Top 10 Epic 30th Birthday Travel Destinations
Scripps Pier in La Jolla, San Diego.
Scripps Pier in La Jolla, San Diego.
Is your 30th birthday coming up? Do you dream of going on a trip and celebrating this special occasion with a bang? Being that I am a woman in my 30's I can tell you from personal experience that you are entering a new era in your life... and your 30's will kick ass! As a travel aficionado I highly recommend marking this milestone birthday with that dream trip you've always wanted to take but just hadn't gotten around to it yet.
Whether you're looking to plan a trip with friends, searching for an ideal foodie destination, or a romantic couples trip, in this article, you'll come across ten very promising trip ideas, both in the U.S. and abroad. If you're going to celebrate your dirty thirty birthday, let's do it in style!
The colorful rainbow Saguaro Hotel in Palm Springs.
Hummus and peta bread healthy eats at Arrive Hotel in Palm Springs.
Palm Springs, California
Perhaps you just want to chill and treat yourself to a nice, dreamy trip to Palm Springs? If it's sunshine and leisure you're after, this is it! Instagrammers especially love Palm Springs because of all the bright and vibrant colors you can find everywhere. There’s so much fun and whimsy in the decor and aesthetics in Palm Springs.
Surrounded by beautiful arid landscapes, Palm Springs is an ideal place to go on a girls' trip or take your partner on a romantic getaway. Mid-century modern decorated hotels, events like the world-famous Coachella, and foodie-approved eateries will keep you entertained throughout your whole stay in Palm Springs.
If you decide on Palm Springs as an ideal destination to celebrate your 30th birthday, you can expect your days to be filled with leisurely hours hanging by the pool, long brunches with delicious food, vintage and antique shopping on Indian Canyon Drive and poolside bars for your nightlife entertainment.
Lastly, if you’re visiting Palm Springs during a month with mild temperatures, you can enjoy outdoor recreation including a ride on the Aerial Tramway overlooking the region, see the Living Desert Zoo or hike up the San Jacinto Mountain.
Pro Tip: Be sure to take a lot of photos during your trip, and then you can make your own photo calendar to display them prominently in your home.
Pink walls and palm trees at the Saguaro Hotel in Palm Springs.
Turquoise blue lounge chairs inside The Parker Hotel in Palm Springs.
The colorful rainbow Saguaro Hotel in Palm Springs.
Los Angeles, California
Los Angeles is the sun-kissed California dream destination for an unforgettable girls' trip. For the best LA experience plan to stay in either West Hollywood, Santa Monica or Venice Beach. These cool girl approved neighborhoods have the best hotels, restaurants, shopping and are located very close to the prime beaches.
LA is a worthwhile foodie destination, especially if you're into extra healthy and fresh farm-to-table style cuisine. Taking care of your body and wellness is a lifestyle in La La La and it may just rub off on you.
Your vacation days in Los Angeles will most likely be filled with bike rides down the Venice Beach Boardwalk, brunches on Abbot Kinney Boulevard, afternoons at the beach and then dinner and drinks in Venice.
Moorten Botanical Garden in Palm Springs.
Mural outside the Ace Hotel in Palm Springs.
The clear turquoise ocean waters on the Greek Islands are perfect for swimming.
The Greek island of Santorini
The island of Santorini is by far the most famous Greek summer destination and the perfect place to celebrate your 30th birthday. In fact, you would have to search long and hard for a destination that matches the beauty of Santorini, with its volcanic landscape, sapphire waters of the Aegean Sea, and picturesque, charming villages hidden between the rocky cliffs of the island.
The blissful and mellow atmosphere of the island, along with spectacular scenery, makes it a dream destination for a romantic couples trip. Come to the village of Oia and experience the famously breathtaking and magical sunsets in the arms of your partner. On a beach day, go on and enjoy the warm sands of Santorini's coastline, such as the famous Red, Perissa and Kamari beaches.
Pro Tip: Planning for international travel can be a pain but giving yourself plenty of time to prep and using easy travel hacks is a must to take the stress out of it.
Brush the dust off your passport and buy your transcontinental plane tickets at least 5 months ahead of your travel date. If you need to renew your passport before the birthday trip, use the super convenient PhotoAiD website to get the perfect photo and arrange everything in time.
Picturesque white washed buildings on the Greek Islands.
The clear turquoise ocean waters on the Greek Islands are perfect for swimming.
Picturesque white washed buildings with blue domes in Oia, Santorini.
