Las Vegas is one of the best places to go for a birthday – especially if you’re turning 21.
From having your first legal drink in a co*cktail lounge at the luxury Mandalay Bay Hotel to trying your luck on the casino floor in Planet Hollywood. Sin City has absolutely everything you could possibly need for a celebratory birthday – and more!
1. Enjoy Your First Legal Drink
Las Vegas is one of the best places to go for a 21st birthday. On this day you’ll be able to have your first drink in the United States and Las Vegas has an endless range of co*cktail bars, liquor stores and day clubs for you to savour this experience.
Some of our favourite places to enjoy an alcoholic beverage in Las Vegas include;
- Skyfall Lounge
- Beerhaus
- Peppermill’s Fireside Lounge
- Oak & Ivy
Being that you’ve just turned 21, it’s highly likely that you’ll be asked to prove that you are eligible to purchase alcohol when in Vegas, subsequently we highly recommend taking your ID with you.
2. Zipline Down Freemont Street
Just a couple of miles from the Las Vegas Strip, you’ll find the iconic Fremont Street Experience. While there are many ways to immerse yourself in the chaos this pedestrian mall and attraction offers, the best way is on the SlotZilla Zipline.
This zipline launches from a platform situated 114 feet in the air and sees you lie flat on your stomach as you travel the 0.32 miles along Fremont Street with visitors to the area watching from below.
Tickets for the zipline can be purchased online in advance or in person. Based on our first-hand experience we’d recommend purchasing these tickets in advance if you’re looking to go on this on an evening (between 5pm and 10pm) since both this area and the attraction are incredibly popular.
There are also several budget-friendly restaurants on Fremont Street to choose from. Some of our favourites include; American Coney Island & Evel Pie.
3. Savour A Delicious Birthday Brunch
Las Vegas is home to some of the most incredible brunch spots. From casual restaurants to luxury rooftop brunch locations, it’s no surprise that this city has it all.
Whatever your preferences are, the good news is you’ll always find the perfect spot to have tasty food. Some of our favourite brunch spots in Las Vegas include;
- Bouchon
- Veranda
- Echo & Rig
- Border Grill
- La Cave
4. Head To The Grand Canyon
If you’re looking for a break from the bright lights and bustling energy of Las Vegas, a trip to the Grand Canyon is a must.
Situated in the neighbouring state of Arizona, the Grand Canyon is a natural formation distinguished by layered bands of red rock, revealing millions of years of geological history in cross-section. The canyon stretches 277 miles in length and 10 miles wide. Subsequently, there are several viewing points available for you to choose from.
The closes major viewing point of the Grand Canyon from Las Vegas is Grand Canyon West which is roughly 127 miles away and takes 2 hours to drive to. However, many visitors prefer visiting ‘The South Rim’ which is 281 miles away – roughly a 4.5-hour drive.
While you can easily hire a car for the day while in Vegas to make this journey there are also several companies offering dedicated tours to the landmark – often with a stopover at Hoover Dam.
During our most recent trip to Las Vegas, we opted to travel to the Grand Canyon with National Park Express which was booked via Get Your Guide.
5. Take A Helicopter Ride Along The Strip
Consider celebrating a birthday in Las Vegas with a thrilling helicopter flight over the Las Vegas Strip. There are several companies offering helicopter flights in Las Vegas. However, we booked ours with Maverick Helicopters (via Get Your Guide) since they were able to personalise the experience.
A standard flight along the Las Vegas Strip lasts just 15 minutes and can be done either in the daytime or nighttime depending on your preference. However, many companies (Maverick Helicopters included) offer personalised flights with visits to other landmarks in the area such as Red Rock Canyon.
6. Go Skydiving
If you fancy pushing the limits of your adrenaline while in Vegas then consider driving 25 minutes out of the city to the skydiving company, Go Jump. From here you’ll travel in a light aircraft 15,000ft in the air before freefalling back to earth with happy, trained professionals.
