Best Places to Visit for Your Birthday
What I love most is planning a birthday trip that feels like it was designed just for me (or the person whose birthday we are celebrating). I lean toward destinations that balance fun and relaxation, and once there, I love finding new underrated things to do.
So, where should you celebrate? To answer that, think about what feels the most unique and exciting for you, whether that's fun on the beach with friends, going somewhere cool to eat, an active weekend with family, or a solo trip you deserve. These below have been unforgettable birthday trips for me personally and I hope you will enjoy yourself there too.
1. St. Petersburg, Florida
I felt that instant connection with this sun-drenched Florida Gulf Coast city as soon as I caught a glimpse of palm-lined streets and bay views.
Coming in from Tampa over the Gandy Bridge, it was a smooth 25-minute drive before we settled in for a sunny four day stay in a Premium Bay View Room with a King Bed at the 4-star Vinoy Renaissance St. Petersburg Resort & Golf Club (around $359/night), a AAA Four Diamond award winner to you can trust that you will receive quality service.
Once there, we spent a gorgeous morning exploring the Dalí Museum, admired glass masterpieces at the Chihuly Collection, strolled along the waterfront parks, browsed the indie shops of the EDGE District, and watched a sunset at St. Pete Pier.
I loved that "The Sunshine City" was such a cool culinary destination where we bought great sandwiches at Mazzaro's Italian Market, amazing sweet potato fries at Birchwood Canopy, Spanish tapas at Ceviche Tapas Bar, and delicious wood-fired pizza at Bavaro's Pizza Napoletana & Pastaria.
- Location: On the west coast of Florida, along Tampa Bay
- Elevation: Approximately 44 feet (13 meters) above sea level
- Location Map
What I loved best:
Lunch at Teak right on the water celebrating my birthday with my husband and my son was my personal highlight, where I had Parmesan Herb Crusted Rack of Lamb ($39).
2. Things to Do in Biloxi, Mississippi
When I moved to the South, my cousin decided on this beach destination for her 40th birthday and I thought it was a brilliant idea. We adored wide beaches, big skies, and that laid-back Mississippi Coast vibe, with shrimp boats in the harbor.
Coming in along Highway 90, we checked into the sleek 4-star Beau Rivage Resort (around $161 per night) for a four day weekend, where the floor-to-ceiling windows of my Deluxe King Room for framed the Gulf.
I was up early and I spent the mornings strolling down Biloxi Beach, toured the fascinating Maritime & Seafood Industry Museum ($10 Adult admission), visited the historic Biloxi Lighthouse ($5), and wandered through the grounds of Beauvoir, with its sweeping oak-shaded lawns.
- Location: On the Gulf Coast of Mississippi, in Harrison County
- Location Map
What I loved best:
My cousin's birthday meal was at The Reef, a beachfront spot where I had the Gulf Shrimp Po’boy ($15) and my son loved their fried catfish basket ($12).
3. Aberdeen, Washington
I fell for this town with its misty mornings, deep sense of history, and plenty of nature nearby. Driving in from Olympia along Highway 101 for an hour, the scenery shifted from open fields to thick evergreens. It's my third best place for a birthday vacation because it was such a cool family time.
We stayed at the 2-star Best Western Plus Aberdeen (around $164/night) for an easy week, which had a good location to access downtown and the harbor.
While there, I walked along the historic downtown, browsed the local shops filled with coastal antiques and handmade goods for a last minute birthday present for my husband, and visited the Aberdeen Museum of History to get a feel for the city’s lumber boom days. My husband, son and I later walked down the peaceful paths by Morrison Riverfront Park, watched fishing boats move along the Wishkah River, and loved seeing how the community honors both its natural beauty and its musical legacy, from plaques commemorating local artists to subtle nods to Kurt Cobain throughout town.
- Location: In western Washington, at the confluence of the Chehalis and Wishkah Rivers, in Grays Harbor County
- Location Map
What I loved best:
My best meal was at Breakwater Seafood, where we celebrated my husband's birthday and I had the Dungeness Crab Sandwich ($19) (my son loved the more simple but equally satisfying fish and chips for $14). Sitting by the windows with a view of the river made this birthday celebration feel coastal and comfortable.
