the visit, a daily musket firing demonstration, an augmented experience: Surrounded! It had more information and interactive visuals than I’ve ever experienced in a museum. I was disappointed that we were the only people in the long barracks using the experience because it was fantastic and my kids’ favorite part of the visit (ages 11&13).

Great place to learn about the history of Texas and the individuals who fought to settle the land. Take time to visit the great restaurants in the area.

In preparation for my visit to San Antonio I watched alot of videos on top sites and alot of the videos dragged Alamo for just being a tourist trap with not much to see. No idea what Alamo they went to. The whole experience is immersive, the tour was super informative, and the museum had so many cool artifacts. The grounds are absolutely gorgeous as well. I found myself hanging around every night of my stay because it was a nice place to relax and enjoy the night.

I booked the tour on the alamo website, its 2 hours, full of fun facts and so much history. Andrew was an amazing tour guide. I loved the tour. Also come back at night and see how pretty it looks lit up!

Of course this is a must see! And the exhibit with Phil Collins' collection is absolutely wonderful. Only one issue here and at the other sites we visited - hundreds of field trips! I know this is great for the little ones but we adults were literally overwhelmed here and at the zoo and elsewhere. Maybe come on the weekend?

I've been to the Alamo at least 3 times on 3 separate trips. Each time it's being renovated and expanded.

This past visit in December of 2024, the entire plaza is under construction for what I'm assuming are more buildings for exhibits.

When I visited in Summer 2022, there were live demonstrations of weaponry with actors in period clothing. I also got a chance to read the new placards they added to the museum portion that's still within the grounds of the Alamo, but it's not in the Alamo church itself.

I CRINGE at my previous review as someone who is originally from Texas who bought into the narrative that the Alamo was some just, but losing battle, for Texas independence. This is also why it's critical that the staff is updating information about the Alamo to get rid of the mythos and discuss the ACTUAL reasons Mexico took a stand against the defenders of the Alamo.

I think it's SUPER important that people actually read the new placards at the museum to understand the history of this place. The Alamo is treated with undue reverence in Texas. If people would just read the placards, they'd know that the Alamo commemorates the 1836 battle between illegal American immigrants to what was then Mexico, who were bringing their slaves with them and keeping them in illegal slavery. Mexico had abolished slavery in 1829 and again reaffirmed that slavery was abolished after the battle of the Alamo in 1837.

Unlike what people all over Texas are taught, the Battle of the Alamo wasn't some just cause and a fight for freedom, it was a battle to preserve the legitimacy of people who illegally immigrated to Mexico and for those immigrants to continue enslaving people, illegally, in Mexico.

When you actually spend time reading about the battle of the Alamo, at the Alamo, you realize how bizarre it is for Texans to treat this place like it's hallowed ground instead of a place that marks Mexico's fight against illegal slavers.

Visited December 2024

We walked here from our hotel, it's very close to the Riverwalk. If you want a guided tour then you pay an entrance fee. If you want to walk through on your own it's free. They do take photos as you enter and it's $35 if you want to buy it.

I am extremely disappointed in my visit. I took my 3 children and had a 'poor' experience. Four of the six persons working there were extremely rude. One dressed me down for using an incorrect entrance. She went on for nearly 5 minutes in front of my children. Another seemed disgusted that I inquired on the price of an item in the Gift shop. A gentleman in a wheelchair on the second floor of one of the buildings has no manners when speaking to patrons. The fourth employee just seemed 'annoyed' to have visitors. I will not be visiting again.

The Alamo is the actual landmark of San Antonio. It is an important place in connection with the founding of Texas, or affiliation with the United States. If you just want to visit the Alamo, it's free. There is still some information around about the whole story and of course a souvenir shop must not be missing. For us Europeans, we may lack some understanding of the Alamo but still made nice.

The Alamo is an internationally known historic site worth visiting. Admission is free to tour the church and grounds. Unfortunately, admission to the new museum which includes Phil Collins’ donations is not free. Very disappointing for a heritage site like this one.

Time budget: budget about 90 minutes to read everything in the church and grounds at a relaxed pace.

Tips: (1) visit shortly after opening (9:00 a.m.) midweek to avoid crowds. (2) book online to ensure access. (3) Parking rates in downtown SA vary greatly. For the best deal, bring some quarters and try to find metered street parking. Metered parking is a bargain!

Very interesting and free to enter. However you must "purchase" your free ticket for entry. You can do this on the website. There are options that cost money as well, but they are not required.

Since we last visited, a few decades earlier, there has been much improvement, with the streamlining of visitors, and the creation of a very beautifully curated museum. Judging by the construction ongoing on three sides of the Alamo, further additions are coming. Entrance to the main church (El Alamo was the first Spanish Mission established) is free and it is well organized. Get there early, because by 11:00-12:00 the lines snake around the street corner. There are guided tours and self tours. Audio guides are also available and are quite informative. The barracks have been made available to visitors, with tradesmen dressed in 17th-18th century garb demonstrating the skills needed to survive at the time. The Gift Shop is a much expanded addition, and while much of its offering is cheap tourist-directed souvenirs, there are a few more valuable items of historical significance and even some reasonably nice custom jewelry. This is a "must" visit in San Antonio, and well-worth the 2-3 hours it takes.

I went to the Alamo as a child in 1996, but I wanted to see it as an adult who could really appreciate its history. It was amazing what happened at this edifice so many years ago. I made a reservation for free a few weeks before my visit, and I needed to show the confirmation to a docent. The Alamo was completely packed with visitors. There were many displays on the inside of the building, and there were statues and gardens on the outside of the building. Also, there were bathrooms and a gift shop on the outside of the Alamo. I spent about an hour at the Alamo.

My expectations were a bit high for the Alamo. Was so much smaller than I expected. The visit through the church was free of charge, and the historical significance wasn’t lost on us. We opted to pass on the museum, using our time for other options.

This a very interesting site to visit. It is located close to the river walk and there are some neat places to see and places to eat. The tour was free and the folks giving the history lessons and great, This is a must see to put on your bucket list.

Definitely the highlight of San Antonio. We did the audio tour without the tour guide and had a great time. My young kids loved having their own audio phone to listen to and picked up how it worked quickly. They are having some major construction in the area and when it is all finished. This is a must see for any American.

The people of San Antonio have treated and maintained this historical landmark very well. Although it is not a big fort to the likes of El Morro in Old San Juan, PR, it is still impressive how it held through war and time.

The Alamo is a must-see UNESCO site if you are in the S.A. area. It will surprise you because the city has grown up around it. I expected it to be bigger and out in the middle of a big field. It's a smallish building and free unless you want a guided tour of the small museum, but we did fine on our own and there are interpreters to answer questions. The story is fascinating. Who knew Davy Crockett fought and died there? I understand there is a ton of money set aside for improvements to the site and you can see some in process. There are rest rooms and a large, albeit pricey, gift store where you can get your Alamo T-shirt. There are also some sitting areas within the walls of the site.

