Espada Aqueduct

9045 Espada Rd, San Antonio, TX 78214, United States

Espada Aqueduct

About the Company

rating: 4.7

Categories

  • Historical landmark
  • Tourist attraction

Contact Information

Phone: +1 210-932-1001

Website: https://www.nps.gov/saan

Address: 9045 Espada Rd, San Antonio, TX 78214, United States

Working hours
  • Monday: 9 AM–4:30 PM
  • Tuesday: 9 AM–4:30 PM
  • Wednesday: 9 AM–4:30 PM
  • Thursday: 9 AM–4:30 PM
  • Friday: 9 AM–4:30 PM
  • Saturday: 9 AM–4:30 PM
  • Sunday: 9 AM–4:30 PM

Photos

Reviews

Review №1

Rating: 5

Date: 2 weeks ago

Review №2

Rating: 5

Date: 3 weeks ago

Review №3

Rating: 5

Date: 3 weeks ago

Review №4

Rating: 5

This was so worth the short visit. This would be a great place for a picnic. It was so beautiful. It was also amazing to think about how it is still working so many years later.

Date: a month ago

Review №5

Rating: 5

Add this to your stops while seeing the missions, very interesting history here.

Date: a month ago

Review №6

Rating: 5

Historic spot, beautiful location...really in the middle of nowhere...if you are visiting San Jose Missions then its worth to stop by since its just 6-7minutes from there...its a 15 minutes stop...take some pictures and go.

Date: 2 months ago

Review №7

Rating: 5

Very cool to learn how people in the 1700s got water to their crops.

Date: 3 months ago

Review №8

Rating: 4

The Aqueduct was empty for cleaning. It was cool to see emptied. There was lots of mud to clean out.

Date: 4 months ago

Review №9

Rating: 5

Date: 4 months ago

Review №10

Rating: 5

Super awesome history. This is the only Aqueduct from Spanish colonial time in the United States. Still runs water over the bridge and feeds the rest of the Aqueduct system. Stop and check the new signs placed to learn about the location. Must see and easy/quick stop. Totally free !!!

Date: 5 months ago

Review №11

Rating: 5

Date: 6 months ago

Review №12

Rating: 5

Date: 6 months ago

Review №13

Rating: 5

Beautiful historical stop. Easy to walk around and enjoy.

Date: 6 months ago

Review №14

Rating: 5

Very nice area

Date: 7 months ago

Review №15

Rating: 3

Date: 7 months ago

Review №16

Rating: 4

Date: 7 months ago

Review №17

Rating: 5

Date: 7 months ago

Review №18

Rating: 5

It is interesting to see how this structure was escential to the settlers in this region

Date: 9 months ago

Review №19

Rating: 4

Date: 9 months ago

Review №20

Rating: 5

Looooved it! I just had to show the kids around and give em a little tour. Enlighten then about history

Date: 11 months ago

Review №21

Rating: 5

Date: 11 months ago

Review №22

Rating: 5

Friendly people out and about.

Date: a year ago

Review №23

Rating: 5

We only visited the entrance where the bridge is located, but it was beautiful. Took some great pics for my sister s baby shower. :)

Date: a year ago

Review №24

Rating: 5

Beautiful San Antonio Mission National Historical Park. Surrounded by huge pecan trees providing shade that will make an outing and picnic with family a nice setting.

Date: a year ago

Review №25

Rating: 4

The marvels of engineering involved in older fears of construction never cease to amaze me. I enjoyed the map along with the explanation.

Date: a year ago

Review №26

Rating: 5

This is a hidden gem in San Antonio, near the end of Stinson airfield and close to the Agua Duck bar, yet tucked away and tranquil. There are picnic tables and historical markers, plus the 1740 Spanish Auqeduct which is still carrying water. The site is operated by the National Park Service, but there is no visitor center and there are no restooms.