4. San Pedro, California
This city was one my best birthday vacations (my son's, actually), in a town anchored by its working harbor and waterfront.
We stayed in a Standard room with a King bed at the Crowne Plaza Los Angeles Harbor Hotel for two nights (around $223/night) where I loved the amazing views of the ocean below. My best meal was at San Pedro Fish Market, where I had the shrimp tray ($24) piled high with garlic and peppers and eating outdoors, surrounded by the buzz of the harbor, made it feel like pure San Pedro.
In San Pedro, best things to see and do include the Cabrillo Marine Aquarium (FREE to visit year-round) and the Los Angeles Maritime Museum, and exploring historic sites like the Korean Bell of Friendship and Point Fermin Lighthouse.
- Location: Located on the Palos Verdes Peninsula in southern Los Angeles County
- Location Map
What I loved best:
Touring the Battleship IOWA Museum was my personal highlight! Since San Pedro is just 35 minutes from downtown LA, I think it's a cool birthday day trip too.
5. Athens, Georgia
I keep returning to this awesome college town (home to the University of Georgia) so it's no surprise that one of those trips fell on my birthday. I'm a history buff so I went for Civil War-era landmarks, but you ca also catch g a show at a legendary music venue, or just linger over coffee in a sunlit café.
After a one hour and 30 minute drive from Atlanta, we were based at the 3-star Hotel Indigo Athens Downtown for two days, followed by a week in an affordable vacation rental.
- Location: In northeastern Georgia, in Clarke County
- Location Map
What I loved best:
My birthday meal was at The Last Resort Grill, where I had the pecan-crusted trout ($22) and my son and husband both loved their pimento cheeseburgers ($15 for one).
6. Grand Portage - 2 hours 40 minutes from Duluth
This is one of the best places to go for a summer birthday celebration, a place where history and wilderness meet on the edge of Lake Superior. What do I mean? Tucked against the Canadian border, this small community carries deep Ojibwe heritage. You will be surrounded by a stunning landscape of forests, waterfalls, and wide-open lake views from the North Shore.
- Location: In far northeastern Minnesota, near Lake Superior, in Cook County close to the Canadian border
- Elevation: Approximately 650 feet (198 meters) above sea level
- Location Map
What I loved best:
Staying at the 2-star Grand Portage Lodge & Casino (around $129 /night) for five relaxing days. The hotel sits right on Lake Superior and our room with two Queen beds had scenic water views. My best meal was at the on-site restaurant, where I had fresh walleye with wild rice ($22). My son loved the burger and fries ($12), his go-to meal. Eating while looking out over the lake made this birthday meal feel unforgettable.
7. Birthday in Alaska
If your birthday happens to be in July or August like my husband's, you couldn't wish for a better birthday adventure than Alaska! One of my favorite destinations was Hoonah where we spent five relaxing days in a vacation rental. One of our favorite moments in Hoonah was visiting Icy Strait Point, and afterwards just strolling around the small harbor and enjoying fresh, affordable seafood straight from local waters. Nonstop Hoonah flights from and to Juneau take approximately 20 minutes.
When our flight from Austin landed, I immediately thought that Juneau was a great place to visit on my husband's birthday (and a great base for nearby exploring). We celebrated at The Hangar On The Wharf, a converted airplane hangar (with large windows) on a wooden pier, a super cool experience! We stayed in a local rental for a week and visited Sealaska Heritage Institute where learning about Tlingit, Haida and Tsimshian cultures was my personal highlight.
- Alaska Time Zome: AKST — Alaska Standard Time, UTC-9 (Summer AKDT — Alaska Daylight Time, UTC-8)
- Location Map
Another place we adored was Haines (35-minute nonstop flight from Juneau) which felt like one of the most spectacular and underrated towns I’ve ever discovered in Alaska. One of my favorite experiences in Haines was visiting the Chilkat Bald Eagle Preserve where seeing hundreds of eagles soaring over the river during salmon season was pure magic. If you like beer, don't miss visiting Haines Brewing Company, offering hand-crafted brews and snacks. We stayed in 2-star Captain's Choice Motel (around $224/night) for a week of summer exploring.