Napa Valley, California
If you haven't heard it before, Napa Valley is a heaven for wine lovers. So if you'd like nothing more than to try exquisite wines on your 30th birthday, you've hit the jackpot. Wine tasting is just the start because California Wine Country has some of the best cuisine in the world. Pairing your new favorite wine with Michelin Star meals is not too shabby.
More ways to enjoy the epic Napa and Sonoma scenery is to go bike riding through the rolling hills with vineyards, hot air balloon rides over the wineries, food tours and vineyard picnics.
Because Napa is known to be a destination for luxury and refinement, you can also find world-class hotels offering spa services for a superb relaxing experience. Since it’s your birthday, live in the moment and treat yourself to a massage and a facial.
The famous bell towers in Oia, Santorini.
Panoramic views of the bell towers and blue domes in Oia, Santorini.
The double tiered bell towers in Oia, Santorini.
Austin, Texas
Austin is one of the fastest growing cities in the United States and has quickly become the new "must see" destination. Your 30th birthday is the perfect occasion and excuse to finally find out what all the fuss is about in Austin.
An Austin vacation is especially ideal for trips with friends because of the vibrant nightlife and fun daytime group activities. The foodie scene is especially notable in Austin with young chef entrepreneurs opening up all kinds new and innovate restaurant venues.
Fans of outdoor adventures will find all kinds hiking, swimming holes, parks and outdoor recreation hot spots within the Austin city limits. If you're into sightseeing, Austin will scratch that itch with many Instagrammable places including modern art museums, funky and cool neighborhoods, colorful murals and historical landmarks.
Both my parents and my sister live in Austin and I've visited the Texas capital city many times. I've written a guide to top 20 fun things to do in Austin with your adult friends.
Carlsbad flower fields in San Diego.
Carlsbad flower fields in San Diego.
Carlsbad flower fields in San Diego.
Coronado Beach in San Diego.
Coronado Beach in San Diego.
San Diego, California
The famous beachside city of San Diego embodies that quintessential sunny and laidback California vacation experience. San Diego really does have something for everyone, you'd be hard pressed to beat the variety this Southern California city provides. From relaxing beach days to energetic nature exploring and of course vibrant nightlife in Gaslamp Quarter, your itinerary will be packed with fun.
The beating heart of San Diego is the beach scene, and the top three beaches are in La Jolla, Mission Beach and Coronado Beach. Each one is a bit different in landscape and vibe but all are worth visiting. And it really doesn’t hurt that San Diego has some of the best weather year-round so there’s plenty of dates during the year when you can plan your trip.
When you’re looking at hotels that are located within trendy neighborhoods and walking distance to restaurants, you’ll want to narrow your search to North Park, Little Italy, Hillcrest, Mission Beach and La Jolla.
See more guides to San Diego on the blog:
Roy McMakin's Favorite Color mural in La Jolla, San Diego.
The Botanical Building and Lily Pond inside Balboa Park in San Diego.
The Pigment Boutique Pink Wall in North Park in San Diego.
Roy McMakin's Favorite Color mural in La Jolla, San Diego.
London, UK
London is one of my husband's all-time favorite cities in the world. There's a special kind of charm and polish that only London can deliver. With its impressive arsenal of attractions, London remains one of the most versatile destinations on this list. London can be both a great trip for best friends or a romantic getaway with your partner.
If you're into sightseeing, you'll feel like a kid in a candy store because there's so many epic and historical places to take in. The Brits have done an excellent job at preserving their rich history and there’s many castles, historical houses and monuments where it feels like you’ve stepped back in time to a completely different era.
For those on a couple's trip, plan on making beautiful memories with your partner on your 30th birthday. Together you can climb atop the London Eye and enjoy the amazing scenery as the city of London stretches before your eyes. If your timing is right, and the setting sun paints the city and the River Thames in pink and fiery orange hues, you'll remember this scene for a lifetime.
Moreover, London never sleeps, which is why you must experience the local nightlife and, literally, party like it's your birthday.
Fashionistas may want to go on a spending spree in London's numerous shopping districts and get yourself a nice gift to celebrate this magical milestone of 30 years. You deserve the best, and London stands ready to deliver the best fashion designers and high-end brands. If you've got more sophisticated tastes and wish to buy something truly memorable, try the Kensington High Street shopping destination.
Walking across the Brooklyn Bridge in New York City.
Soho’s cobblestone streets in New York City.
New York City
We've all heard the saying that New York is the greatest city in the world. Your 30th birthday celebration is a perfect occasion to go epic and feel all the big city vibes in Manhattan.
NYC is a great destination for a trip with friends or with someone special. Each season in the Big Apple is a completely different experience because the weather and scenery differ so much with the passing months. NYC is the place where you can experience a classic snowy white Christmas with lights and festive decorations everywhere.
