• Best Stereotype Wrapped Up in a Caricature: A visit to the Buckhorn Saloon and Museum makes you ponder some of life’s deeper questions, such as “Why don’t more museums let you walk around with a beer in hand?” There are no easy answers. This is the Old West on a platter, with exhibits on blood-thirsty desperadoes and lots of taxidermied animal heads. Definitely not for everyone.
  • Best Sensory Overload: Excess, thy name is mariachi. To set the scene, you need a table by the river, a large platter of nachos in front of you, a frozen margarita, and strolling musicians wearing large sombreros and belting out a standard like “Guadalajara, no te rajes,” with great bravado. You will be expected to tip, but the music is rousing and authentic, and you be comfortable in the knowledge that you have reached the promised land of travel brochures.
  • Best Way to Take the "Walk" out of River Walk: Big boats on a small river -- there's something very Texas about this, as there is about the boat captain's monologue.
  • Best White Elephant Souvenirs: Are you in the market for a souvenir with no redeeming aesthetic value? Are you looking for that perfect something to quiet forever those pesky requests to bring something back from your trips? Souvenir stores can be found scattered throughout the touristy areas of downtown, but there is an especially fertile hunting ground along the west side of Alamo Plaza. Take your pick of such gems as an Alamo ashtray, a beer can wind chime, or a barbed wire candle, just to name a few.

Note: This information was accurate when it was published, but can change without notice. Please be sure to confirm all rates and details directly with the companies in question before planning your trip.