24 Totally Epic 30th Birthday Trip Ideas
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When it comes to one-of-a-kind 30th birthday trip ideas, the options for epic celebrations are endless. A blowout beach vacation? The Maldives' overwater bungalows have your name all over them. A low-key cottage in the countryside? Why not make it a culinary excursion at Blackberry Farm in Tennessee? For bottle service and all the fanfare, look no further than Miami or Las Vegas.
We've scoured the latest travel trends and bucket list trips to narrow down 24 of the top birthday vacation destinations that will make the start of your 30s truly eventful. From budget-friendly spots to far-flung trips abroad, get ready to start planning this milestone moment.
In this article:
- Best 30th Birthday Trip Destinations in the US
- Best 30th Birthday Vacation Ideas Abroad
- Budget-Friendly 30th Birthday Trip Ideas
- All-Inclusive Resorts for a 30th Birthday Vacation
- 30th Birthday Weekend Getaways Near You
Best 30th Birthday Trip Destinations in the US
For a birthday celebration that's sure to be a memorable one, there are plenty of fantastic options right in your own backyard in the US. From luxe farm stays in the Great Smoky Mountains to over-the-top après-ski in Aspen, here's where to toast to 30 in style.
Miami, Florida
Forget the days of Spring Break—Miami has matured and South Beach is now lined with rooftop bars that have sister spots in Tulum, Michelin restaurants that have become dining destinations, glamorous pools and beach clubs, and shopping that could rival Fifth Avenue or Rodeo Drive. In a city where the standard birthday celebration is a yacht day, you know you're in for a treat.
Things to Do: Dine and listen to jazz at Delilah; peruse the latest modern and contemporary collections at Pérez Art Museum Miami; dine at Uchi before dancing the evening away at Dante's HiFi.
Places to Stay: The Setai, Miami Beach; Life House South of Fifth; The Standard, Miami Beach; Arlo Wynwood Miami; Four Seasons Hotel at The Surf Club
Napa Valley, California
Perhaps this year you want to slip away from the city and relax in the countryside with your other half—and we couldn't think of a better spot than Napa Valley. Let a private driver whisk you around to wine tastings in between spa sessions and lavish Michelin menus. You'll come back feeling a whole decade younger after this trip to California's wine country.
Things to Do: Cycle down First Street downtown, pausing to visit shops along the way; soar over the vines on a hot air balloon ride that ends with a glass of bubbly; score a reservation at lauded The French Laundry; kayak along the Napa River; or take a small-group tour to a selection of wineries in Napa Valley and Sonoma.
Places to Stay: Auberge du Soleil; Carneros Resort; Bardessono Hotel and Spa; Meadowood Napa Valley
Nashville, Tennessee
Nashville is a year-round party with live music, festivals and events, and a food scene that just keeps getting better. Turn your birthday into a music tour visiting the Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum and historic RCA Studio B (where Elvis recorded more than 200 songs) before sitting (or standing) and enjoying a show at the Grand Ole Opry or The Bluebird Cafe.
Things to Do: Brush up on your line dancing with a private lesson; bar hop along Honky Tonk Highway; take a helicopter tour over the city's skyline; or sample the best of the city's cuisine on a walking food and drink tour of Downtown.
Places to Stay: Kimpton Aertson Hotel; Graduate Nashville; Four Seasons Hotel Nashville; Noelle
Aspen, Colorado
Après-ski is the ultimate party, and nowhere does it quite light Aspen, where Champagne is literally sprayed on the slopes (add Cloud Nine to your list). With ski resorts catering to all ski levels (even beginners won't be intimidated by the gentle terrain at Buttermilk Mountain), you can spend the morning hitting the black diamonds or embracing the bunny slopes—followed by a wine-fueled lunch in one of the buzzy bistros like Ajax Tavern.
Things to Do: Aspen's dining scene has become one of the best in the country, so be sure to make the rounds to a few favorites, including Element 47, Casa Tua Aspen, Clark's Oyster Bar, White House Tavern and Acquolina. Decorate a hat at Aspen landmark Kemo Sabe (a great birthday gift to yourself!) and visit downtown's Aspen Art Museum. Don't miss Montauk favorite The Surf Club's winter supper club and lounge, The Snow Lodge, at The St. Regis Aspen Resort.