Autumn in NYC is also very special because you can see the colorful fall foliage in Central Park. The spring has pleasant weather with blossoming trees and warm sunshine. The only season I recommend you avoid is summer during the month of August. I lived in NYC for a year after college and I can tell you that August is very hot and muggy, making walking around outside kinda miserable.
If you're a foodie, you've just hit the jackpot in NYC. Consider how many people live in New York and how many cultures intertwine in this metropolis. Prepare for decadent meals on your trip, as you should be able to find any and all types of cuisine. Start your foodie trip in East Village and then head to Harlem for the best barbecue recipes, Sunset Park if it's Mexican food you're after, or Murray Hill should you fancy Asian cuisine.
Don't forget New York City is a perfect destination for some birthday celebration shopping. Head to the Fifth Avenue in Manhattan and you've officially entered a shopaholic's heaven. You'll get the freshest, the most exclusive goods here: designer clothes, masterfully-crafted jewelry, modern technological gadgets, and many, many more!
Book Your NYC Hotel with Skyline Views:
New York City skyline viewed from Brooklyn Heights.
New York City skyline views from Top of the Rock in Manhattan.
New York City skyline views from Top of the Rock in Manhattan.
New York City views while walking across the Brooklyn Bridge.
Walking across the Brooklyn Bridge in New York City.
The beach at Kualoa Regional Park with China Man Hat Island in the background.
The beach at Kualoa Regional Park with China Man Hat Island in the background.
Oahu, Hawaii
Oahu is a tropical island destination that attracts 5 million tourists each year. When making your reservations, just make sure to treat yourself to a trip lasting at least a few days so that you can truly experience life on the island.
Ideal for a trip with friends, or a romantic couples trip, Oahu offers numerous breathtakingly beautiful, sunny beaches, with warm white sand contrasting with turquoise Hawaiian waters. Honolulu is the main city where you’ll find all the modern amenities, shopping and food options we love to enjoy while on vacation.
If you're a more adventurous soul, here are some favorite action-packed activities to do in Oahu:
If, however, you've been dreaming of a more relaxing trip, organize a spa day at one of these world-class luxury hotels:
Handmade leis from local artists in Oahu.
Surfer and seal on Sunset Beach on the North Shore of Oahu.
Clear ocean waters on Sunset Beach on the North Shore of Oahu.
Me in my favorite white beach dress in Oahu.
Golden Gate Bridge views from Marshall’s Beach.
Golden Gate Bridge views from Battery Cranston.
San Francisco, California
San Francisco, the famous City by the Bay. I grew up in the small coastal town of Half Moon Bay which is just outside of San Francisco. My husband and I moved to downtown San Francisco to experience life in the big city firsthand. I have several blog posts dedicated to San Francisco, so I will just give you a brief rundown of why San Francisco is a destination worth visiting.
What makes this such a fantastic destination, especially for sightseeing purposes, is that the city's actually not that huge, and you can experience the vast majority of San Francisco's attractions all in a couple days. Visiting Alcatraz Island, shopping Union Square, taking a photo with the Golden Gate Bridge in the background, and walking through the largest Chinatown outside of China are just three examples of a plethora of exciting attractions and places to visit in San Francisco.
What's more, don't forget forget that San Francisco is also a culturally-rich city, making it a major foodie destination. Even the most demanding taste buds will find a perfect spot among over 4500 restaurants, all ready to host your birthday party and offer a memorable culinary experience.
See more San Francisco guides on the blog:
Golden Gate Bridge views from Battery Cranston.
In Conclusion
If your 30th birthday is coming and you'd love to spend it somewhere exciting, you've got quite a choice ahead of you. There's no shortage of amazing destinations for an unforgettable trip with friends, exciting places for a girls' trip, or cities you'd want to experience with a loved one.
From major cities in the U.S. to places far away in Europe, like London or the island of Santorini, there are plenty of ways you can celebrate your 30th birthday. Just pick your destination, decide who to bring with you, and let's party! Happy birthday!
Shop My Favorite Vacation Essentials:
Having a lightweight and easy to roll carry-on bag can make your traveling experience much smoother and enjoyable. I especially love the rose gold tone of the Samsonite Novaire luggage.
For those especially epic trips where you’ll be traveling for extended periods of time, you’ll probably need to check a larger bag. With this slick and lightweight bag you’ll immediately know which one is yours at baggage claim.
These eco-friendly refillable liquid bottles are perfect for traveling. All of these containers are TSA approved and can be packed in your carry-on.
