I often visit San Francisco on business, and like many travelers, save money on airfare by staying over on a Saturday night. Only one problem emerges... finding something fun to do that Saturday evening, particularly if you're alone.

One of my favorite discoveries in San Francisco is a nightclub tour service named "3 Babes & A Bus". For a reasonable fee (which includes transportation and cover charges) this enterprise collects individuals and groups aboard a bus which visits 4 or more nightclubs in the city on Saturday evenings. An energetic guide leads the tour, and for singles, couples or groups in their 20’s or 30’s this is safe and easy way to have a fun night on the town.

What's so great about it?

1) Relax & let someone else plan your evening. Guide books and local residents are valuable sources of information, but unless you want to "do the homework" this is an easier way to start having fun.

2) Save your money (and maybe your life too). The tour operators charter a private bus for the group, which saves you the risk, aggravation and expense of driving yourself or taking cabs. The driver stays with the bus all evening, so it’s also a safe place for coats, purses and bags while you have fun!

3) Get the "VIP" treatment. At the beginning of the evening, you receive a laminated badge which gets you into club entrances without waiting in line. You’ll appreciate this service even more if it rains that evening!

4) Don’t feel like a stranger in a far-away place. You’ll be a member of a fun group, and have plenty of people to talk to. As the evening progresses (and "spirits" are lifted), you’ll be completely comfortable.

I’ve taken the tour 5 times in 3 years, and the operators change the itinerary regularly. I took my fiance on the tour last September and we danced the night away. Some tips I’d share are:

1) Be sure to bring a watch, because the bus WILL LEAVE each club at the time your guide announces. You’ll get an itinerary at the start of the evening, so if you’re separated from the group you can catch up at the next club.

2) At the beginning of the evening, it’s bound to be slow at the first clubs you visit. Be patient, and soon you’ll be dancing without a care in the world.

3) You may find a club you really enjoy, and want to stay. Don’t feel obligated to stay with the bus – let the guide know you’re "getting off" and have a great time! (But don’t forget to retrieve your belongings from the bus.)

4) There tend to be more women than men in the tour groups… so men should take advantage of this opportunity and don’t be shy! Once there was an entire bachelorette party in my group! Would you really rather watch hotel pay-per-view???

For out-of-towners, I think this service is a great way to enjoy some San Francisco nightlife. Their number is (415) 552-2582 and their web site can be found at http://www.threebabes.com.





Recommended: Yes