Places to Stay: Hotel Jerome; The Little Nell; W Aspen; The St. Regis Aspen Resort; Limelight Hotel Aspen
Las Vegas, Nevada
No need to wait for a bachelorette party to make a trip to Sin City, where you can go all-out with DJ-driven pool parties, fabulous shopping, over-the-top dining and shows by stars like Christina Aguilera. Who knows, you may even have a bit of extra birthday luck at the slots.
Things to Do: Sit back and watch the show at The Mayfair Supper Club, where singers and dancers serenade diners; book seats in the speakeasy-style omakase room at WAKUDA; float down the Grand Canal on a gondola; or take a day trip on a red rock canyon tour through the desert.
Places to Stay: Wynn Las Vegas; The Cosmopolitan of Las Vegas; The Venetian Resort Las Vegas; Bellagio Las Vegas; NoMad Hotel Las Vegas
Blackberry Farm, Great Smoky Mountains, Tennessee
Blackberry Farm deserves a section all of its own since the 4,200-acre mountain haven is a destination in itself—and champions farm-to-table dining in the most luxurious of ways. Sleep in one of the secluded cottages, where you can sit back with a glass of wine and admire the surrounding scenery from a wooden swing on the glass-enclosed living porch. Wine and food here is the work of a team of artisans who have blended the best of haute cuisine and Indigenous Smoky Mountain fare, and you can learn how to master some of these standout dishes during the daily cooking demos.
1471 West Millers Cove Road Walland, Tennessee 37886
4.5 Star Rating | Read Reviews
Best 30th Birthday Vacation Ideas Abroad
Maybe you've been looking for the right time to finally book that trip to Europe, or you've had Japan on your bucket list and finally saved up enough for the big birthday. Whether you want something exotic and far-flung or prefer sticking closer to home, we have the perfect spots to celebrate the big 3-0.
Tokyo, Japan
Japan has had a major moment since reopening, so jump on the bandwagon and head to the bustling capital city of Tokyo. Get lost in translation strolling past neon-lit high-rises, ancient temples, quirky theme cafes and vibrant nightlife in the form of bars and izakaya.
Things to Do: Cross the city's most famous temple, Sensoji, off your list; cruise or stroll along the Sumida River; head to the well-heeled Nakameguro during cherry blossom season in spring; ferry to the nearby Tokyo Islands where you can swim with dolphins off Miyake or experience Japan's version of the Galapagos in the Ogasawara Islands.
Places to Stay: Four Seasons Hotel Tokyo at Otemachi; Mandarin Oriental, Tokyo; The Ritz-Carlton, Tokyo; Hoshinoya Tokyo
Paris, France
Thanks to a mix of budget-savvy airlines like French Bee and the entirely business-class La Compagnie, flying to the French capital has never been easier. As the city gears up for a celebration this summer when it hosts the Olympics, plan a birthday blow-out of your own complete with rooftop restaurants overlooking the Eiffel Tower, dreamy boat rides along the Seine, shopping at grande dame department store Le Bon Marché, and an evening of dancing at Silencio or Le Carmen.
Things to Do: After checking off landmarks like the Louvre and Eiffel Tower, picnic in parks like the Tuileries or Luxembourg Garden; go antiquing at the weekend flea market in Saint-Ouen; splurge on a memorable meal at La Tour d'Argent; or spend a spa day at Dior Spa Cheval Blanc Paris.
Places to Stay: Le Grand Mazarin; Hotel Hana; Hôtel Dame des Arts; J.K. Place Paris; Madame Rêve
Cape Town, South Africa
Cape Town might not be the easiest spot to reach, but once you arrive and see Table Mountain on one side, the turquoise ocean on the other, you'll wish you had a few extra weeks to soak up the scenery. The entry point for safari is worth spending more than a few days, especially as the arts scene continues expanding with museums like contemporary Zeitz MOCAA and galleries like Goodman. Plus, there's fantastic shopping everywhere from The Old Biscuit Mill to The Watershed on the V&A Waterfront.
Things to Do: Hike Lion's Head, ride a cable car up Table Mountain, visit the penguins on Boulder's Beach or enjoy a wine tasting and tour of nearby Stellenbosch and Franschhoek.