We were staying in San Antonio and walked over from the Riverwalk. It was only a few minutes. There was a police in the area so it is very safe. We were there after hours but you could still a bunch of the history and take pictures.

It is the story of the Battle of the Alamos, there is explanation, photos and things from the period, it is interesting although not very interesting

History lessons in school or what is shown in movies does not prepare you for the size of the compound. I expected a small mission as always shown in pictures, but the compound is very large with a lot of history too.

Once we found downtown parking and had a nice river cruise we made our way to the Alamo. This historical site is well maintained and informative.

The Alamo is a very well kept structure. It is free to enter and the line moves fairly well. This building is simply the original mission church. It does not represent the original entire Alamo complex. The church has some simple exhibits, mostly representing and listing the heroes of the fight. It is interesting to identify the number of volunteers present from specific states and foreign countries. By itself this building is just okay. For us, the big benefit was paying the fee to tour the museum behind the Alamo. It contains two floors of impressive Alamo artifacts. Many were donated from the Phil Collins ( famous drummer/singer) collection. There is also a tabletop architectural rendering of the entire Alamo complex and a narration delivered by Phil Collins that walks you through the complex and the final battle to overtake the Alamo. For history buffs this is very worthy.

Must see. We took the guided tour. Our tour guide was very informative. We felt we got more from the experience by taking a guided tour. Would highly recommend.

The Alamo is very well-known due to the Battle of the Alamo, giving Texas its independence from Mexico. I booked the guided tour. It was really cool to see the site, and hear all of the historical insight about where things took place and what happened. The tour seemed pretty quick overall. Our tour guide was very knowledgeable and friendly. I would’ve liked to have more time to stop in the room inside the church, but we were moving onto the Collections building. I also visited the gift shop afterwards, at the end. Overall, very cool to see!

We stopped at the Alamo when we were on our bus trip to the deep south with Nagel Bus Tours.The Alamo is not very large.I thought it was going to be much larger.It is getting smaller every day do to the weather.I have seen it now and will not go again if I am ever in the area.

Obviously a must-see when visiting San Antonio. The visit comes alive if you visit with the various actors and listen to their stories of the battle.

We had tickets for their opening time. The entry is delayed because of a photographer. Not sure what we expected, but it was a bit disappointing. I think if you are really into history, it would be more enjoyable.

The Alamo holds great historical importance in American history, and a visit to this iconic site truly captures its significance. Admission is free with advanced reservations, and the building and grounds are meticulously maintained. Photography inside the building is prohibited, but the exhibits are clearly marked, showcasing the events that unfolded centuries ago.

It is located in the center of town and within walking distance to other popular attractions like the Riverwalk.

So for some reason our family of 4 was convinced the Alamo was bigger in real life so it was sort of surprising to see such a small building. However, the exhibits and grounds are all nicely kept and plenty of history was explained on the info boards. Was just nice to even sit under the big oak tree and relax for a while in the court yard.

The Alamo and the area around it seems to be in transition, with lots of construction happening. I think the result will be to have a large pedestrian plaza and a restoration of more of what the original mission looked like (since what we usually describe as the Alamo is really only the mission church) There is also a new museum behind the Alamo. With the large crowds and the construction comes some confusion. You need a ticket to get into the Alamo church, but you do not need to pay. As you walk up to the little trailer that serves as ticket office, you have a number of options. You can join a tour, hire a private guide and pay for admission to the museum. But if you want to tour independently, you don't have to pay for any of these. Just ask for a ticket to enter the Alamo, it's completely free. After you have the free ticket, you line up on the right side of the church and depending how busy it is, you can enter the church after a short wait. The Alamo is actually really small, and I am sure there is a limit of how many people are allowed inside at a time. You can walk around in the church, and watch a short video on the reconstruction of the church in a side room. When we visited, there was about a 15 minute wait for this, again because the room is really small. After exiting the church, we realized that we could also see all of the outside area, history panels and statues for free. You can also go inside the barracks, where you can see a longer movie that explains all of the history. This is administered by National Park rangers, and is also free. We enjoyed our visit, and I think having a pedestrian area around this landmark is a good idea. Just don't feel pressured to spent money if you don't want to.

I had been here before, but my daughter had not. We strolled through the yard areas and then did a tour of the inside. It is small but interesting and the guides did have interesting tidbits to share. There is a lot of restoration going on so be careful when walking around.

A must see if in the San Antonio area! So much history that we all must never forget! Makes me wish I ha listened so much more in history class!!!!!

I had read that a visit to the Alamo was underwhelming. I didn’t find that at all- we walked through the lovely gardens, through the barracks, the cannons, the statuary it was peaceful especially for a place that had seen so much violence. We were fortunate to catch a musket and drum demonstration- which was very interesting but missed the armed forces presence. If you have never been I would go

I highly recommend the guided tour. Our guide was knowledgeable and shared information that I made the battle come to life. He escorted us through the church (no reservation required) and into the Ralston Family Collections Center (admission was included in the tour fee). The Collections Center had many interesting artifacts and the docents were knowledgeable and very willing to answer questions.

It was another awesome thing in San Antonio. They had a lot of artifacts and good descriptions with each. Like all, it cost but well worth it.

September 2023.

We arrived on a Sunday and discovered that there was no street parking available. As a result, we parked in a public parking lot. Unfortunately, there was no pricing information displayed in any of the public parking areas. Consequently, we ended up paying $23 for just 1 hour of parking on a Sunday afternoon.

The Alamo was exceptionally well-preserved and presented. The staff was also very courteous and helpful. There was an abundance of informative materials available.

There is a souvenir shop on the premises. The cost of a single T-shirt is $47. It is important to note that the revenue generated from these sales contributes to the maintenance and upkeep of the site.

Admission to the church is free of charge. However, it is necessary to obtain an entry ticket from the information booth before entering.

I hope you have an enjoyable visit. 👍

We had a great time, it's free to walk around, but pay to do the museum and see lots of artifacts and things. Great for kids to learn about history. They have a good shop there will all sorts of things as well.

We did the self guided ‘Victory or Death’ audio tour. We were a mixed age group ranging from 9 years to 74 years.

Seeing the Alamo is free (but requires checking in). The audio tour has cost associated with it but it was reasonable price. If you’re interested in having an actual person give you a tour that is an option but costs more.

It was hot (obviously it was June) but there were shady places to stand.

The audio tour was interesting and had you move around to different areas with the map to correspond with the information being spoken about. All of our party engaged with the tour.