Skydiving with Go Jump is surprisingly affordable (all things considered) with further discounts available for groups of 4+ people.
7. Try Your Luck In The Casino
It’s almost impossible to write a list of the things to do in Vegas without mentioning hitting up the casinos. Every hotel here has one, and they are often mazes that you can very easily get lost in. Some of our favourite casinos in Vegas include;
- Wynn Las Vegas
- Waldorf Astoria
- Golden Nugget
We’re not big into gambling, but we still like to go around and pick up a $1 chip from each casino we visit as an affordable and fun souvenir.
8. Stay In A Penthouse Suite
While the cost of staying in Las Vegas has increased significantly over the past decade, this city still remains one of the cheapest places in the United States to stay in a luxury penthouse suite.
Staying in a suite at selected hotels in Las Vegas comes with additional perks such as butler service, private pools and complimentary drinks & snacks during selected times which make this incredible value for money.
Plus, if you’re travelling with a group of friends where the cost can be split between multiple people then this special occasion can be made even more affordable.
During our most recent trip to Las Vegas, we collected coins on the MyVegas app to exchange for a free room at the Bellagio Hotel. Be sure to check out our reviews of;
- The Bellagio Hotel Queen Suite
- The Bellagio Hotel Suite
9. Go On An Epic Pool, Club & Pub Crawl
Las Vegas is of course home to some of the most incredible pubs, pool parties and clubs and on your 21st Birthday trip, you very well may want to experience them all. However, researching each of these places and then trying to navigate between them can be difficult.
Thankfully, there are a number of tours that are designed to take the hassle out of the planning and navigating, freeing you up to simply enjoy the experience.
10. Attend A Sporting Event
The city of Las Vegas is home to several highly rated college sports teams as well as a number of professional sports teams including;
- Las Vegas Raiders (NFL)
- Vegas Golden Knights (NHL)
- Las Vegas Aces (WNBA)
- Las Vegas Lights FC (USL Championship)
Subsequently, if you’re into sports you may want to spend some time during your birthday trip in Vegas watching one of these teams play live. Keep in mind that certain teams only play at select times of the year so you may need to plan accordingly.
11. Enjoy A Hot Air Balloon Ride
Just a short drive from the Las Vegas Strip in the town of Pahrump you can enjoy the magical experience of a hot air balloon ride.
After a short safety briefing, you’ll climb into the hot air balloon’s basket and set off. Soaring above Pahrump’s residential areas and the Pahrump Valley benefiting from unobstructed views of the desert landscapes and mountains as the sun rises above the horizon.
After your flight, the pilot will guide the balloon back down towards earth and upon touchdown, you’ll enjoy a Champagne toast and receive a flight certificate.
12. Race A Supercar
Situated just 15 minutes from the Las Vegas Strip, you’ll find Exotics Racing – part of the Speed Vegas Motorsports Park. Here you have the opportunity to drive a range of supercars including Lamborghini’s, Porche’s and Ferrari’s (to name a few) around this 1.3-mile race track which was designed by professional racecar drivers.
Here you’ll find examples of many of the turns found on the world’s greatest racetracks around the world including; hairpins, double apex corners fast sweepers, chicanes’ 90-degree corners and even banked turns as well as large runoff areas which truly highly the supercars performance capabilities.
13. Enjoy A Daytime Pool Party
Las Vegas is home to several incredible pool party locations which come complete with world-famous DJs and a bar allowing you to relax in the sun as you enjoy great music and delicious co*cktails.
While many pool parties run year-round, you’ll find the best DJs (think Steve Aoki and Snoop Dogg) and atmosphere between April and October. Some of our favourite pool party destinations include;
If you’re travelling with kids then you’ll be pleased to know there are several best family pools in Vegas to choose from.