Places to Stay: Ellerman House; Mount Nelson, A Belmond Hotel; Gorgeous George; Dorp; Cape Grace; The Silo Hotel; The Twelve Apostles Hotel and Spa
Istanbul, Turkey
A bustling city that's a feast for the senses, Istanbul is both Old World and cosmopolitan, with its maze-like Spice Market and Grand Bazaar, gorgeous architecture and chic bars and restaurants. And with direct flights from New York clocking in at just a little over nine hours, you don't have to spend a full day traveling to reach an exotic locale that'll have you feeling like you've truly stepped back in time.
Things to Do: Day trip to Sakara along the Black Sea; visit the Hagia Sophia Grand Mosque and Blue Mosque; sample street food in the neighborhood of Kadikoy; or indulge in a scrub at a Turkish bath like Kiliç Ali Pasa.
Places to Stay: The Ritz-Carlton, Istanbul; Four Seasons Hotel Bosphorus; Shangri-La Bosphorus, Istanbul; Ciragan Palace Kempinski; The Peninsula Istanbul
Palm Island, St. Vincent and the Grenadines
You don't have to be a jetsetter to vacation on a private island. A hopper flight from Barbados followed by a quick boat ride from Union Island and you'll reach adults-only Palm Island in St. Vincent and the Grenadines—which has remained something of a secret in the Caribbean. The toes-in-the-sand-style spot is a low-key way to celebrate the milestone birthday with your other half. Picture days spent snorkeling at the beach or reading in a hammock, couple's massages with the waves in the background, and catamaran cruises to barbecues on neighboring islands.
Palm Island, St. Vincent and the Grenadines
4.5 Star Rating [insert TripAdvisor rating] | Read Reviews
The Caves Hotel, Negril, Jamaica
For a birthday trip that has Instagram written all over it, The Caves' scenic locale—perched on limestone cliffs in Negril's stunning West End—is one you'll instantly swoon over. The more intimate property features just 12 custom-designed cliffside cottages with outdoor showers or stargazing gazebos. Add luxe extras to your stay like a private five-course cave dinner or book a package that includes cliff diving, non-motorized water sports, a complimentary Caribbean sugar scrub treatment and welcome cocktails.
144 One Love Drive, Negril, Jamaica
5.0 Star Rating | Read Reviews
Budget-Friendly 30th Birthday Trip Ideas
From road trips to national parks to charming Southern cities and beachside cottages, these more affordable trip options won't break the bank—meaning you can splurge on a bigger gift this year.
Joshua Tree, California
Toast to the new decade with a scenic road trip to one of the country's most photogenic national parks, Joshua Tree. This is a spot where you'll find glamping options of all sorts, from luxe Airstreams to yurts and geodomes. While you'll feel like you're in the middle of nowhere (the beauty of an early-morning desert hike or evening spent stargazing!) you won't be too far from more cosmopolitan spots like Palm Springs.
Things to Do: Hike the park by moonlight with a guide; set off on an open-air Hummer adventure; go professional stargazing; try a beginner rock climbing class; or relax with a sound bath and cacao ceremony.
Places to Stay: AutoCamp Joshua Tree; Mojave Sands; Bubbling Wells Historic Hot Springs Ranch; 28 Palms Ranch
Asheville, North Carolina
An arts haven that draws bohemians and those seeking something more spiritual, the hippie town of Asheville is full of locally-owned shops, galleries and restaurants. Couples can embrace the city's two sides: the romantic, Old World charm of its Art Deco, Beaux Arts and Neoclassical architecture and the surrounding nature that make it a true outdoor playground. Sip local craft beer, dine at one of the many award-winning restaurants and embrace the mountain locale with a drive or hike through some of the highest peaks east of the Mississippi River on the Blue Ridge Parkway, nicknamed "America's Favorite Scenic Drive."
Things to Do: Spend the day at Biltmore Estate touring Biltmore House and the gardens; sip craft beer at one of the breweries downtown; visit the open-air market at Grove Arcade; hike one of the many mountain trails; shop handmade crafts at the Folk Art Center.
