21 Best US Cities to Spend Your 21st Birthday In
- Mar 4, 2019
- 11 min read
In the US, 21 is a big number for most. It is the official age for alcohol consumption eligibility. It is the age in which an individual is able to legally enter 21+ establishments. It is the age in which we tend to stop being treated as kids (well, some of us) and start officially being looked at as adults.
Dare I go as far as saying it is a bit of a 'rite of passage?' It definitely is a major transition in the lives of young adults, which is why many choose to do it big! And, when I say 'do it big,' I mean plan a big, bad ass bash - typically destination specific! Below, you will find 21 best US cities to spend your 21st birthday.
1. Austin, TX
Technically, you shouldn't be into beer just yet (insert wink face). However, if perfectly crafted beer is something you think you'd like to incorporate into your 21st birthday, Austin is loaded (pun intended) with breweries and bars serving up unique micro-brews of various flavors.
Additionally, Austin is famous for its delicious Tex-Mex and Texas BBQ! It is your birthday, so you cannot skip out on dessert, and Austin has some of the best Pecan Pie in Texas! If you are a food truck fan like me, you have to checkout Eater's list of 19 Essential Food Trucks in Austin.
2. Denver, CO
Denver is a super hip and chill US destination, and it is chock full of things to do in and around the city! From roaming around the RiNo District, to partying it up in the SOCO Nightlife District, to attending a show at Red Rocks Amphitheater, to becoming one with nature and hiking in the mountains. Bonus: At 21 you bounce back from a night out easier, therefore, that hike will be a breeze for you.
If this is a 21st birthday that you can get down with, I say Denver is the right place for your birthday bash.
3. New York City, NY
If you are looking for the total package, NYC is where you will want to be on your 21st birthday. You can shop till you drop, eat like a queen, go clubbing along side your fellow New York youngsters. Plus, there is opportunity to hit up popular NYC sites, see a much talked about Broadway show, and so much more! So, will the city of lights be the it spot for your destination birthday?
4. Seattle, WA
Like Austin, Seattle is known for their micro-brews and craft beers (check out Thrillist's The 15 Washington Beers to Drink Before you Die). So, if you think you may be a fan (because you do not drink alcohol just yet, right?), Seattle may be your go to city! And, in the morning, wake up with a cup of Joe from one of Seattle's fantastic cafe's.
However, drinking beer and sipping coffe aren't the only things to do in Seattle. The city and surrounding area is littered with unique "must do's" and "must sees!" A few of my favorites are to explore the Underground City, take a ghost tour, check out the Seattle Space Needle, eat the fresh catch at a great seafood restaurant, get a pic with the Fremont Troll, and you absolutely must chew some gum and stick it to the famous Seattle gum wall!
5. New Orleans, LA
New Orleans is one of my favorite party cities! I did not get the opportunity to spend my 21st birthday there; however, I did get the opportunity to spend an awesome 'bad break-up girls trip' in NOLA during my 20's and it was AMAZING! Don't get me wrong though, I also had a romantic getaway with my true love (clearly, post girls trip) in NOLA and it was even better!
Although New Orleans is largely known for its party atmosphere, do not discount its many other fantastic qualities! The food is better than probably any other place I have traveled to in the whole world, the culture is so full of spirit and uniqueness, you cannot help but respect it and even fall in love with it, and the energy is so real and uncut.
6. Chicago, IL
You want to shop? Chicago's Magnificent Mile has you covered. Looking to stuff your face with, well, anything you can imagine? No problem, Chicago is a melting pot of diversity, and with it comes some of the best restaurants, serving up the best foods! Ready to party it up? There is plenty of opportunity to do so in the large metropolis! Plus, if your 21st lands in the late spring, summer, or early fall, there are plenty of outdoorsy activities to engage in!
7. Philadelphia, PA
Philly has more to offer than its rich history and great cheese steak hoagies; although, I highly recommend both! The list of things to do in Philadelphia for 20-somethings is pretty lengthy! If you are visiting Philly during football season, attending a UPenn tailgate or party is definitely an item that should be on the agenda! That agenda should also include China Town! Great food and great nightlife. Philly also has a great community play production scene; checking out an Off-Broadway show is a great way to start your night! And, you absolutely must hit up a late night food truck; besides, you may need the substance after a night out!
8. Portland, OR
One of the many things I love about Portland is how chill it is! Another favorite is how beautiful Portland is. There is so much natural beauty in and around the city, and fun nature excursions to take. Can you say mountains and waterfalls?