We also saw the free musket firing demonstration which was fun to see period costumes and hear information on the fire arms and see them fire. If you’re interested check the times and days of that.

We had an excellent experience at The Alamo—so much more to see and learn than we had heard! We had a terrific guide and the ear pieces enabled us to hear her clearly despite the crowd and nearby construction. The Alamo is also cool looking all lighted up at night. The gift shop was great but a little expensive. Do the Sisters Grim Ghost Tour with Stuart Strange and learn about the Alamo ghosts!

Great look into the history of this place. Being from Canada, I admit I didn’t know too much. Nice to learn a little bit on my vacation. When in San Antonio……….

We liked thew Alamo, it is one of the reasons we went to San Antonio. My wife is not American so I wish we had reviewed the history a little more for her before we went. (It would have been good for me to review as well) We got the phone recording things, I would skip that they did not tell you much more than reading the signs did and the numbers were hard to locate. Stop and talk to the attendees/ volunteers they can fill in some of the blanks.

You can't go to San Antonio and not visit the Alamo. The building and grounds have been well preserved.

Despite not being a U.S. national, I am knowledgeable when it comes to American history. The visit is okay, but quite uninteresting. There is not much to see. The main church, for instance, is nothing but a bunch of stones in need of maintenance (it is the only free spot you can access and the profit/donations do count for restoration). The museum tries to state that you can see al frescos in the church and there is absolutely nothing.

Use the self-guided audio tour to explore as you wish. Interesting event in TX history. Be sure to see the diorama in the museum to enhance your understanding of the siege. As a non-Texan, it did not “wow” me; however, it was interesting. Go on a weekday, if possible. Ask for “Senior” ticket price, if you qualify. We thought the gift shop prices were very high. It seems this type of massacre happens routinely today in places experiencing conflict, often to unarmed civilians.

he battle of the Alamo – which took place during the Texas Revolution, when the Mexican army laid siege on a mission for 13 days and hundreds of Texians (as Texas settlers were called) and Tejanos fought them to their deaths – has become a metaphor for American liberty and honor.

Beautiful location and great history. Wish they had more places like this in the area!! Would go again happily with my family and friends.

This place smells history. The musueum the sites and everything related to the war and Alamo resistance were so good to hear, learn and feel.

Employees are so great and several of them are so full of knowledge of Texas ' history that is worth every second and penny to listen to them.

Highly recomended for childten, seniors and everyone who loves history.

Group had a booth @TCR festival in Grand Prairie, Tx.
Had a marvelous setup!!
Folks n booth were so nice to Tank & I!! Posed for pics,etc..
Haven't been to real location n years but hope to revisit soon. Have read up on some updates in some magazines(🫢almost outdated?) I still get to my house. Thanks to yur group & hope I made their day, too!🤩

A monument of history that would be a shame to miss. I recommend the audio guides, except for the model not sure that the collection is so interesting to see.
A little surprised by the size of the remaining surface, to get a better idea, I advise you to visit the missions around San Antonio.

Since we considered the The Alamo "must see" attraction, we planned our visit accordingly. We parked on the street in the King William District where we were impressed by the stately homes, then walked the surface streets to The Alamo. Our return was along the River Walk; crowded with shops/restaurants/hotels at first, then quite and serene as we git closer to our car. We booked 9:30am Sunday timed tickets online in advance; many others were obtaining the free tickets on the spot. We found the history timeline posted on a series of signs outside of the building to be very well done; filled in some blanks in our understanding of the early Texas history.

The Alamo itself is rather small and a quick visit. Hearing the stories in more detail is fun and worthwhile. The surrounding area is absolutely awesome. The Alamo is great to see and walk around.

This was a lot smaller than it appeared in the John Wayne film! There is still bullet holes and repaired cannon strikes on the building. When they repeatedly ask visitors to "not touch the walls" please listen and obey as there are idiots that still want to rub their hands all over the walls, forget future generations as long as they can do as they please. History for the viewing and it has been improved considerably over the past decades.

We’re unable to get tickets to tour the actual inside of the church. Was under the impression all that was left was the facade bit that was inaccurate. The Alamo plaza was set up nicely with informative placards and displays. Ten day we went was unseasonably cold and windy so it conducive to be outdoors that long unless you are properly dressed which we were not! Also don’t make same mistake we did and go doing Christmas break as so many families had the same idea and it was insanely crowded. Worth the time to view this historic piece of history.

We didn't do a tour so there was no charge to just walk around the area. It was still worth our while to visit. There obviously is a gift shop for purchasing souvenirs.

The welcoming staff was absolutely awesome. We were running late because of car issues and they rescheduled our guided tour for us without any issues. Our tour guide was absolutely awesome! I can't remember her name, but she was definitely very informative and had a deep love for the Alamo. As of right now there is a lot of construction on the buildings to put in a new museum.

I'm recovering from hip surgery and wasn't able to do the walk, but I've been there before. However, my son, daughter-in-law and girlfriend really enjoyed it.

This place is going to awesome when they finish the renovations. I definitely will return. They are bringing history to life . If you visited in the past make sure to come back and check out the changes .

This is a really interesting piece of US history, and although there was a lot of building works it was still very much worth the visit. I'm not sure I could recommend the museum as well, as the curation isn't that great - missing a lot of information, though potentially that's including in the audio tour for which there's an uncharge.

Very well run historical site. The line moves quickly and inside you are guided but not rushed through the building.

The Alamo is a historical site located in the middle of downtown San. Antonio is definitely worth visiting, but I suggest doing the free options. It is a beautiful structhe area surrounded by a mix of historical hohell's along with kitschy tourist shops. Regardless, I still suggest you stop and visit while you're in san antonio

I remember in middle school I took a class called US history and my teacher in 7th grade was a dude who shared the same name as me!! I remember him saying to remember the Alamo and so I never forgot it!! I was in San Antonio for three weeks for a camp and I went here on one of my nights off!! I thought about drinking a lot and coming here and then not remembering what happened and I wouldn’t remember the Alamo!! I think that it is very Texan and one of the people I went with is a native Texan and so she gave us some history lessons!!

We listened to the story of the Alamo before visiting the site. It was neat to see the place that we all learned about in history class. The grounds are beautiful, it was interesting to see large statues out in the garden about some of the folks who were a part of the story; it felt like you could connect with them. But the whole thing is super commercialized. We went, walked through the church and gift shop, wandered the grounds, and went on our way. It was nice to see that they are doing some restoration work on part of the church building to preserve it. Glad to have gone, but I don't know that I'd go more than once.

Nothing like in the movies. Free to get in but the museum in back cost $14.00 each ticket. Beautiful non the less. Building with lots of expensive souvenirs.