14. Head To A Waterpark
If you’re travelling to Las Vegas with friends or family then consider heading to a waterpark for a day of fun. There are two incredible waterparks located close to Sin City;
- Cowabunga Bay
- Aqua Park
Sadly, both of these waterparks only operate during the peak summer months (April through to October) so be sure to check before your travel.
15. Enjoy A Relaxing Spa Day
If you’re looking to truly relax during your trip to Las Vegas then one of the best things to do is visit a spa. While pretty much every hotel on the Las Vegas Strip has a spa inside, not all locations are created equal (we speak from experience).
Instead, our favourites are The Spa at Aria which has a Shio salt room and a lounge with multiple Japanese heated stone Ganbanyoku beds and the Red Rock Spa which offers a speciality caviar lime facial with pineapple and papaya fruit enzymes.
16. Explore Red Rock Canyon In A 4×4
If you’re looking for a unique experience when in Vegas then consider taking a Pink Jeep Tour of Red Rock Canyon in a 4×4. Situated just a 30-minute drive from the Las Vegas Strip this National Conservation Area is a nature-lovers paradise.
During your 13-mile off-road adventure, you’ll enjoy views of the Red Spring Mountain Range, Calico Hills, fossilized sand dunes, and other unique geological features.
17. Visit The Neon Museum
Beyond the shimmering night lights, you can find amazing places in Las Vegas bursting with culture and art. One of our favourite museums to visit in Las Vegas is the Neon Museum.
This incredibly unique outdoor museum features over 200 restored famous casino signs from downtown Las Vegas and gives you the chance to learn about the evolution of the city’s most iconic features.
18. Enjoy A Gondola Ride At The Venetian
It’s safe to say that all rules really do go out of the window in Las Vegas. Which is why inside The Venetian Hotel you’ll find several replicas of Venice’s most famous landmarks and attractions, including a Venetian-style gondola ride.
Gondola rides can be taken both inside and outside of the hotel and last between 15 and 20 minutes with the attraction operating between 10am and midnight daily.
Each gondola seats up to four people in total, however, you pay per person rather than per gondola and the price varies depending on the day and time you choose – so if you’re travelling to Las Vegas on a budget it’s worth considering going on this attraction during an ‘off-peak’ time.
19. Visit The Haunted Museum
Situated in Downtown Las Vegas, Zak Bagan’s Haunted Museum has been voted the #1 scariest attraction in America and has been personally created by Zak himself.
If you’re interested in the supernatural then this is one of the best places to visit. Designed to provide a bone-chilling experience, this museum blends a cursed collection of curiosities with the true accounts of decades-old malevolent hauntings and rituals that once took place inside the historic 1938 Wengert Mansion.
Multiple tours around this museum are available including a Late Night Flashlight experience which is limited to just 20 people inside the entire museum. This experience gives guests complete free reign inside the museum which has been featured on Ghost Adventures multiple times.
20. Treat Yourself To Some Retail Therapy
If you love a bit of retail therapy, then Las Vegas is the perfect place to spend your special day. In the hotels along the strip here you’ll find several designer brands including; Dior, Gucci, Chanel, Louis Vuitton, and Fendi to name just a few.
Alternatively, if you love a bargain then consider hitting up either the Las Vegas North or Las Vegas South Premium Outlets. Here you’ll find over 100 stores offering retail brands at discounts of up to 65%.
21. Take A Stroll Down The Vegas Strip
If it’s your first time in Vegas then one of the best ways to get your bearings is to walk up and down the Las Vegas Strip.
This 6.8km iconic strip runs from Sahara Avenue in the north to Russell Road in the south and is home to some of the most iconic and quintessential Las Vegas hotels, restaurants and attractions including; the Pyramids, Caesars Palace, the Eiffel Tower, and the Bellagio water fountains.
At the end of the strip (5200 Las Vegas Blvd) you’ll find the world-famous Las Vegas sign. Getting a photo here is almost compulsory when in Vegas!