Date: a year ago

Review №27

Rating: 5

Date: a year ago

Review №28

Rating: 5

Date: a year ago

Review №29

Rating: 5

Date: a year ago

Review №30

Rating: 5

Date: a year ago

Review №31

Rating: 5

It wasnt as grand as a Roman aqueduct but it was neat to see.

Date: a year ago

Review №32

Rating: 5

Once upon a summers day, I set out on a captivating journey to explore the historic marvels of the city, drawn by tales of the Espada Aqueducts grandeur. Excitement fluttered in my chest as I embarked on this adventure, eager to witness the age-old engineering feat that had stood the test of time. As I arrived at the aqueducts location, I was immediately enchanted by the lush greenery that surrounded the area. The citys commitment to maintaining a clean and pristine environment was evident everywhere I looked. Towering trees cast a welcoming shade, while colorful wildflowers adorned the pathways, inviting me to wander deeper into the serenity of nature. The aqueduct itself was a sight to behold. Its elegant arches seemed to stretch up to the sky, holding the secrets of centuries gone by. As water flowed gracefully over the smooth stones, I couldnt help but be mesmerized by the seamless harmony between nature and human ingenuity. The clean, clear water reflected the surrounding greenery, creating a picturesque scene that felt like a living work of art. I spent hours exploring the area, immersing myself in the history and beauty of the place. The aqueducts presence had transformed the landscape into a haven of tranquility, offering a peaceful escape from the bustling city life. The sound of water gently trickling and the chirping of birds in the distance created a symphony of natures melodies that resonated deep within my soul. As the sun began to set, I found a perfect spot to sit by the aqueducts side, letting the cool breeze caress my face. The citys dedication to preserving this historical gem and maintaining the surrounding greenery was evident in every meticulous detail. I felt a profound sense of gratitude for the people who had worked tirelessly to keep this area pristine for generations to come. Over the days that followed, I returned to the aqueduct, bringing along my sketchbook and art supplies. Inspired by the scenic beauty, I tried to capture the essence of the place with every stroke of my brush. The colors of the landscape seemed to come alive on the canvas, and I found myself lost in a world of creativity and wonder. Beyond the aqueduct, the city was an oasis of greenery and cleanliness. Parks and gardens adorned every corner, offering refreshing spaces for leisure and relaxation. The streets were immaculate, and a sense of community pride shone brightly in every well-maintained building and alley. During my stay, I met friendly locals who shared stories of their citys history and took pride in their efforts to preserve its natural beauty. They invited me to join in various community activities, from planting trees in the parks to participating in cleanup drives. The camaraderie among the residents and their dedication to keeping the city clean and green filled me with joy. Leaving the city behind, I carried with me cherished memories of the Espada Aqueduct and the vibrant greenery that adorned the landscape. The experience had been more than just a journey; it was a celebration of human heritage and a reminder of the value of preserving natures wonders. I returned home with a heart brimming with gratitude for the fun-filled days I had spent amidst the clean, green haven that this remarkable city had lovingly nurtured.

Date: a year ago

Review №33

Rating: 4

Date: a year ago

Review №34

Rating: 5

Cycling and hikes

Date: a year ago

Review №35

Rating: 5

Part of the Mission tour with Grey Line Tours

Date: a year ago

Review №36

Rating: 4

Small park surrounding historic structure of Mission Espada aqueduct. There are about ten parking spaces. Nice shade. There is access to the hike/bike trail.

Date: a year ago

Review №37

Rating: 5

Although this out of the way historical artifact may seem uninteresting to all but the most ardent hydrologists, masons, and experts in Spanish colonialism, give it a try. It is a remarkably open and dare I say interactive part of the mission trail. I would assume that its openness means toes can be dipped on a hot day. Perhaps a respite along the trail when seeing all the missions in one day.

Date: a year ago

Review №38

Rating: 5

Date: a year ago

Review №39

Rating: 5

Nice scenery!