Everyone should visit this important part of history. When you go to get your tickets, ask for the free tickets. You have to have a ticket to enter. A photographer will take your picture, but you can print it out online for free. He will give you a ticket to be able to do this. They have added so many videos and historic pieces lately. I would not go on the weekend. We went early on a weekday and there were no waits and not crowded. I would definitely recommend.

We came across a woman in the Long Barracks who had a loom and was weaving. My wife and this weaver had an in-depth talk about crafts and the like. The grounds were nice, well-maintained, and full of information.

We visited the Alamo at 9 a.m. on a Wednesday. We purchased the audio tour and it was well worth the money (which was very cheap compared to the guided tour). The audio tour was $10 per audio wand while your guided tour was $45 dollars per person if I remember correctly. The audio tour was great and very easy to do if you follow the prompts played via audio wand and the audio tour Alamo map that you receive when you check in at the welcome center. Please be aware that they do take professional photos of you in front of the Alamo. You can purchase these photos by visiting the gift shop after touring (just keep up with that card they give you after the photo). If you ask to see your photo be aware that they print the photo right away for you to see it so you may feel pressured to buy the photo like we did which can be pricey depending on your budget! Overall, we loved our peaceful tour of the alamo. Don’t forget to “purchase” a free timed entry to view the church on their website- you’ll need it to go inside the church!

I was very excited to visit the Alamo. I purchased the guided tour in advance because I’ve heard it did sell out. We arrived for our tour about 15 minutes in advance. Once there our tour guide, gave us an ear piece and a volume control to use so that we could hear the tour. These were used so that no one else could hear that didn’t pay. While our guide seemed knowledgeable, the tour was not very long and ended with admission to the museum. I would suggest getting the free tour to go into the Alamo and then renting the audio tour so that you can move at your own pace. The museum was definitely worth it, but save your money by skipping the guided tour. You can get the free admissions tickets to the Alamo on their website in advance.

There isn’t a lot of information just sitting around about the Alamo. You get free tickets to enter the church but you have to pay for a tour that actually tells you anything.

We visited the Alamo late afternoon. Most of the Alamo can be visited free of charge. So if you are only partially interested in history, you can drop in for just 15 minutes if you want. You have to pay for the exhibition and a device to listening while walking around. Not sure if you need that since there are many information boards and there is a continuous documentary playing that tells about the history of the Alamo. We also visited the church without having to make an online reservation. We just walked up to the door and walked in. The church is not decorated extensively like many other churches are. All in all a nice visit about the history of the Alamo and part of Texas.

We enjoyed the Alamo, but was surprised how small it was. It is historically, significant for Texas and the United States. It didn't take too long for us to see.

Our visit today was outstanding. We were extremely fortunate to have a guide called Andrew. What an incredible individual he was too. He was very passionate and hugely knowledgeable about the history around this historical event. His passion was infectious and we were totally drawn into the whole experience and it was incredibly absorbing. If you are visiting this area, a visit is an absolute must. If you’re lucky enough to get Andrew as your guide, I can guarantee it will be beyond excellent.
Thank you so much.

There was quite a bit of construction which took away from the experience. There were plenty of staff members around to help with questions.

They don't exactly portray what really did happen here.
They don't control the crowds well.
The staff/volunteers could be more helpful.

Do NOT spend the money on a guide…it was an expensive 15 minutes maybe….
Going into the church is free
The Phil Collins Collection is $14 and worth every dime! Very well done!

The staff and the condition of the Alamo makes for a great way to see this historic site. I would recommend though that anyone going there and learning the Texan revisionist history do a little more research into the causes and consequences that surround the actual political situation during this tumultuous time in Texas. It is not the story they want told.

Watch out for squirrels all around the square and there was heavy construction work when I was there. Didn't stop me accessing all the many souvenir shops all around (the mall wasn't up to much though).
You won't get much out of your visit without either a guide or trying to follow the audio tour commentary as no real info as you go around otherwise. Try to go late in the day when less crowded as hard to get good photos inside. You can re-enter with your ticket so I did my tour, the shop and the museum then went back in later when nobody else around to take my photos.
The museum is a separate ticket but does have a large number of very interesting exhibits - most of which have been donated by superfan Phil Collins. Not only that, there is a scale model with a commentary summary of the battle...and that is narrated by Mr Collins himself!
I would have marked this as 5 stars but was annoyed at the pricing and having to buy different tickets to see everything and also the very over-priced photo souvenir pack which they know people will still cough up for as only there once right?

We were in town for a walking festival. Having grown up reading the history of the Alamo had to visit. Did the self guided tour which was really good quality and value. Learned a lot about the history of the area and a great deal about the epic battle itself. Great museum with many exhibits donated by Phil Collins. He does the voice over describing the battle! A lot of investment happening in improvements so will go back when I am next there.

It's obvious from reading previous reviews that many people expect far more from the Alamo, and I'm not sure what, than what they get. If you do your homework first and pick the right time of the year and best time of day you will have a pleasant experience. The Alamo is a very important piece of history and should not be missed when visiting San Antonio. Avoid the crowds, avoid coming during the summer heat, get there early, and take advantage of all it has to offer and you won't be disappointed.

Worth a visit, currently under construction and will be even better when finished. Phil Collins figures prominently since he contributed his collection and donations to the Alamo.

Super cool experience but holy wow is it small. Our Uber said it was small and no one expects it lol and he was right but we enjoyed the history none the less and thought it was cool we could visit

My Father always warned me how small it was and he wasn't wrong. However, there's far more to see on the grounds and in the immediate area. You can do the inside in 30-45 minutes at the most but spend another 1-2 hours seeing the rest of it. It all depends on how much you like history. It does get very busy so I recommend going during slower times. A definite bucket list item for most Americans that must be checked out.

Love the history and presentation from site.. very underwhelming. Paid for tour speaker,I was dumb. You can read everything quick don't waste money on yours. Buy a t shirt

Pleasantly surprised. Expecting kitschy presentation and hearing the movie version. Instead, there was a good audio tour and signage that gave a full history and put the battle we've all learned about within the historical context of Mexico and what was happening within its history.

It was okay. It wasn't great and it wasn't bad. Not being from Texas, I don't feel like we hold it as high as those from Texas do, but we had to see it since we were in San Antonio. We are history buffs, and really did enjoy what we could see. The inside was a nightmare of people and kids running all over the place. We couldn't hear the guide at all. What we were able to see and read around the site was cool and super interesting for us and the kids. There was a lot of construction going on around the Alamo and parking was expensive. We didn't stay very long, maybe an hour at most. It's a must do for the history, but I doubt we will go back.