In addition, a great way to see a lot in a short time in Alaska is one of Gondwana Ecotours, a carbon-neutral tour operator, that takes you to Denali, to see Northern Lights, glaciers, whales and even Alaskan waterfalls!
8. Penn Yan, New York
This town sits quietly on the northern tip of Keuka Lake (one of New York's Finger Lakes) and makes for a relaxing birthday vacation destination!
I thought that Downtown was enchanting with brick storefronts, cafés, and murals. Just outside of downtown Penn Yan, we saw rolling vineyards, winding country roads, and the serene blue waters of the lake.
We drove down from Rochester and stayed at the Hampton Inn by Hilton Penn Yan, right on the lakefront ($135) for five wonderful days.
- Location: In the Finger Lakes region of upstate New York, at the north end of Keuka Lake, in Yates County
- Elevation: Approximately 883 feet (269 meters) above sea level
- Location Map
What I loved best:
My best meal was at The Union Block Italian Bistro, a tucked-away spot on Main Street. The wood-fired pizza which was shared ($17) was incredible, and on top of that my son devoured a bowl of house-made pasta ($14). It was the kind of cozy, laughter-filled meal that made us feel like we were celebrating a birthday at home.
9. Centennial, Colorado
This town was close enough to Denver for a birthday day trip when I moved there, yet tucked into parks and open spaces that slow life down.
You’ll find bustling shopping districts here, a selection of cool family-friendly restaurants for your birthday, and a surprising number of cultural spots, all surrounded with greenbelts and bike paths.
- Location: In central Colorado, south of Denver, in Arapahoe County
- Elevation: Approximately 5,830 feet (1,777 meters) above sea level
- Location Map
What I loved best:
My birthday meal was at I.C. Brewhouse, where I had their Colorado Bison Burger ($16) paired with a local craft beer. My son loved the mac & cheese bowl ($9).
10. Trenton, New Jersey
From our apartment in NYC, we drove about 1 hour and 20 minutes to New Jersey’s capital this month for an easy birthday day trip in early spring. I later found out that Amtrak is actually faster than driving and costs around $43/person.
On this trip, we admired monuments and old stone in this historic town on the Delaware River which played a pivotal role in America’s beginnings. I loved that the day trip didn't require a lot of planning since there are plenty cafes, diners and local markets where you can grab a snack or stop for lunch when you get hungry.
- Location: In western New Jersey, along the Delaware River, in Mercer County
- Location Map
What I loved best:
My birthday meal was at 1911 Smoke House BBQ, where I had their signature brisket platter ($18) and my son and my husband both went for the pulled pork sandwich ($12).
11. Charlevoix, Michigan
This is another cool lakeside town that's perfect for a summer birthday trip because it's affordable, friendly and scenic. Downtown is filled with boutiques, galleries, and cafés with outdoor tables which are my favorite kind of stops. We hiked on trails with lighthouse views, and stopped to watch waves rolling in from Lake Michigan.
We drove 4 hours from Detroit and we stayed at the Hotel Earl of Charlevoix.
- Location: In northwestern Michigan, in Charlevoix County
- Elevation: Approximately 650 feet (198 meters) above sea level
- Location Map
What I loved best:
Birthday at The Villager Pub was my personal highlight, where I had their famous whitefish sandwich ($15).
Conclusion
What makes birthday vacations stand out is how versatile they can be. I’ve found that the best ones mix relaxation with fun. Sometimes I'm in the mood for a longer vacation but when life gets busy, I prefer a quick day trips somewhere local.
Booking Checklist
1. Book Your Flight - I use Expedia because I like their mobile app with my itinerary. They've helped me re-book flights on many occasions. Once you reach their Gold tier, support is especially good.
2. Book Your Hotel - I use Booking.com or Expedia, depending on my destination.
3. Book Your Rental Car - I use Expedia.
4. Book your tours on Viator or Get Your Guide.
5. If you are planning to visit more than three national parks in the next 12 months, buy the America the Beautiful Pass.
