Celebrate Your 40th Birthday: Best Travel Ideas

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Best 40th Birthday Travel Ideas: Where to Celebrate Your Milestone in Style

Turning 40 is a big deal—it’s not just another birthday, it’s a milestone worth celebrating with a trip you’ll remember forever. I just celebrated mine a week ago. And prior to, I spent a lot of time racking my brain for awesome 40th birthday travel ideas. I knew I wanted to go to a bucket-list destination for this milestone birthday. Ultimately, I chose to go to Nashville with a group of my friends and some of our husbands.

Whether you’re dreaming of a fun girls’ getaway, a trip with friends, or a relaxing escape with your partner, there are plenty of amazing places to celebrate a 40th birthday. From beach destinations to cities filled with nightlife and culture, here are some of the best 40th birthday travel ideas to help you plan your perfect trip.

Nashville, Tennessee – Where I Spent My 40th Birthday

As I mentioned, this is where I ended up celebrating my 40th, and I have no regrets. We had the BEST time!

Nashville is one of the top cities to celebrate a 40th birthday. Especially if you love live music, good food, and a lively vibe. Start with some boot shopping along Broadway, indulge in hot chicken at Hattie B’s, and book a night at the Grand Ole Opry for a one-of-a-kind experience. At night, hit up the rooftop bars like White Limozeen or spend the evening dancing in the famous honky-tonks. Nashville is also perfect for a group celebration—it’s a city built for having fun with friends.

Check out my Nashville itinerary from when I turned 40 last week! And take a look at the best Nashville neighborhoods to stay in, if you plan to visit yourself.

Las Vegas, Nevada – A 40th Birthday Travel Ideas for Those Who Love to Go Big

When it comes to over-the-top celebrations, Las Vegas is hard to beat. Celebrate your milestone birthday by booking a luxury suite at The Cosmopolitan or The Venetian, lounging at a glamorous pool club (or enjoying the one of the lazy river resorts), and enjoying a world-class dinner at a Michelin-starred restaurant. You can dance the night away at a club, catch a Cirque du Soleil show, or take a helicopter ride over the Strip for something unforgettable.

Cabo San Lucas, Mexico

For a more tropical way to ring in 40, Cabo San Lucas is one of the best 40th birthday travel destinations for relaxation and fun. Spend your days sipping cocktails at a beachfront resort, take a boat tour to see the famous Arch, or book a sunset sail with champagne to toast your milestone. Cabo also has an exciting nightlife scene, with rooftop lounges and beach clubs where you can keep the celebration going. Even better, there are a ton of all-inclusive resorts to choose from. It’s easy to see why Cabo is one of the best vacation cities in Mexico.

New Orleans, Louisiana

If you want your birthday celebration to be all about incredible food, music, and a festive vibe, New Orleans is the place to go. Start your day with beignets and coffee at Café du Monde. Then stroll through the French Quarter, and spend your evening listening to live jazz on Frenchmen Street.

Book a riverboat cruise or celebrate with a big group dinner at Commander’s Palace. New Orleans has a built-in party atmosphere, which makes it easy to turn your whole trip into a celebration. New Orleans also has one of the better food scenes out of all these 40th birthday travel ideas.

Miami, Florida – A 40th Birthday Travel Idea for Those Seeking Sunshine

With its mix of beaches, luxury, and nightlife, Miami is another top destination for a milestone birthday. Lounge at a beach club in South Beach, explore the art and food scene in Wynwood, and end the night with cocktails overlooking the ocean. For a truly unforgettable experience, consider renting a yacht for the day to toast your 40th out on the water.

Austin, Texas

If you’re after live music, fantastic food, and a laid-back vibe, Austin is the perfect 40th birthday travel idea for your getaway. Spend the day exploring barbecue joints, kayaking on Lady Bird Lake, or relaxing at Barton Springs Pool. When the sun goes down, check out the city’s famous live music venues. Or, enjoy a rooftop bar with stunning views of downtown. If you want a change of pace, a wine tour through the nearby Texas Hill Country is a fun way to add a little luxury to your weekend.

Charleston, South Carolina – A 40th Birthday Travel Idea for a History Enthusiast

For a celebration filled with charm and coastal beauty, Charleston is a fantastic choice. Stay in a historic inn, explore the cobblestone streets, and enjoy a horse-drawn carriage ride. The city is also known for its amazing dining scene—make reservations at Husk, FIG, or one of the many rooftop spots for a memorable birthday dinner. Add in a beach day at nearby Folly Beach or Sullivan’s Island to round out your trip.

Scottsdale, Arizona

If your ideal 40th birthday trip is equal parts relaxation and fun, head to Scottsdale. The area’s luxury resorts (we LOVE the Fairmont Princess Scottsdale) and spas make it easy to unwind, while Old Town Scottsdale offers plenty of restaurants, bars, and nightlife to keep the celebration lively. For something adventurous, start your birthday morning with a hike up Camelback Mountain and then reward yourself with a poolside cocktail afterward. This is a great 40th birthday travel destination idea for someone who loves golfing as well.

Celebrate 40 Your Way

Whether you’re dancing to live music in Nashville, sipping cocktails by the beach in Cabo, or enjoying a spa day in Scottsdale, these destinations all make for amazing 40th birthday trips. Turning 40 is the perfect excuse to treat yourself, gather your friends, and plan a getaway you’ll never forget.

All of these 40th birthday travel destination ideas are totally doable with kids as well. If you’re planning on bringing the whole family, check out my other popular blog posts for the best family resorts in these destinations.

• Best All-Inclusive Family Resorts in Cabo San Lucas
• Vegas Resorts for the Whole Family
• Best Vegas Shows For Kids
• Things to do in New Orleans With Kids
• Resorts in Scottsdale for Families
• Top 10 Family Resorts in Austin
• Family Hotels in Miami

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