Date: a year ago

Review №40

Rating: 5

Date: a year ago

Review №41

Rating: 5

Beautiful place and piece of history.

Date: a year ago

Review №42

Rating: 5

Date: a year ago

Review №43

Rating: 5

Beautiful and quiet a monument to the history of San Antonions and their perseverance

Date: a year ago

Review №44

Rating: 5

Date: a year ago

Review №45

Rating: 4

Historical significance. Very small park and I guess just a small part of the aqueduct left but it still works. It was built to last and I am sure water was and still is important. Not much to see but if you have a little time, it could be worth a visit.

Date: a year ago

Review №46

Rating: 3

Date: a year ago

Review №47

Rating: 4

Date: a year ago

Review №48

Rating: 4

Date: a year ago

Review №49

Rating: 5

Date: a year ago

Review №50

Rating: 5

Beautiful piece of history

Date: a year ago

Review №51

Rating: 5

Very nice and peaceful

Date: a year ago

Review №52

Rating: 5

Date: a year ago

Review №53

Rating: 5

Date: a year ago

Review №54

Rating: 4

Date: a year ago

Review №55

Rating: 5

Date: a year ago

Review №56

Rating: 5

Excellent signage to get here from the Mission de Espada. At the Mission, there are hands on activities to experience that are led by the park rangers. The park rangers also do a wonderful job on answering questions, and giving informative info regarding the culture and history. Thank you.

Date: a year ago

Review №57

Rating: 5

Date: a year ago

Review №58

Rating: 5

Date: a year ago

Review №59

Rating: 5

Date: a year ago

Review №60

Rating: 5

This is part of the San Antonio Missions National Historical Park. Its amazing how good a condition the aqueduct is in, considering its age and history. Its well worth a visit and a walk round. We did all the missions and surrounding areas in a few hours. Each is unique in its own way and its interesting to compare them. Things like the aqueduct are really interesting.

Date: a year ago

Review №61

Rating: 5

Its not a very large park here. However the Aqueduct is the main attraction. It is said by US Park Rangers that this is the only Aqueduct of its type you will find in this country. At the right time the sight is unmistakably beautiful.

Date: a year ago

Review №62

Rating: 5

Cool place to check out. My buddy apparently use to take his ex girlfriend here and hang out and as a child he would hang out here and play. Glad to experience and revisit his childhood memories.

Date: a year ago

Review №63

Rating: 3

Date: a year ago

Review №64

Rating: 5

was beautiful even if we did run from an 18 foot water moccasin

Date: a year ago

Review №65

Rating: 5

Date: a year ago

Review №66

Rating: 5

Scary as hell at night.

Date: a year ago

Review №67

Rating: 5

Great weather here place to go right now is the perfect weather

Date: a year ago

Review №68

Rating: 5

Date: a year ago

Review №69

Rating: 5

Beautiful and clean. Short walk from the parking lot to the park.

Date: a year ago

Review №70

Rating: 5

Date: a year ago

Review №71

Rating: 5

Date: a year ago

Review №72

Rating: 5

The Espada Aqueduct is part of the National Historical Park which includes the Spanish Missions located in San Antonio. The aqueduct is an engineering feat from the 1730s. A visit is highly recommended, especially when you are doing an entire missions tour.

Date: 2 years ago

Review №73

Rating: 5

It was the best place i have ever seen

Date: 2 years ago

Review №74

Rating: 2

Date: 2 years ago

Review №75

Rating: 5

Date: 2 years ago

Review №76

Rating: 4

Date: 2 years ago

Review №77

Rating: 5

Great historic site

Date: 2 years ago

Review №78

Rating: 5

Date: 2 years ago

Review №79

Rating: 3

A small piece of aqueduct b

Date: 2 years ago

Review №80

Rating: 5

Date: 2 years ago

Review №81

Rating: 5

Oh yeah this place sure has a lot of history I made my own history when I was a teenager out on those foot trail in back I wonder if people still go there to let there freak out

Date: 2 years ago

Review №82

Rating: 5

Date: 2 years ago

Review №83

Rating: 4

It is nothing short of ingenious how the water was diverted to supply all of the missions for miles.