If you are a fan of oysters, Portland has them fresh and plentiful! Like wine and beer, breweries and wineries are in abundance as well! Are you a live music fan like myself? You should be able to find some great performers in Portland.
You know what else you can find? Multiple movie theater bars; get your drink on while seeing a flick. Oh, and Purrington's Cat Lounge, and it sounds exactly like it is! A place to sit back and relax with a cold one or a cocktail and pet cats! Sign me up!
9. Nashville, TN
If you desire exceptional musical talent, good food, drinks-a-plenty, and great bar hopping opportunities, Lower Broadway is where you will want to spend your 21st birthday. Commonly referred to as Honkey Tonk Highway, Nashville’s bar scene is one of the hottest party spots in the nation. Added bonus; because it offers a lot to do in a more confined area, you can pretty much see Nashville, while also partying it up, in a single weekend.
10. Boston, MA
One of the many unique things about Boston is that it is actually smaller than many realize. The word "Boston" is so strong and powerful, that it makes you believe the city is enormous. And, although it has an enormous reputation, it really is smaller than you would think; at least it was smaller than I thought it would be. What is the point to this ramble? The point is that if you only have 1 to 2 days to spend in Boston, you can easily make it happen and still see pretty much everything. Plus, Boston has one of the easiest to understand subway systems that will take you all around the city, and even to specific areas outside it.
If you are a pub kind of person, Boston has them plentiful; including some of the oldest in the country! If you have a summer birthday, you will enjoy hanging out at the harbor bars and restaurants. And, if you have the time, you are in the right city for taking a highly recommended whale watching cruise!
11. Washington D.C.
There is more to be seen in DC than just political buildings, monuments, and museums. Some of my funnest nightlife moments have been in DC. Plus, DC has some incredible restaurants. Not to mention, a copious amount of food trucks serving up options from all over the world. Interested but need some additional ideas? Read Jet Farer's "37 Things To Do in Washington DC Besides Museums and Monuments."
12. Miami, FL
It is probably not a surprise that Miami is on this list. Miami is a globally known party city after all. Plus, what 21 year old doesn't love a great beach getaway?
If you really want to live it up in Miami on your big 2-1, look into booking a hotel at The Clevelander, Fontainebleau, or Delano South Beach - my top 3 party hotels in Miami.
Need a little help with that Miami birthday itinerary? Here are a few of my favorite "Must Do's" to get you started:
Attend a Palace Drag Brunch - I mean "Every Queen Needs a Palace," right? Oh, and boys, real men can dig a fun drag brunch.
Mai-Kai - Reserve dinner at Miami's most awesome (or only) tiki restaurant! Tell them it is your birthday and you will receive a shout out during one of the many entertaining shows.
Spa Treatment - Treat yourself to a spa day at one of Miami's many health and wellness spas! You may need it after a long night out!
Visit Little Havana - There are many reasons to visit Little Havana. However, if you are into salsa dancing, or pretending to know how to salsa dance, Little Havana is where you want to be!
Basement - You can plan the perfect birthday at Miami's Basement. While you are officially an adult (because you can consume alcohol now), take time to let your inner kid shine with a game of bowling a round of ice skating before you hit up an NYC Studio 54 inspired dance party!
Senor Frogs - All I have to say is if you are turning 21 (or really any age, Senor Frogs does not discriminate),there is no reason you shouldn't make a stop at Senor Frogs. And, if you are feeling adventurous, take to the Frog at around 11:00 PM on Sunday for a great big foam party!
13. San Diego, CA
"America's Finest City," as it is known by. San Diego is home to a multitude of exciting things to do. It has many beaches; some nude for the unguarded adventure souls.
There are also many free scenic things to do and see in San Diego; it is a gorgeous city! The food is extra-delish in San Diego and there is a wide variety of must try restaurants ranging from greasy burger joints to fresh, organic fare. San Diego also has a profusion of tiki bars primed and ready to serve you cool daiquiris.
14. Atlantic City /Sea Side Heights
I know Atlantic City and Seaside Heights are a little over an hour apart, but I thought both deserved a spot on this list. Both are extra fun NJ cities (hello, Jersey Shore!), and either would be great options for your birthday celebration!
However, if you are feeling the travel vibe, maybe hit up both! Spend a day or two in one city, then take an hour drive or ride up or down the coast to the other for another one or two days.
Atlantic City is known as Americas Playground, so I imagine you will find plenty of opportunity to, well, play! From casinos to clubs and pubs, to boardwalk fun. Then, there is Seaside Heights and if it is good enough for MTV to plant a hit TV show that centers around party-hardy, then you will no doubt have a bad ass time!
