13 Birthday Trip Ideas to Celebrate Your Special Day

Wondering how to celebrate your birthday this year? Why not take a birthday trip? Whether you’re looking for excitement or relaxation, there’s sure to be a destination that’s perfect for you. A birthday trip can be the best present someone could ask for. It can be a great way to see a new place, take in new sights and sounds, and create memories. 

When planning a birthday trip, there are a few things to keep in mind:

  1. Consider the budget. How much can be reasonably spent on travel and accommodation?
  2. Think about the destination. Is there somewhere that the birthday person has always wanted to go? Or somewhere that would be particularly special to them?
  3. Don’t forget to book activities and make restaurant reservations in advance. 

With a bit of planning, a birthday trip can be the perfect gift for yourself or a loved one.

Los Angeles, California

If you’re looking for birthday trip ideas, look no further than Los Angeles! There are lots of things to do in this sunny California city, whether you’re interested in Hollywood sightseeing, shopping, beach time, fine dining, or nightclubs. 

Spend a day exploring the Hollywood Walk of Fame, checking out movie studios and celebrity homes. For a little retail therapy, visit Rodeo Drive in Beverly Hills. Venice Beach is a must-see, with its boardwalk and muscle beach. Or relax on the sand at Santa Monica State Beach. And finally, round out your birthday trip with a fancy dinner at one of L.A.’s many Michelin-starred restaurants. However, if you want to stay out a little later, put on your dancing shoes and head to a nightclub. 

New Orleans, Louisiana

New Orleans, Louisiana
Photo Credit: [@ f11photo/DepositPhotos]

New Orleans is known for its lively atmosphere, delicious food, and fun-loving people. Here are a few birthday trip ideas to make your birthday celebration in New Orleans genuinely memorable.

Try some of New Orleans’ classic Creole cuisine for a birthday meal. Indulge in dishes like shrimp étouffée, jambalaya, or gumbo, or go for something a little lighter like oysters Rockefeller. Be sure to save room for dessert! After all, a birthday cake is even better when served with a scoop of sweet Louisiana honey ice cream.

After dinner, head to Frenchman Street for some live jazz. Or, if you’re feeling adventurous, take a stroll down Bourbon Street for a wild night out. 

Las Vegas, Nevada

Las Vegas Strip
Photo Credit: [@mathias_berlin/DepositPhotos]

While some birthday celebrations involve a quiet dinner with family or friends, others are more extravagant. For those looking to celebrate in style, a birthday trip to Las Vegas, Nevada, is the perfect option. Sin City is known for its wild nightlife, and there is no shortage of options for birthday fun.

Whether it’s gambling at one of the many casinos, seeing a show on the world-famous Strip, or dancing the night away at a club, Vegas has infinite options. And, of course, no birthday trip would be complete without a visit to one of the city’s many iconic landmarks, such as the Bellagio Hotel or the Venetian Resort. 

New York City, New York

New York City
Photo Credit: [@palinchak/DepositPhotos]

New York City offers endless possibilities for birthday fun, whether taking in the sights from the top of the Empire State Building, indulging in a delicious birthday dinner at one of the city’s many acclaimed restaurants, or seeing a Broadway show. And, of course, no birthday trip to NYC would be complete without a visit to Times Square, where you can enjoy the hustle and bustle of this iconic destination. With so much to see and do, New York City is the perfect place to celebrate a birthday.

Miami, Florida

South Beach in Miami, Florida
Photo Credit: [@TallyPic/DepositPhotos]

A birthday trip to Miami, Florida, is an excellent option for those who want to enjoy the sun and sand. The city has a vibrant nightlife and plenty of shopping and dining options. Plus, many activities keep birthday guests entertained, such as riding the waves and exploring the Everglades. No birthday trip to Miami would be complete without a visit to South Beach. 

Nashville, Tennessee

Nashville, Tennessee
Photo Credit: [@sepavone/DepositPhotos]

Planning a birthday trip to Nashville can be an exciting and memorable experience! With its rich history, live music scene, and atmosphere that celebrates the southern charm of Tennessee, Nashville is the perfect city for a celebratory getaway. There are countless activities to fill the days with fun – enjoy bands on the main strip of Broadway, explore the various museums throughout Nashville’s neighborhoods, or have an elevated meal in one of the famous restaurants. The night life won’t disappoint either – from honky tonks to craft breweries, your birthday trip will be one to remember!