Date: 2 years ago

Review №84

Rating: 4

Date: 2 years ago

Review №85

Rating: 5

Great look back at history

Date: 2 years ago

Review №86

Rating: 5

Date: 2 years ago

Review №87

Rating: 4

Date: 2 years ago

Review №88

Rating: 5

Date: 2 years ago

Review №89

Rating: 5

Date: 2 years ago

Review №90

Rating: 5

Date: 2 years ago

Review №91

Rating: 5

Date: 2 years ago

Review №92

Rating: 5

Date: 2 years ago

Review №93

Rating: 5

The Aqueduct gas always been a getaway there and historic!

Date: 2 years ago

Review №94

Rating: 5

Took a tour with San Antonio Walks and Drives - absolutely amazing tour company. Never took a tour this good in San Antonio or elsewhere and they showed us the three parts of the Water System including the aqueduct which many simply dont visit or take you by.

Date: 2 years ago

Review №95

Rating: 5

I loved the scenery it was beautiful. Nice place to the a walk

Date: 2 years ago

Review №96

Rating: 5

Such a great piece of history very peaceful shaded with pecan trees

Date: 2 years ago

Review №97

Rating: 4

Small park with tiny aqueduct.

Date: 2 years ago

Review №98

Rating: 5

A quick visit, in awe of the ingenuity

Date: 2 years ago

Review №99

Rating: 5

Date: 2 years ago

Review №100

Rating: 4

Small, but fun to know there are aqueducts in the US too.

Date: 2 years ago

Review №101

Rating: 5

Espada Aqueduct & Acequia System Just north of Mission Espada is the Espada Aqueduct. The Espada Aqueduct was constructed in 1745 by Franciscans to serve Mission Espada and the surrounding area. The Espada Aqueduct brought water traveling in an acequia from the San Antonio River over a low elevation creek, to maintain the elevation and potential energy of the water. This potential energy would carry the water from its original exit point on the San Antonio River to the farmlands of Mission Espada. The acequia system at Mission Espada is the most complete and original acequia system at the park.

Date: 2 years ago

Review №102

Rating: 5

Well preserved historic site.

Date: 2 years ago

Review №103

Rating: 5

Date: 2 years ago

Review №104

Rating: 5

History buffs will love this

Date: 2 years ago

Review №105

Rating: 5

The first European built aqueduct in the Americas and it is still in use. Folks forget that San Antonio is here because of the springs and the river. This park is lightly used, has good parking, is free and when you get out of your vehicle you can see the aqueduct.

Date: 2 years ago

Review №106

Rating: 5

Well worth the visit

Date: 2 years ago

Review №107

Rating: 5

My play ground growing up as a child. Many great childhood memories.

Date: 2 years ago

Review №108

Rating: 4

Date: 2 years ago

Review №109

Rating: 5

Date: 2 years ago

Review №110

Rating: 4

Date: 2 years ago

Review №111

Rating: 3

No much there

Date: 2 years ago

Review №112

Rating: 5

Very interesting aqueduct from the Spanish era (1700s). One of the best aqueducts in the U.S.A

Date: 2 years ago

Review №113

Rating: 5

Date: 2 years ago

Review №114

Rating: 5

Date: 2 years ago

Review №115

Rating: 5

Amazingly serine & beautifully kept. Love it

Date: 2 years ago

Review №116

Rating: 5

A very beautiful spot to stop just off the Mission Reach bike trail.

Date: 2 years ago

Review №117

Rating: 5

I ve been told over the years by old timers that The Espada Aqueduct is by far the most haunted area in all of San Antonio. Of course, you d have to believe in ghosts to accept that, but I tell you what... I ve had my fair sure of oddball experiences around that area... 5 Stars ! Would recommend!! Don t walk on the structures or the ghosts will haunt you too!