Loved our visit here. We had been told not to expect a lot and that the Alamo was small and unimpressive. I think these people went to the wrong place! The mission is small but it is full of interesting history and a brief film presentation about the frescos. We did not pay for any of the tours and went the FREE route. There were volunteers inside that were happy to tell you the history of the Alamo. There was an outdoor presentation about some of the weapons used and lots of informative plaques. For an added $16/pp you could tour the museum on the property with artifacts from the Alamo. We did not do this part. We went in January and it was cold but 100% worth the visit.

I have not been to the Alamo in years. Many changes since my last visit. I like the upgrades and improvements they have been making. The Alamo itself is free. To see the museum requires money. The restrooms and gift shop are pretty new and very nice. The grounds are nice. I think kids will enjoy the grounds more than the actual Alamo. The Alamo itself is pretty small. There are lots of visitors but with the new additions it did not seem too crowded. They had a Alamo gummy that is edible! I'd never seen anything like that before. The weather was cool and overcast so it was the perfect day to take a walk around. In the hot TX summer, you will definitely need water to combat the heat.

Even tho I'm a native Texan and grew up with tales of the Alamo, this in-person tour by Alamo guide and history enthusiast ,Andrew, was powerful. Although I knew the "end of the story" (as we all do,) Andrew's account of the battle, the days leading up to it, the various individuals, and colorful illustrative details all put me on the edge of my seat. Then he wraps up having illustrated clearly how that "small affair" as General Santanna called it, was so crucial to Texas history AND our imaginations today. Now THAT is a great tour guide . I left wanting to know more. Get Andrew's tour if you can. He's articulate, well paced, and a riveting story teller.

Visiting the Alamo was a enriching experience. As a historic site, it provided a unique glimpse into the pivotal Battle of Alamo and its significance in American history. The visit also helped me understand the courage and sacrifice of the defenders and the impact it had on the Texas Revolution.

What struck me most was the strong Spanish and Mexican influence that still permeates the site and the surrounding area. It was fascinating to see how the cultural heritage of the region has been preserved and honored.

I've visited the Alamo 3 or 4 times before, but previous I'd only gone in and read the information plaques. With a 4th grader studying Texas History this year, we decided to go all in and did the Remember the Alamo Guided Tour. Having a guide brought the experience to a whole new level! Ed was incredibly knowledgeable and a fantastic storyteller. I'm a former social studies teacher, but I have never been all that interested in Texas history (apologies to my adopted home, the Lone Star state), but Ed had me riveted! Really- my 9 year old and I hung on his every word!
Additionally, the new Phil Collins Collection is well worth seeing!
Currently, improvements are being made to the outdoor area and I can't wait to see what it looks like once completed.

Was on my living list, now it is off. I Loved it! We booked a tour at 10 am. It was hot but the Tour guide moved us along to the shade as much as could be done. Just to stand where a piece of history was, is emotional feeling for me. So much to see, take your time.

I was looking forward to seeing the Alamo but was not prepared for how much I would enjoy the visit. The information provided in the church and areas around give you a good understanding of the battles there. I only did the free sites and this was very good. An outstanding experience.

So glad we booked the Remember the Alamo Guided tour. Renea was awesome. I got such an excellent understanding of the history, both leading to the battle of the Alamo as well as the aftermath. She handled a group of 12 people so well, and the small ear-piece microphones were the best I have seen, and we’ve done a ton of walking tours. Afterwards we spent another hour or so re-looking, and experiencing the exhibit Phil Collins collection and diorama- what a gift, dont miss it. The line to see the new frescoes in the church was about 20 minutes and we were tired st that point so didnt wait, but did take time to buy at their wonderful gift shop!

Not much to say that people don't already know. It really is a "bucket list" destination. I had visited before, but my daughter had not, so wanted her to see it. It was crowded, but not terribly so. Admission to The Alamo itself is free. Just go to official website and select your timed ticket. We chose a time the day before our visit, but once on site the following day, tickets were still available for any time during said day (and this was in early June).

Not a lot to see inside the building itself. There were "actors" outside in clothing from the 1800's talking about life during the time of the Alamo, as well as the battle.

Parking is plentiful, but expensive. We paid $22 for 3 hours at a lot about 1.5 blocks away. The only method for payment is by use of a smart phone. There was a machine onsite that took credit cards, but it did not work. Don't know if that was the case for all lots in the area or not. Our lot also had a shaded area for parking which was nice (for no additional charge). If you exceed your time limit (and we did because we went to the River Walk and ate dinner), you can use your phone from anywhere to extend your time. My daughter remained in San Antonio as she has a summer internship there. She texted the next day that there was a parking deck at the Alamo Mall (adjacent to the Alamo) that lets you park all day for $10, so that is an option.

Phil Collins (yes the singer) has a large collection of relics related to The Alamo. You must pay to enter this separate, onsite building, but it was worth the ticket price. This collection is scheduled to be moved to the Alamo Visitor Center and Museum, which is a four-story, 100,000 square foot museum currently being built across the street from The Alamo.

Speaking of The River Walk, it is just across the street from The Alamo. Just look for the descending steps. You cannot see the River Walk from the Alamo and would never know it was there unless you had discovered that fact before your visit. You must walk down steps to actually see the river. There are numerous placed that have such steps though.

Finally, I had read that it is impossible to get a picture of just you with The Alamo in the background. Happily, I can say that is not true. The Alamo closes at 5:30 pm. We finished dinner and walked past The Alamo at 7:00 pm to go back to our vehicle. Since The Alamo is roped -off when closed, you have an excellent opportunity to take a picture with no other person in the background.

It is not well advertised unless you look online but, this free tour requires a ticket. You can get one online or at the box office. There are no times entrances so I don’t know why you need the ticket, but you do! The grounds are beautiful. The staff is friendly and helpful. The gift shop is huge.

I just got the free ticket and read the signs and watched the movie and I felt fully informed. There was a little line to get in the sanctuary (wait was less than 5 minutes). It’s an important part of Texas history and worth the visit.

It’s a cool stop to take in all the history of The Alamo but it’s a lot smaller and right in the middle of town which was surprising. Worth a stop if you’re in the area but probably not worth a long drive unless it’s just something on your bucket list.

You can’t go to San Antonio without visiting The Alamo. The building that is still standing of the Alamo had been the church. Entrance is free and inside it isn’t clear that it had been a church. Inside, we stood in line, longer than we should have, to watch the little 3-minute video in what had been the Sacristy. I feel that part could have been skipped. After visiting the main building, walk around the area to see the squares, several statues, cannons, and a huge, beautiful tree. There is also a large gift shop

A very cool historical place to visit and see history firsthand. We did the self-paced audio tour and spent about two hours walking through the grounds and buildings. Worth the stop if you're in the area.