Places to Stay: The Windsor Boutique Hotel; The Foundry Hotel; Sweet Biscuit Inn; The Omni Grove Park Inn; The Restoration Asheville; The Inn on Biltmore Estate
St. Augustine, Florida
The oldest city in America packs plenty of small town Southern charm into a walkable historic downtown. Sure, some things may be a bit cheesy like the Fountain of Youth, but it can't hurt to give it a shot and embrace the quirky culture in the beachside town where you'll come across re-enactors in period dress, living history events and horse-drawn carriages. In the spring, the town hosts tons of festivals and live music events—plus, white-sand beaches are just a few miles away from the historic quarter.
Things to Do: Admire views of medieval castle Castillo de San Marcos on a sunset cruise; take an airboat ride along St. Johns River past manatees and alligators; kayak past dolphins and sea turtles; explore St. Augustine's spookiest sites on a haunted ghost walk.
Places to Stay: Casa Monica Resort & Spa, Autograph Collection; The Collector Inn; Renaissance St. Augustine Historic Downtown Hotel; The Saint Augustine Beach House
Providence, Rhode Island
Newport's mansion-lined coast tends to get the majority of Rhode Island's love, but artsy Providence deserves a weekend trip of its own. Time your stay when the award-winning WaterFire—a series of nearly a hundred bonfires blazing on three rivers in downtown Providence—takes place. History buffs will find plenty of landmarks to add to their list, which they can explore on a self-guided downtown historic walking tour or Early Black History Tour. A true foodie town, you'll find fantastic fare everywhere from bakeshops and pizzerias to tasting-menu favorite Gracie's.
Things to Do: Hit six different spots on a Downcity Arts District walking food tour; soak up the city's landmarks on a guided boat tour; join a city-wide scavenger hunt; or catch a show at the Providence Performing Arts Center.
Places to Stay: The Dean Hotel; Graduate Providence; The Beatrice; Hotel Providence
Savannah, Georgia
Cobblestone streets, pastel-colored homes, Spanish moss—there's a reason Savannah's Southern charm has earned it a reputation as one of the most romantic cities in the country. Maybe you're looking for a driving destination from somewhere in the Southeast, or perhaps you're coming from the northern part of the US and want to discover a historic town without worrying too much about crowds (or bachelorette parties). Savannah offers a nice mix of culture, architecture, dining and wildlife. Plus, it's a walkable town that you can also tour by horse-drawn carriage.
Things to Do: Visit the beaches and lighthouse on nearby Tybee Island; explore Savannah Wildlife Refuge's 30,000 acres of creeks, freshwater marshes, gators and birds on a boat tour; dine at one of the standout, celeb chef-helmed restaurants like The Grey.
Places to Stay:
Florida Keys, Florida
Get your playlist ready for the 113-mile drive to Key West along the Overseas Highway, where water runs parallel on either side of the scenic stretch. Your destination may be the southernmost point of Key West, with its walkable old town lined with galleries, restaurants and bars that were once writer hangouts (hello, Hemingway!). But don't discount the rest of the Florida Keys—each has its own small-town beach charm, from spectacular snorkeling in Key Largo to the sport fishing capital of the world, Islamorada, which is also a scuba diving haven.
Things to Do: Spend the day kayaking and basking on the beach at Bahia Honda State Park; snorkel in Dry Tortugas National Park, a boat ride away from Key West; sip your way along the bars on Duval Street; post up for the nightly sunset celebration on Key West's Mallory Square.
Places to Stay: Cheeca Lodge & Spa; Ocean Key Resort & Spa; Parrot Key Hotel & Villas; Baker's Cay Resort Key Largo; Isla Bella Beach Resort
All-Inclusive Resorts for a 30th Birthday Vacation
Skip the stress of planning restaurants and daily activities and let the resort do the work for you. The fantastic part about an all-inclusive resort is that once you've paid, you don't have to open your wallet for the rest of your stay. For couples, this means endless poolside margaritas, multiple dining options, beachside service, and extra perks (especially on your birthday!) like early check-in or a bottle of bubbly to celebrate the milestone occasion.