Oahu, Hawaii

Waikiki Beach, Oahu, Hawaii
Photo Credit: [@SergiyN/DepositPhotos]

Oahu, Hawaii, is the perfect place to escape and enjoy sunny birthday fun. From soaking up the sun on Waikiki Beach and hiking to the top of Diamond Head to riding birthday waves at Banzai Pipeline and indulging in a birthday luau complete with traditional Hawaiian food and music, those are just a few of the many birthday trip possibilities! No matter how you choose to spend your birthday on Oahu, it’s sure to be a memorable one.

Santa Catalina Island, California

There’s no place quite like Catalina Island, and that’s why it’s the perfect place to take a birthday trip. Just off the coast of Los Angeles, Catalina Island is a world away from the hustle and bustle of the city. Catalina Island is a true paradise with its beautiful beaches, crystal-clear waters, and lush vegetation. And there’s no shortage of things to do on the island, whether you want to go hiking, biking, or kayaking. There are also plenty of excellent restaurants, bars, and shops to explore. Catalina Island has everything you need to make your birthday an exceptional occasion.

Martha’s Vineyard, Massachusetts 

Martha’s Vineyard is known for its beautiful beaches, quaint towns, and relaxed atmosphere. You can enjoy swimming, sunbathing, fishing, and sailing. Martha’s Vineyard is also home to several historic sites and museums. The island was first settled by the English in 1602 and was named after Martha’s Parish in England. Every August, the island celebrates Martha’s Birthday with a festival that includes a parade, live music, and street performers. So if you’re looking for a charming place to spend your birthday, add Martha’s Vineyard to your list!

San Juan Island, Washington

San Juan Island is a beautiful place to visit, and it’s even more special when you’re celebrating a birthday. The island is located in the San Juan Archipelago, known for its mild climate, beautiful scenery, and abundant outdoor activities. You can enjoy hiking, biking, kayaking, camping, glamping, and whale watching. There are also several museums and historic sites on the island, as well as shops and spas. Half the fun is getting to the islands! You’ll have to take the ferry, seaplane, or private boat!

Go On A Cruise

cruise ship
Photo Credit: [@TallyPic/DepositPhotos]

Are you looking for a birthday trip idea that’s unique or super special? If so, you might want to consider taking a cruise. Cruises offer many different activities and amenities, making them ideal for birthday celebrations. You can spend your days lounging by the pool, exploring new ports of call, or indulging in spa treatments. 

And when it comes to food and entertainment, cruises offer an incredible variety of options. Whether you’re looking for fine dining or live music, you’ll be sure to find it onboard. So if you’re looking for a memorable birthday trip, a cruise might be your ticket. Popular cruise destinations from the U.S. include the Bahamas, U.S. Virgin Islands, Cayman Islands, Aruba, and Mexico.

Take A Camping Trip

beach camping
Photo Credit: [@Vadymvdrobot/DepositPhoto]

Camping is the perfect birthday trip idea for those who love spending time outdoors. Not only will you enjoy the fresh air and beautiful scenery, but you’ll also have the opportunity to bond with your friends or family. Plus, camping birthday trips are inexpensive, so you won’t have to spend much money to make it happen. 

Plan a Ski Trip

family skiing
Photo Credit: [@sinenkiy/DepositPhotos]

If your birthday is during the winter months, hit the slopes and enjoy some time skiing! If you’re planning a ski trip, there are a few things to keep in mind to ensure you have a great time. First, it’s essential to choose the right destination. If you’re a beginner, you’ll want to find a resort with gentle slopes and plenty of lessons available. For more experienced skiers, you may want to seek out a resort with more challenging terrain. 

Final Thoughts

Turning another year older is always an exciting time. And what better way to celebrate than by planning a memorable birthday trip? Birthdays are the perfect opportunity to explore somewhere new, whether it’s a weekend getaway or a more extended vacation. Whatever destination you choose, remember that the most important thing is to enjoy yourself and make memories.

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This article originally appeared on Wander With Alex.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Alexandrea Sumuel is a nationally syndicated travel writer and founder of the Wander With Alex travel blog. Her work has appeared on MSN, YAHOO!, Euronews, and FOX, ABC, and NBC affiliates across the United States. 

Alex travels to experience, eat, explore, and occasionally escape! She collaborates with destinations, vacation property management companies, and hospitality technology firms to provide her readers with exclusive insights and information.