Kids might find the Alamo boring, but there’s the Riverwalk when the weather’s nicer. Margaritaville H&M facing Hop On Hop Off stops at Commerce near Chipotle, down the street from the Alamo and Hilton Palacio. The (haunted) Marriott or Market Street can be reached by taking stairs to the Riverwalk below. Alamo street work was continuing with road blocks in front of The Menger Hotel, towards 1985 Emily Morgan (haunted 1835 Col James Morgan) Hotel. Alamo’s facing the former Santa Anna Battlefield & Medical Arts Bldg clinic in 1926 N of 1890/1936 Post Office, Maverick Land Office (1908 Gibbs), Ripley’s Lab/Louis Tussaud’s WaxWorks & 4D theatre. The small Visitor Info Center there is in the 1886 Opera House, beside Magicians Agency Theatre (haunted) Magic of Scott Pepper, which is open until 9 weekdays. A family special is 2 attractions plus River Walk for $40. Once construction is done, there’ll be the fully operational Alamo Visitor & Museum Banquet Hall in the Maverick Bank. Galeria Barrack & Jail was demolished in 1871 there after paying $2,500 to the church, for which additions were made at the Alamo, and in 1888 a park was adjoined at the site.

The Alamo was a cool historic site. It’s so cool how it is situated right in the center of the city.

Unfortunately, we picked a cold day to go, and it was very windy. The attraction looks to be far more interactive in the pictures, but that’s probably because of the time of year. Still, it was a very educational experience and lots of rich history. Look forward to visiting in the future sometime…during a summer!

…and there’s a lot of construction around it, so it will probably be even cooler next time!

A great experience that I always wanted to see. Lots of great history and information. There is a very good source of information provided by the staff.

This place is iconic. The museum collection has great artifacts, and there is a great monument to the men who died here. The gift shop has lots of interesting items. I do feel that this experience could be better by making the guided tour more affordable. It is not difficult for one or two people to buy a $35 dollar ticket for a 30 minute tour, but when you have to pay for 5 people, 175 dollars is a little steep, especially in comparison to other historic sites.

We only got to see the Alamo at night after hours so all we could see was the outside. Made for beautiful photos. Lots of people were there on a Saturday night around 10pm. Will go back if we're in the area again

Honestly the Alamo was better to tour ten years ago. It’s super commercialized now. They basically force you to do a posed photo to buy later on your way in. Despite times entries the location is super crowded. While the barracks and church are free to visit the other exhibits cost money. The reenactment staff makes the whole visit. They were very fun and engaging. It’s an important part of history so I don’t regret going but I enjoy the missions better.

Nice historic visit in downtown San Antonio. They're finishing fixing the square around here. An area is already open. The general visit is free and another section at cost. I make the free one I think is more than enough. They currently have a video that tells you the story of the Alamo. If you are by the river it is a must visit that takes approx 30 minutes to 1 hour.

Beautiful sight, interesting and freely accessible.
I liked the gift shop and the garden is beautiful with several shady areas. You can walk all the way around it.

Alamo - home of Texas independence, a national/STATE monument to price of freedom. Well maintained,

I relearned about the Alamo. When you are young it doesn’t mean much to you but once you age history seems to be much more interesting.

It's the Alamo. Most of us know from others that the Alamo is small and many people think it's underwhelming. So, you should be prepared for that reality. Is it historical? Yes. Is there a good audio tour that gives you tons of information? Yes. Is it going to be hot in the summer? Yes. Now, the really cool part: The Phil Collins Artifacts and when you are in there, ask questions!!! There were two very knowledgeable people who could answer several questions about the artifacts for me! So, to get something out of the Alamo, you have to be willing to be mentally invested in it.--Now is the parking stupidly expensive? Oh YES! About $35 for two hours!! Just realize that San Antonio makes their money off of parking fees. Finally, the new museum (postponed for several reasons) is supposed to now open in 2027. When it does open, will the Alamo experience be even better? Probably for history buffs. For the general public, we will see. It's a good good visit. But, is it really on anyone's bucker list?

We toured the Alamo on a Wednesday morning. We had a reserved time for 9 am and were able to enter quickly. The timed entry is only for the church itself.....the grounds are open. The Alamo is well preserved and there are numerous displays as well as a film. The grounds are very nice with a number of sitting spaces. There's also the Ralston Family Collections Museum, which charges an admission fee.

We enjoyed our visit. This is a "must see" in San Antonio.

The compound is under construction and more difficult to get to!
My husband and I were staying on the Riverwalk for his birthday so we were able to walk to the Alamo.
We hadn’t visited in it in decades, so it was interesting to visit it again.
There is a very interesting museum that we hadn’t ever been to on the grounds.
As Texan I am very proud of our history that includes the Battle at the Alamo and the hero’s who died for our independence!

A necessary stop if visiting San Antonio! The museum and shows were so well done. So interesting to learn about this history.

Obligitory stop for all Texans. When visiting San Antone I always like to stop by the Alamo and look around. We didn't go inside this trip but walking the area outside and around Alamo Plaza soaks up the history.

A new outdoor museum showing the fortification and cannons was being installed during our visit. Good to see updates and maintenance on such a historic structure and area.

The Alamo is pretty small with a ton of people. Admission to the mission church is free, but there is a fee for everything else. The area itself is under construction. A post office is across the street.

The Alamo at present is undergoing restoration work - when I say the Alamo, I mean most of the area around it as well is either closed off roads or tarps as they pull down buildings leaving only the facades. Decide in advance what you want from your visit - the Church is free to enter but you will have other paid for options. You may be sent across the Plaza to pick up your free tickets, then back again which you might not want to do in blazing hot sun. If you only want to see the church then it's a quick visit - there's not an awful lot more to see. Overall a disappointment & maybe not worth the drive in.

We were underwhelmed by The Alamo. The most interesting thing was the connection and artifacts collected by Phil Collins. The day we were there it was absolutely packed. I think it may have been more enjoyable without so many people. You can't visit San Antonio without visiting The Alamo so definitely go but you really don't need more than an hour or 2. It's not somewhere I'd visit again. We did the audio tour and it was definitely worth the extra cost.

Situated in the heart of San Antonio ( and nothing else is truly the heart of the city ) is the historic and iconic Alamo. This site is full of history and educational information that’s great for children and adults alike.

This building is such an iconic spot and almost synonymous with Texas, you simply must visit it while in San Antonio. It’s easily accessible from the Riverwalk. The exhibits inside are few and far between, but a nearby building houses numerous artifacts. Also, there are many statues and storyboards scattered throughout Alamo Plaza. Visit the gift shop behind the Alamo for some unique items, including several good books with the history of the Alamo. If you’re hungry or thirsty, stop by the Crockett Tavern behind the plaza.

We loved the Alamo it's full of history

Why isn't there parking for the handicapped near the site? I have to wonder if it's due to the streets being closed or if this is just how it is all the time?