Regardless of when you visit, the heat and humidity in Vegas is a lot to handle. As a result, we recommend walking through some of the hotels and casinos and taking advantage of the strong and very refreshing air conditioning.
22. Ride the LINQ High Roller
Situated in the LINQ promenade you’ll find the LINQ High Roller Ferris wheel. Which until 2020, was the largest Ferris wheel in the world standing at 550ft tall. The observation wheel here contains 28 cabins, each of which is able to hold up to 40 people and during your single half-an-hour rotation, you’ll be able to see the whole city.
Tickets for the LINQ High Roller can be booked online in advance at a discount of 24% when compared to the ‘on the gate’ retail price. Happy Hour tickets are also available to be booked online and include an in-pod bartender.
23. Attend an Amazing Cirque Du Soleil Show
It’s no secret that Las Vegas is home to some of the world’s most spectacular shows, whether temporary or permanent and some of the best and most memorising performances are those of the Cirque Du Soleil.
You can see several Cirque Du Soleil performances when in Las Vegas including; Mystere, at Treasure Island which combines fine acrobatics with dramatic dancing on the beats of the Taïko drums and the O show at the Bellagio Hotel which features extraordinary acrobatic, synchronised swimming, and diving performances.
If you’re travelling to Las Vegas on a budget then consider playing the MyVegas app and collecting coins to exchange for tickets to the O show.
24. Watch The Bellagio Fountain Show
The Bellagio Water Fountain Show is perhaps the most famous water fountain performance in the world. Offering an incredibly diverse repertoire of choreographed water displays carefully synchronised to music, these shows have become synonymous with Las Vegas.
It’s free to watch the Bellagio Fountain Show, tickets are not required and performances take place every 30 minutes from 3pm to 8pm and every 15 minutes from 8pm to midnight, making it hard to miss when in the city.
25. Dine At A Luxury Restaurant
Las Vegas is home to an extensive range of luxury restaurants, perfect for special events such as a birthday dinner. From Michelin-star restaurants such as Nobu to celebrity chef experiences such as Hell’s Kitchen, there’s something for all tastes and budgets here.
If there’s a particular restaurant you’d like to eat at during your trip to Las Vegas then we highly recommend using Open Table to reserve a table in advance, especially if you have a large group size.
Some of the best restaurants we recommend researching for your birthday trip include;
- Joël Robuchon
- Guy Savoy
- Raku
- Carnevino Italian Steakhouse
- Estiatorio Milos
26. Visit The Monster Museum
Situated in Boulder City just outside of Las Vegas Tom Devlin’s Monster Museum is one of the most unique and fascinating museums in the United States.
This museum is designed to take you on a journey through the most iconic monsters in all of Hollywood and is filled with hundreds (if not thousands) of costumes and props from famous films and TV shows including; Frankenstein, The Lost Boys and more.
The self-guided tour takes around 45 minutes, however, guided tours for those looking to learn more about the history behind the costumes and some of the biggest horror productions of all time is very much worthwhile.
27. Go Clubbing
Las Vegas is home to some of the biggest and most famous nightclubs and live music venues in the world. A haven for tourists, these clubs are often packed, especially when hosting major life performances and DJs. Some of our favourite clubs in Las Vegas include;
We highly suggest researching these clubs (and others) to see what events are going to be on when you’re in Las Vegas as in some cases it’s worth purchasing an admission ticket or reserving a VIP table or bottle service in advance to guarantee entry.
28. SkyJump From The Strat
The Strat Hotel & Casino can be seen from anywhere on the Las Vegas Strip and is home to the tallest freestanding observation tower in the USA at a height of 1149ft.
While there are many incredible things to see and do at this hotel, the most unique and heart-pounding is the SkyJump, an open-air leap from 829ft. This attraction holds a Guinness World Record as the highest commercial decelerator descent facility and see’s you zoom towards the landing pad at speeds topping 40mph.