Date: 2 years ago

Review №118

Rating: 3

Date: 2 years ago

Review №119

Rating: 3

Changed quite a bit. Looks beautiful

Date: 2 years ago

Review №120

Rating: 3

If your driving by make the stop

Date: 2 years ago

Review №121

Rating: 5

Couple of pokemon go stops here.

Date: 2 years ago

Review №122

Rating: 5

Nice! Clean very comfortable and relaxing

Date: 2 years ago

Review №123

Rating: 5

Date: 2 years ago

Review №124

Rating: 5

Date: 2 years ago

Review №125

Rating: 5

Nice

Date: 2 years ago

Review №126

Rating: 5

Cool place

Date: 2 years ago

Review №127

Rating: 4

Date: 3 years ago

Review №128

Rating: 5

Too many happy special memories to list here!

Date: 3 years ago

Review №129

Rating: 5

Great place to come and relax

Date: 3 years ago

Review №130

Rating: 3

Vandalism to signs. Needs markers showing aqueduct leaving river.

Date: 3 years ago

Review №131

Rating: 5

Amazing piece of history. Still has water running on it. Very picturesque site. Easily acces by car or from the River Walk pathway.

Date: 3 years ago

Review №132

Rating: 5

Date: 3 years ago

Review №133

Rating: 5

Date: 3 years ago

Review №134

Rating: 5

Date: 3 years ago

Review №135

Rating: 4

Date: 3 years ago

Review №136

Rating: 5

Date: 3 years ago

Review №137

Rating: 5

Date: 3 years ago

Review №138

Rating: 4

This is a great small spot to see a well-preserved example of Spanish-colonial architecture in the aqueduct. If you go to the east side of the parking area, (the path is not very well marked) you can follow the paved walkway up the hill and join up with the Mission Reach Trail that follows the river to all the missions.

Date: 3 years ago

Review №139

Rating: 5

Date: 3 years ago

Review №140

Rating: 5

Date: 3 years ago

Review №141

Rating: 4

Date: 3 years ago

Review №142

Rating: 5

Today we were visiting the haunted bridge called the Devils Bridge it was creepy I highly recommend it

Date: 3 years ago

Review №143

Rating: 5

Date: 3 years ago

Review №144

Rating: 5

Date: 3 years ago

Review №145

Rating: 5

Date: 3 years ago

Review №146

Rating: 5

Fun to see a historical structure to bring water for missions

Date: 3 years ago

Review №147

Rating: 5

Date: 3 years ago

Review №148

Rating: 5

I ve been coming here since I was a child. It is one of my secret hideaways / gems of San Antonio. Definitely go visit, walk the grounds, and read up on the history!

Date: 3 years ago

Review №149

Rating: 4

Something new,,,nice nature ,,fell good

Date: 3 years ago

Review №150

Rating: 5

What a cool place

Date: 3 years ago

Review №151

Rating: 4

Date: 3 years ago

Review №152

Rating: 5

Peaceful and very scenic with lots of history involved! Loved that you can walk along side the Bridge and cross it at ends point! Nice for the Family, Self or just to take the pets for a walk.

Date: 3 years ago

Review №153

Rating: 5

Date: 3 years ago

Review №154

Rating: 5

Date: 3 years ago

Review №155

Rating: 5

Date: 3 years ago

Review №156

Rating: 5

What an amazing feat of engineering..

Date: 3 years ago

Review №157

Rating: 5

Date: 3 years ago

Review №158

Rating: 3

Date: 3 years ago

Review №159

Rating: 5

Awesome!

Date: 3 years ago

Review №160

Rating: 5

Quiet piece of history

Date: 3 years ago

Review №161

Rating: 5

Quick easy visit for some history. Worth popping in for it.