TIP :Skip the pictures that are taken professionally. Take your own and save your money.

Small museum with some good artifacts to look at. There is audio and descriptions for most pieces if you want to learn about it. The parking is expensive though and not something you should go out of your way to do unless you want a simple day.

It was okay. I paid for the guided tour. The guide was knowledgable but I know more than a little bit about Alamo and Texas history. He definitely subscribed to the Heroic White tale. No talk of slavery, very little of the Mexican defenders. Still, I was able to put a "face" to what I know so it was worth going. All of the Alamo volunteers were friendly. Be prepared for a heavy police presence. Cops everywhere.

Texans are proud of what the Alamo represents. It was a little underwhelming for an outsider.
The whole Alamo is under reconstruction to build it back to the original fort and add other exhibits.
I would wait a year to see it completed

Looked up visiting the Alamo and it purports to be free entry. That’s very misleading.
It might be free to get in but to see the interesting stuff you need to pay.
I’d rather they had imposed an overall blanket entry fee and then visitors can opt in or out of guided tours or audio tours.
Shame as if we’d known we would have either not gone or at least known the costs. Parking for four hours was $39 !!

The Alamo was very inspiring. There is lots of things to do there including a gift shop, tours, learning experiences. So if you are interested in historic learning, you should go to the Alamo.

The Alamo is one of those bucket-list places for Texas and US history. While I had been warned by more than one person that I would be underwhelmed by its size due to being surrounded by skyscrapers, I didn't find that to be the case at all. The site is lovingly maintained, especially the garden/statue area off to the northwest of the church. You can tour the inside of the church (the most famous building that most people associate with "the Alamo" although it is in fact a larger complex) for free, but you do need to arrange tickets prior to entry. The rear grounds behind the church also offered three re-enactors who provided some interesting trivia on the site and its residents prior to and leading up to the infamous siege. The larger, modern building in the east of the complex is a collections museum and costs more money than we were willing to shell out to visit it. (Fun fact: a large part of the collections were donated by soft-rock star Phil Collins!) The one downside was the gift shop, where exorbitant prices for drinks and souvenirs are charged. Four t-shirts, a stuffed animal, some candy, and a bottle of water ran my group over $200! At least the site itself is free!

Awesome place to experience history. Good for a family trip who appreciate the past. Plenty of places to sit and take it all in.

We had a great time at the Alamo and learnt so much. There was a long queue to get a ticket, so I spoke to the Alamo Ranger about it and he informed us of all of our options. He was really helpful, kind and professional. We were able to enjoy the experience and learnt alot from our experience. Do not miss!

Wow, a small piece of Texan history in the heart of the city of San Antonio, TX
A museum that upholds the phrase "Remember The Alamo"

Incredible history tour. We loved all the incredible artifacts including many from Phil Collins. When I thought of the Alamo I never realized how large it was and what went into its history. My teenagers learned a great amount of history here. The location is great right near hotels and riverwalk.

Like most people, this was one of my top attractions and primary reasons to come to San Antonio. I made two visits to the Alamo, and it was a bit surreal when I got here, as a child you watch the movies and read the history books, but being here is something special. I enjoyed being inside the chapel, and looking at the surrounding walls and nearby statues. I like the fact that it was free to visit, so my hat is off to you San Antonio and Texas!

You really can't go to San Antonio without visiting the Alamo. Pretty incredible that it's right in the middle of the city. We were looking at it all week from our hotel without realizing that's what the Alamo was.

The free tour is probably enough for most people unless you're a real history buff or big into Texan history. You can view the inside, the grounds, and the back area. Really not that much to it, but it's worth the trip.

Great historical area to visit. There was lots of neat facts about the history of San Antonio and how it came to be. I like that there's so much to offer on the area as well

A group of us came here to the historic Alamo for a visit and to pay our respects to those brave men who sacrificed their lives in the cause of freedom and liberty. Historical figures like David Crockett, Jim Bowie and William Travis held off the Mexican army for several days. Since I was here last, a museum with items owned by rock musical icon, Phil Collins has been added. It’s worth the price of admission to see his collection.

On waiting for our flight that evening we decided to take the time to explore San Antonio.

After riverwalk and having breakfast we walked over to the Alamo. It’s a nice and easy walk from the river and plenty of parking available.

The Alamo is pretty and fully of history! The grounds have been well preserved and well
Kept. If you’re big into history (like I am) it’s a must see!! I throughly enjoyed walking around and looking and reading everything. This has been on my history bucket list for a long time. I was excited to actually experience it.

It’s free to walk around check things out. It was hot and crowed the day we went but still really enjoyed seeing the artifacts and reading about the battle.

I would recommend and can’t wait to come back to visit again.

We heard good and not so good things about the Alamo. We decided to do the audio tour. It was worth the extra money. It gives a lot more information than if you just walk through yourself.

Can’t visit San Antonio and not visit the Alamo so we did. I’ve never watched the film and being from uk I didn’t really know the history but i found this absolutely fascinating and will watch the films when home again. True respect to the brave people who fought. This place is bigger than I expected and there are obviously lots of photo opps and things to buy. Must see in San Antonio.

I would recommend at least going and walking around the grounds. There’s some interesting statues and plaques to read and the grounds were pretty lovely. We did not pay the money to go inside the mission.But the rest of the area was pretty cool.

The Alamo itself is much smaller than most people realize.
Our tour guide was friendly and very enthusiastic.
Since we were there to see the facility (rather than expecting to attend a fully objective history lesson about the Texas Revolution) we overlooked the fact that she appeared to gloss over some of the factors contributing to the revolution itself.
The artifacts on display (provided by some famous collectors) was a welcome bonus.
Overall a very good experience.

Excellent volunteers and very well maintained. It will take around two hours to complete and very enjoyable. You will not be disappointed

My husband's only request for our summer vacation was to visit the Alamo. The night before our 1/2 day San Antonio tour we walked by it while we were out exploring the city. His immediate response was not even wanting a souvenir hat...he changed his mind the next day. While I understand the part it played in Texas's history it was one of those check it off your bucket list visits. I hope the new Welcome and Visitor Center changes it's current stigma!

We visited here on March 20, 2023. You do have to book tickets in advance, but they are free. The staff is helpful and knowledgeable. They keep the numbers in the Alamo proper in check, but it still was a bit crowded. The grounds were more crowded. This makes taking pictures a bit tricky. It is pretty standard historical fare with placards to read and statues to view. The Alamo has a very interesting story, and you should stop in when San Antonio.