15. Indianapolis, IN
If your birthday falls between April and October, Indianapolis is a great city to host your birthday. There are many festivals being held in this monumental American city during this time-frame. Plus, the temperatures are more pleasant during this time-frame too. Oh, and when I said "monumental city" I meant it. Indianapolis has the second most monuments and memorials, beaten out only by Washington DC. A city with that many declarations must be a great city.
Indianapolis is very cultured, has many outdoorsy things to do, plenty of nature trails, river activities, and a really great zoo. Plus, Indianapolis' nightlife is phenomenal! Oh, and don't forget to reserve a pedal tavern for your 21st!
16.Baltimore, MD
There is a lot of really neat, and even unusually awesome, things to do in Baltimore. From atypical museums, to entertaining bazaars, to really uncommon but must eat (and see) restaurants. Oh, and I cannot forget to mention the nightlife! Believe it or not, Baltimore has a few fantastic nightlife districts. In fact, the first time visiting Baltimore became a thought in my head was a about 10 years ago. A friend had recently traveled there for a weekend getaway and her top 3 reasons for why I must go were, the crab cakes, the individualism and eclectic style, and the outstanding nightlife!
17. Detroit, MI
Over the past 10 years, the city of Detroit has built quite the entertainment zone. Which is probably why it is one of my favorite cities to hangout in; especially between the months of April and October.
So, why live it up in Detroit for your 21st? For starters, if you are a sports fan, pretty much year round you can catch a pro game of some sort in downtown Detroit; whether it be football, basketball, hockey, or baseball. Not enough of a reason, check out reasons 2 through 4 below.
Second, if you enjoy a good gamble, there are 3 great casinos in downtown Detroit; 4 if you count the one across the bridge in Windsor! Third, multiple concert venues and plenty of amazing artists who perform nightly. Fourth, the nightlife is off the hook! From Greektown to Campus Martius, and multiple areas in between. Just like in Indy, don't forget to book your pedal tavern through Handlebar Detroit.
18. Key West, FL
Where the sun is hot, the drinks are cold, and everyone is friendly. If you are looking for a unique, laid back experience, you should definitely consider Key West as a birthday getaway. Key West is the epitome of chill meets party. Enjoy your birthday lounging on the beach or by the pool, shopping at the many souvenir and boutique shops, eating delicious food, and celebrating into the late-night hours (or wee hours of the morning) with other tourists and locals. Key West is by far the perfect city for an all around birthday getaway.
19. Los Angeles
Like many cities on this list, Los Angeles probably does not need much of an introduction. Similarly, you likely do not need my help deciding if you will book your birthday vacay in the City of Angels. So, for this one I thought I would just provide a few suggestions.
Definitely do the touristy thing (many are free); Hollywood Walk of Fame, Hollywood Sign, check out Rodeo Drive, explore downtown LA, and so on.
See the sunset from the Santa Monica Pier and hangout at Venice Beach.
Take a tour at Universal Studios and visit Disney Land.
And, of course, get down with the night crowd.
20. Phoenix, AZ
Where taking adventures and being present with nature are top on the vacation itinerary. Phoenix is such a beautiful city and there is so much to see and do in and around it. Clearly, there are plenty of daytime activities. Things to do like mountain climbing and trail hiking, exploring the desert and watching the southwest's native animals in their natural habitat. Other excursions away from the city include renting ATV's and taking balloon and/or helicopter tours. Phoenix also has some great bars, restaurants and breweries worth frequenting. There is no doubt you will have a wonderful birthday in Phoenix.
21. Las Vegas, NV
Finally, we come to the Fabulous City of Las Vegas! I do not hide that Las Vegas has a special place in my heart. In fact, this is where I spent my 21st birthday. Well, maybe not the exact day, but I did travel to Las Vegas almost immediately after turning 21 and I had the time of my life!
Las Vegas is probably in the top 3 most internationally renowned resort cities in the US. It is also probably the best party city in all of the US. However, daytime pool parties and nighttime clubbing are not the only things Las Vegas has to offer you for your big birthday.
Las Vegas is by far the biggest gambling city in the US. It is also home to some really great shopping malls, forums, and outlets. Also, the fine dining and entertainment is off the charts in LV. Interestingly, however, there are many great day trips to be taken outside Sin City that will blow your mind!
Picture yourself in the starring role of this birthday bash. If it fits, all I have to say is, you are Vegas ready, baby!
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