Anywhere but Las Vegas! We hear that constantly in from bachelors that are weary of hearing about Vegas. It’s an institution but not everyone is into loud clubs, long lines, and a the Sin City light overload. A client recently inspired us to put together 5 great bachelor party city alternatives to Las Vegas. We went looking for top bachelor party destinations that were strong in the following areas:
- Transportation: Can you get around the city with your party without a car? Easily?
- Lodging: Are there plenty of choices for hotels, motels, and vacation rentals? Are they friendly to bachelor parties?
- Day/night Activities: Is there a nightlife? Is there a central area for the nightlife like a downtown? Is there stuff to do during the day?
With that criteria in mind we started looking and seeing which cities we felt a bachelor on his bachelor party could have some fun.
Image by vgm8383 via Flickr
San Francisco
If you live in California then San Francisco is a no-brainer since it’s only a commuter flight or long drive away. For everyone else it’s sunny Southern California’s slight colder cousin to the north. Don’t let the lack of a plastic surgeon’s playground(orange county) fool you, it’s a prime destination for any bachelor party group. Their public transport is first-class. You can travel to any point in the city using BART or their trolley and bus system. Your bachelor party actually gets to choose from a few different neighborhoods to party in at night. Between North Beach and the Financial District you can find great restaurants, big clubs, cozy clubs, and a plenty in between. You can take daytime excursions to Napa Valley for some wine, jump in a kayak on the bay, or get your pulse up with some whitewater rafting. Here are a couple of party packages in the area:
Platinum Package: Defcon 4 – High-speed carting, stripper cruise, dinner, and shooting
Bachelors and Bullets – Shooting range and paintball
Image via Wikipedia
San Diego
Beautiful women. Everywhere. We don’t know if it’s the gorgeous sun or strict no-ugly restrictions on living there, but San Diego’s beauty is not limited to the city. Drop into the Gas Lamp district with your bachelor party and you’ll see what we mean. Try stopping by Searsucker for some amazing food from a Top Chef finalist. If you’re not stuffing your face you’ll probably by hitting the paintball field, riding ATVs to Mexico, or hanging on a ropes course. San Diego doesn’t have the sprawl or overcrowding that Los Angeles has and it’s got the sun San Francisco keeps hidden. They score high on transport, though most of the action is walkable, and there are plenty of vacation rentals. The high rollers can rock the Hard Rock Hotel and the chillin’ types can cruise over to Ocean Beach or Pacific Beach. Here are a couple of packages we offer in the area:
Speeding Bullet – High Performace Karting & Indoor shooting range
Tarzan & His Beer – Brewery tour w/beer tasting & High Ropes Adventure Course
Chicago
During the prohibition era gangsters ruled this town and the speakeasy was the place to be. One thing that hasn’t changed is the nightlife. It’s got everything you need for a bachelor party namely women, booze, and more booze. Chicago is a great place if you and your party entourage want to party like Al Capone. While we’re not fans of the wind there are plenty of places to take refuge. One of our favorite joints in the windy city is the Green Mill. It’s over 100 years old and has mojo gathered from the jazz legends that have graced it stage. No matter where you go in Chicago we recommend that you dress the part. This is town that knows how to keep it swanky with a cocktail in one hand and a gorgeous woman in the other.
New York
Don’t let Sex and the City fool you, there is still plenty of testosterone left in NYC. Grab your guys and head to the batting cages at the Chelsea Piers to kill some daylight. Batting cages not your thing? They have rock climbing, bowling, golf, and ice hockey to keep you interested as well. When the sun drops in New York it’s a free for all between the bars, restaurants and clubs. One of our go to favorites to start the night is Mc Sorleys Old Ale House Inc in the East Village. It’s a great old Irish bar that can be a little tough to get into. Persevere because it’s a good time one you’re inside. From there it’s pick a direction and start crawling the bars. We love New York because you’re never too far from the subway so getting anywhere is easy. It’s not the cheapest town when it comes to lodging but there’s enough energy there to warrant a trip.
Seattle
Seattle boasts the single largest concentration of caffeinated people outside of Red Bull’s corporate headquarters. Don’t let it fool you though, one of the reasons they made our list is because there are some damn cool people there. If you combine the music scene with they’re 5 star selection of restaurants and add in their top shelf lodging, you’ll find yourself having a great time. You and your crew can get a little out of control at The Lust Lady or grab a drink and a dance at the Baltic Room. Keep an eye on what’s going on in the city because if you try and go during on of the huge festivals like Bumbershoot, you may not get a place to stay. But hey, some guys like a challenge.
