Over the past twenty years, you may have spent most of your time studying. On this special day, as you reach what in many ways is full adulthood, you deserve to choose one of your favorite places to visit. The length of the journey is entirely up to you, but that special day deserves to be celebrated in a special place. The destination you pick may have a lot to do with where you live and your budget. Still, we've researched a variety of places to visit, and we bring you some great places to go for your 21st birthday!
Napa Valley, California
Napa Valley is in the heart of California and home to some of the most famous American wine companies. This one ranks high on our places to go for your 21st birthday because if you're ordering your first drink, why not make it an award-winning glass of wine? You can spend the day touring the wineries and sampling their signature wines. Napa Valley is also well known for its beautiful weather and scenic countryside. And at the end of the day, you can sample foods from some of the famous local restaurants.
Hyde Beach, Miami
Hyde Beach is one of the most iconic beaches in Miami, along the southeastern tip of Florida. If you're a sun and beach lover, you'll find Hyde Beach a paradise. Its clean sandy coastline is popular with sunbathers, but there is plenty to do on the water as well. You can take a party boat out on the water for a day of merrymaking with friends or, if you prefer something quieter, you can even kayak with manatees. Hyde Beach is also famous for its Miami nightlife, with discotheques and clubs to suit anyone's preference.
Las Vegas, Nevada
If you're looking for places to go for 21st birthday, look no further than Las Vegas. Las Vegas is an iconic oasis of fun, located in the Nevada desert. It is considered the adult playground of the U.S., with endless casinos, shows, five-star dining, and opulent and unique hotels all around. This Mecca of fun is brightly lit 24 hours a day. You can dine at some of the unique local restaurants, get in some blackjack, then head off to one of the featured shows like Cirque du Soleil all in the same day. They also have a local transit system, so you can take a train up and down the strip. This could be a feature after a night of revelry as you order your first legal drinks at one of the fine bars in town.
Lake Tahoe, Nevada
Located on the border of Nevada and California is the beautiful Lake Tahoe. From its clean, azure waters to its stunning mountain views, Lake Tahoe is an outdoor paradise. And in winter, it becomes the place to ski and snowboard in the more southern parts of the U.S., even having hosted the Winter Olympics before. It also makes our list for its more adult fun. Guests can ski straight up to casinos when they're ready for a break. There is a vibrant nightlife for those outdoor enthusiasts that like to have a few drinks when they're done.
Nashville, Tennessee
If music is more your speed, especially country music, than Nashville is a must-visit destination. Known as the Country Music Capital of the World, it is home to such legends as Pat Boone, Tim McGraw, and Chris Stapleton. And if you have a taste for southern cooking, you'll get your fill of authentic southern fried chicken and legendary Tennessee barbecue. Enjoy a riverboat cruise along the Cumberland River as well. Afterward, don't miss the opportunity to attend the Grand Ole Opry, perhaps the most famous country music venue that has ever existed.
Austin, Texas
Located in south-central Texas between Dallas and San Antonio sits the capital of Texas, Austin. It's also considered the live music capital of the world. You'll have no shortage of festivals and venues to choose from to make your birthday a memorable event. Visit some of the local clubs and bars to hear an endless variety of live music, or try some of the local Tex-Mex and enjoy some fajitas and margaritas as the locals do. Austin is notorious for its dry, sunny weather and stunning natural beauty. You'll also find it has a quirky habit of holding onto that small western town feel even as it is a growing metropolis and headquarters to numerous tech companies. At the same time, you can enjoy views from the cliffs overlooking the Colorado River. Austin has a bit of everything for everyone.
New York City, New York
At last, this list would not be complete without mention of New York City. With over 8 million people, it is the largest city, by population, in the U.S. It is also a multicultural city known worldwide as both a financial hub as well as a cultural center. You can spend the day touring endless museums and visit Manhattan's Central Park running through the center of the borough. When evening comes around, the options will seem endless. You can attend a Broadway play, have a 5-star dinner, and sample the various clubs the city boasts. Whether you're looking for a dance club, live comedians, or even trying to catch a live performance by a famous band, options abound for whatever your idea of fun is. You can even take a sunset helicopter ride over the city – enjoying the stunning view of the enormous city of skyscrapers and passing by the Statue of Liberty. New York City is strongly recommended because there is truly something for everyone, no matter what you enjoy.
Final Words
We found these to be some of the best 21st birthday trips around. In our opinion, you should see them all. Obviously, not in one day. You'll have to pick your favorite for now and plan to see the rest later. So, pick the place that appeals most to you personally, even if you plan to take friends or your partner. After all, you only get this birthday once in a lifetime.