Coco Palm Dhuni Kolhu, Maldives
You don't have to wait for a honeymoon or major anniversary to plan a bucket list trip to the Maldives—a 30th birthday is excuse enough. A 30-minute seaplane from the getaway airport in Malé, Coco Palm Resort offers couples a few options for dreamy spots to stay, from Deluxe Pool Villas with pools curving alongside the private beach to Sunset Lagoon Villas with plunge pools and ladders leading down to the sea, so you can snorkel any time of day you like. Among the more affordable options in the Maldives, you'll wine and dine in five-star style—especially if you're planning a combo birthday and honeymoon.
Coco Palm Dhuni Kolhu Resort, Baa Atoll, Maldives
4.5 Star Rating | Read Reviews
Hilton Tulum Riviera Maya All-Inclusive Resort, Mexico
Perched on a secluded bay, this all-inclusive in trendy Tulum is home to 735 rooms and suites—all with private balconies—spread across two-story, villa-style buildings. Get ready to indulge at 13 different restaurants and bars, with everything from fresh ceviche at Chiringuito Seasalt to Italian at La Luce. If you want to step the experience up a notch, book an Enclave room that includes VIP perks like private check-in and checkout and private pool areas.
Carretera Cancun Tulum 307 Tulkal Chemuyil, Tulum 77774 Mexico
4.0 Star Rating | Read Reviews
Iberostar Selection Playa de Muro Village, Mallorca
If you've already checked Madrid and Barcelona off your list, now is the time to explore Mallorca, the stunning Spanish island that's perhaps one of the best-kept secrets in the Mediterranean. Located on one of Spain's top three beaches, Iberostar Selection Playa de Muro Village also ranks top in terms of gastronomy and service. Take a dip in one of four pools, relax beachfront with a cocktail or indulge in a massage and Turkish bath session at the sumptuous SPA Sensations.
Avenida de s'Albufera, 6, 07458 Playa de Muro, Majorca Spain
4.5 Star Rating | Read Reviews
Bawah Reserve, Anamba Islands, Indonesia
Bawah Reserve, a cluster of six islands in Indonesia's Anambas Archipelago off the southern shore of the Malaysian peninsula, is the perfect add-on to a trip to Singapore. The largest of the islands, Bawah, measures a little over a square mile and is dotted by dirt trails that crisscross through foliage of ferns and orchards up to viewpoints that are prime for sundowner cocktails. If you're looking for privacy, you've got 13 beaches to choose from. Safari-style tented suites line the sandy shores, while overwater bungalows as beautiful as you'd find in the Maldives balance on stilts over the sparkling turquoise South China Sea. Even better, everything from daily spa treatments to castaway picnics on secluded shorelines are included.
Anambas Kiabu, Pulau Bawah, Kec. Siantan Sel, Anambas Islands 29791 Indonesia
5.0 Star Rating | Read Reviews
Bungalows Key Largo, Florida Keys
No need to jet across the world—or even leave the US—for an adults-only, all-inclusive experience. At Bungalows Key Largo, a stay in one of the waterfront or garden bungalows includes a romantic outdoor soaking tub, plus access to five restaurants, poolside and beachside dining, two pools and jacuzzis, poolside and beachside cabanas, snorkel gear and non-motorized water sports. Oh, and did we mention the spa's waterfront treatment tiki?
99010 Overseas Highway, Key Largo, FL 33037
4.0 Star Rating | Read Reviews
Hyatt Zilara Cap Cana, Dominican Republic
Located within the gated community of Capa Cana on the picture-perfect shores of Juanillo Beach in the Dominican Republic, Hyatt Zilara Cap Cana checks off two boxes: it's adults-only and all-inclusive. No children splashing in the expansive infinity pools with swim-up bars or at the 25 different restaurants and bars. A quick drive from the airport, this is an easier-to-reach destination if you're planning a long weekend getaway (it's less than two hours nonstop from Miami and about three-and-a-half from New York), and once you arrive, you're right next door to a championship golf course, marina and adventure excursions.
Blvd. Zona Hotelera, Playa Juanillo, Cap Cana, Dominican Republic, 23302
4.0 Star Rating | Read Reviews
30th Birthday Weekend Getaways Near You
For a 30th Birthday trip for couples within a few hours drive, check out these romantic getaway guides by state for more ideas.