I always love the Alamo! There have been a few improvements since I was last there and they are all great. I especially love the displays of how the Alamo changed over the years. The free "tour" is still the right amount of time for kids/teenagers as long as you find the right person to talk to inside the church. (Free just means you can go inside the church. Different people are standing around to answer questions.) Our gentleman was very knowledgeable and friendly....sorry I did not get his name. Hope to go back when the welcome center is open.

Good visual aids with plaques, statues, timelines, etc. Rangers and guides were throughout the Alamo and helpful. The line wasn’t long to get in at all.

Many people have told me over the years, when I would mention wanting to go to the Alamo, "It's not that big a deal." Granted, surrounded by the tall buildings of downtown San Antonio, it is small, but it is a big deal and it is worth visiting, especially if you enjoy history. There is a museum under construction that I imagine will add greatly to the experience, but for now it is worth just being able to see what is left of the original mission, including the church itself, which is what most of us think of when we think of the Alamo. There are two paid options for tours--one with a live guide and one with audio wands, but there is also the option of walking around for free. Tickets are only required for entering the church, and those are free. You will learn about the famous battle that took place there but also about the Spanish settlement of the area and prominent figures who played a role in the history of San Antonio.

I've seen all the Alamo movies and had a certain idea of what to expect. But we took the tour and they provide a lot more background on the people in the Alamo, why they were fighting the Mexican government, and loads of artifacts from that time.

We were expecting a bit more than what we saw.
The History was great and very nice employees. Recommend the Alamo for the History.

We stayed at The Crockett Hotel right next to The Alamo and thought we might spend a half hour looking around…three and a half hours later we were in awe. It is beautiful, emotional, historical and the volunteers there are so willing to give their time and explain the history behind the building, the city and area..there is also a free museum (looks quite new) at the back of The Alamo that is huge and amazing… statues fill the grounds and there is more work being done to enlarge the entire compound and add a park like setting… I would go back tomorrow… great for children and adults alike will love it here.

As a New Zealander I wasn't familiar with the history of the Alamo or Texan history for that matter. I LOVED visiting the Alamo and it was fascinating. But as someone that didn't know the story in advance it was confusing walking in the church first and there was no explanation of the history or why it was significant.

We paid $14 for the extra exhibit which was interesting, but maybe didn't need to pay that. The Phil Collins diarama in the exhibit was cool though, he tells the story of the battle in detail.

Finally towards the end I discovered a display and movie that told me the story of the battle after my American boyfriend had been trying to explain it all to me! It's definitely a must-see, but it was disappointing that the history was towards the end. I think that should have been before the entrance to the church.

It was a beautiful experience to be at this special place. I'm happy that we were able to visit the Alamo. It is definitely much more commercialized than the other Missions in San Antonio. We didn't pay for the museum, but it is free to enter the church. The area has been beautifully restored. Check out the model, though, to get an true idea of how this area looked when it was San Antonio Mission. Definitely worth checking out while in San Antonio. If you want to experience how life in a Spanish Mission used to be, I highly recommend seeing the National Park Missions along the Riverwalk Trail.

We walked from our accommodations to The Alamo early in the day, hoping to avoid the weekend crowds. We needn’t have worried, as the site absorbs large numbers of people with ease. They offer a self guided tour, which, when used in conjunction with their map, is one of the better self guided tours we have taken. It also includes admission to every building on the site. The “wands” are like a cell phone, put in the number of your location and listen. They are very private and don’t disturb anyone around you. The facility is very well organized with lots of very helpful staff, well marked displays and lots of space to gather round and look at things. Make sure to take in the diorama in Phil Collin’s display area. Combined with Phil Collin’s narrative of the battle it gives a great perspective of the sequence of events. We’re not Texan, so this doesn’t quite have the same connection as if we were, but it was a very well presented lesson in an important piece of Texan and American history. This is definitely worth spending several hours at when you’re in San Antonio.

It was interesting to see and there was a little more to see than I thought originally going in. However we had to get "free" tickets to get into the church but there was not much to see and a long line to get into a certain area. My kids were a little young for this attraction but most of the adults we were with enjoyed learning some of history. It is a place that I can say I saw now but not sure I would be going back.

An important historical site that's definitely worth checking out. I would recommend going with the audio self-guided tour rather than the $45 tour with a guide. The extra cost is not worth it, and you can browse at your own pace with the audio tour.
Keep in mind it's HOT here in the summer. Bring water with you since the water for sale on-site is expensive!

Our tour guide was amazing and really brought the history to life. I especially loved the museum where all the artifacts are stored. Super interesting.

We did a guided tour of the Alamo, which was very informational.You could only get into certain parts.We were told with the guide.If I remember right?It was forty dollars a person and a tour lasted about an hour.

You can’t go to San Antonio without going to the Alamo. It’s much smaller than I was expecting and right in the heart of the city. It’s beautiful and such a big piece of history.

EXTREMELY Hot during the day. So time the heat as best as possible. Decent short visit place. Plan it for a 2 hour visit...

There was so much to see and it was well laid out for a self-guided tour. There was an optional guided tour for $45 but we chose to go at our own pace. The exhibits were well displayed and many had narration complete with guide lights to highlight the subject being discussed. The demonstration of the black powder rifles was as informative as it was loud. And it was VERY loud. The chapel was very busy and we decided not to go through the film presentation.
The cast bronze models depicting the area during different times before and after the war in 1836 was very interesting.
The gift shop had every conceivable type of souvenir of the Alamo and it was hard to chose what to buy to properly "Remember the Alamo!"!

My guide was excellent. I was a little disappointed in all the hotels and restaurants that are all around the mission. I expected to see open prairies.

I have been here several times but this time took my parents who are in their 80s to see it for the first time. I dropped them off and there is plenty of parking in the Riverside Garage. Entry is free but you get a timed ticket now at the plaza and there are some up charges if you want to see some new exhibits. You can see the Alamo in about an hour or less but it's worth taking in the grounds and the gift shop is excellent. Only a 10 minute walk to the Riverwalk.

Such a wealth of information is provided in the guided tour. Our guide (Illa?) was very knowledgeable and gave us such a good historical context and timeline for the Alamo's battle.

As Brits travelling in the USA is rare that we come across American history that rivals some of ours. So refreshing to visit a 300 year old site.
We booked in advance the $20 audio tour, which includes the collection gallery too.
Really good audio guide, very comprehensive.
The guides we interacted with were good too
Plenty of sign and explanation boards if you don't want to pay.
Was annoying that buying on advance doesn't bumb you up the queue.
Consider booking because on the day we visited the audio for was sold out, and the previous day we heard they had finished tickets for the day too

Made the walk up from the river walk. The statues and the ruins were cool to see. Fun place to look around for a little while

The church and surrounding buildings give a great sens of how life was in 1836 and of the events of the battle. The small but very good museum is well worth a visit especially to see part of Phil Collin's Alamo collection.