Date: 3 years ago

Review №162

Rating: 5

Love the history & going in the morning its so peaceful hearing the birds

Date: 3 years ago

Review №163

Rating: 5

Very nice and good walk

Date: 3 years ago

Review №164

Rating: 5

Date: 3 years ago

Review №165

Rating: 5

My nephew and his girlfriend like to do different things and this is for Halloween she loves Halloween

Date: 3 years ago

Review №166

Rating: 5

Very historic.

Date: 3 years ago

Review №167

Rating: 5

Date: 3 years ago

Review №168

Rating: 5

Built in 1734-1740 interesting.

Date: 3 years ago

Review №169

Rating: 5

Fascinating and beautiful.

Date: 3 years ago

Review №170

Rating: 4

Date: 4 years ago

Review №171

Rating: 5

Date: 4 years ago

Review №172

Rating: 5

Date: 4 years ago

Review №173

Rating: 5

love this area of san antonio very pleasant and peaceful and the park nearby is nice to enjoy the day as long as homeless and dope fiends are away for good

Date: 4 years ago

Review №174

Rating: 5

Quiet tucked away discovery on the mission trail.

Date: 4 years ago

Review №175

Rating: 5

Very nice

Date: 4 years ago

Review №176

Rating: 5

Awesome trails and they extended it further. Great ride and friendly bike rider abound!!! Lets go bike riding!!!!

Date: 4 years ago

Review №177

Rating: 5

Date: 4 years ago

Review №178

Rating: 4

Great historic and nature exposure

Date: 4 years ago

Review №179

Rating: 5

Date: 4 years ago

Review №180

Rating: 5

Date: 4 years ago

Review №181

Rating: 5

Great place to relax and have a picnic, have a stroll down the trail you wont be disappointed.

Date: 4 years ago

Review №182

Rating: 4

Very nice trails, relaxing environment, great work from the native and Spanish to started then our city to complete the beautiful trails network.

Date: 4 years ago

Review №183

Rating: 4

Date: 4 years ago

Review №184

Rating: 5

Date: 4 years ago

Review №185

Rating: 5

Date: 4 years ago

Review №186

Rating: 5

If youre into visiting the missions and learning their history and how they functioned, dont leave out the aqueduct, an important part of the story.

Date: 4 years ago

Review №187

Rating: 5

Date: 4 years ago

Review №188

Rating: 5

Interesting place :)

Date: 4 years ago

Review №189

Rating: 5

Date: 4 years ago

Review №190

Rating: 5

Took a drive today to see the aqueduct. Just love coming here.it was nice and quiet so you could hear the water flowing. Reading the history of this place is amazing. Great place to spend a couple of hours. put a blanket down while the kids go on an adventure. There isnt much parking but its free I would check the hours its open because there is a gate. Also there are no res rooms.

Date: 4 years ago

Review №191

Rating: 5

Date: 4 years ago

Review №192

Rating: 5

Date: 4 years ago

Review №193

Rating: 4

It is a very nice place with a lot of history, when we went it was bordered with orange plastic mesh and some damaged areas but I think they were already in the process of conservation, it is a quiet and very clean place and there is a trail on one side that takes you to the riverwalk where you can rent bicycles and go to the San Juan Capistrano mission, from the aqueduct it is about 10 minutes walking

Date: 4 years ago

Review №194

Rating: 5

Really nice good place to take the fur babies

Date: 4 years ago

Review №195

Rating: 3

Pretty cool to go see this piece of ingenuity up close. There are some restorations or something going on now with a bunch of orange construction fence around it, but it was still worth biking over to see.

Date: 4 years ago

Review №196

Rating: 5

Relaxing to walk and learn from the past

Date: 4 years ago

Review №197

Rating: 4

Date: 4 years ago

Review №198

Rating: 5

Date: 4 years ago

Review №199

Rating: 5

Date: 4 years ago

Review №200

Rating: 4

Date: 4 years ago