If you follow my social media, you already know I went on a girls trip to Vegas in November! In 1991, I was born in Henderson, Nevada (a suburb of Las Vegas) and lived there until 8th grade. It only felt right to return to my home to party for my 30th birthday in Vegas! My friend and I both celebrated our Dirty Thirty on the same week, and decided to make it a girls trip with some friends. Now, if your looking for the perfect bday gift for friend, make sure to check out some of these gifts for moms who travel. Thank heavens for good luggage, because I took everything in my closet that had sequins or sparkles. This birthday girl went into the new decade with a bang!
What To Do for Your Birthday in Vegas
See a View of the City From the Skypod at The Strat
Firstly, watch a pink & blue sunset 1,149 ft in the sky at The Strat Skypod. When we went, the colors were gorgeous! If you ever go to the SkyPod and observation deck, head up right before sundown (keep in mind that this is the timing in late November). I went dressed to kill in an oversized green blazer dress and heels. Greta, Jessica, and I got there at 3:45 pm, saw golden hour at 4pm, then the pink dusk at 4:30 pm, and eventually all the lights in the city turned on around 5. It was perfect timing to see the city in different ways! Of course, while you are up there, you can enjoy the bars, restaurants, and rides. Here are some of the attractions that are offered:
- Big Shot where you are shot 150 ft in the air at 45 mph
- Insanity the spinning ride that hangs off the side of the building
- X-Scream the rollercoaster that propels riders 27 ft over the ledge of the 800+ foot building
- Sky Jump where you leap from 829 ft up in the sky
Party at Drai’s Nightclub for Your Birthday in Vegas
Likewise. I went with my girls and danced the night away to celebrate the double dirty thirty of Iesha and I! We showed up at 10:30 pm and were the first ones at Drai’s Nightclub ready to party. I wore a sequin, fringe, mesh ensemble (called it my #BirthdaySuit) to the club for bday bottle service at Drai’s.
Pro Tip: if you get a table at Drai’s, water is hard to come by! They don’t serve tap/glasses of water, and the small Fuji water bottles were $8 each. If you have bottle service, your chasers are free. We got club soda as a mixer and drank free refills of it all night to stay hydrated!
Go on a Gondola Ride During your Birthday in Vegas
This Italian-inspired boat ride is 15 minutes long and you can do an indoor or outdoor ride. We decided on the outdoor gondola ride to enjoy the sunny, 70 degree winter weather in Vegas. You’ll be serenaded by a gondolier and enjoy a peaceful ride in the water in a traditional looking boat. While this is fun, and definitely a must-try-once, I wouldn’t recommend the Gondola ride unless you’re okay spending a pretty penny on short-lived entertainment. The lines can get long, so plan ahead and book tickets or go in the morning when many people are still asleep.
Pro Tip: I recommend capturing photos on your phone with the wide angle lens to see the full view. The ride operators don’t like cameras on the boat, as they’re trying to sell photo souvenirs. Once the ride starts, you’re not allowed to switch sides on the boat seats for photo opportunities, so choose seats carefully!
Visit the Neon Musem
If you’re like me and always looking for a vibrant and fun activity, you need to head to The Neon Museum Las Vegas! It’s an outdoor display of old casino and business signs that is sure to make your retro heart happy. During the day, you can see the signs in full color, and at night, the signs in the Neon Boneyard are lit-up. You’ll want to purchase tickets ahead of time (they are released a month in advance), because it’s not uncommon for The Neon Museum to be sold out.
Pro Tip: The displays within The Neon Museum, a 501(c)3 non-profit, are copyrighted works and may not be filmed, photographed or recorded for any commercial or editorial purpose without prior written consent of The Neon Museum, Inc. Unless you’re booking a private photography session or photo walk, cameras are not allowed. Only phone photos used for personal use are allowed. All the details are listed on www.neonmuseum.org
Watch the Cirque du Soleil Mystere Show for Your Birthday in Vegas
Trust me, if you love entertainment, you need to go to the Cirque du Soleil Mystere show at Treasure Island! I have been to a few different acrobatic shows before, including a Cirque. Honestly, the Mystere show blew the other performances out of the water! It was the first permanent Cirque du Soleil in Vegas, so you know that they have perfected the art. The entire time I was watching, I had to pick my jaw up from the floor. The performers are truly athletes and you can tell that they love their jobs. I’d even recommend this over a magic show (as I have seen a Vegas magician as well).
Pro Tip: Arrive on time, or you will need to wait in the aisles by the entrance doors until it’s a good time. It’s a safety issue to the performers if attendees are walking in and out during an act.
Check Out the Cityscape from the High Roller
In full disclosure, I don’t know that the High Roller was all that it was cracked up to be. Even though I dressed like a Vegas Native in a matching zebra print pant and button up blouse. It costs a lot for a 30 minute from start to finish. The tickets are $24/adult during the day, and climb to $35/adult at night when Vegas is lit up. However, I could be enticed to go again if I went on the Happy Hour observation pod! For $66 per person, you get the 30 minute revolution with views of Vegas and an open bar. That’s right, unlimited drinks. Go thirsty and prepared with a sober driver!
Pro Tip: You can go on a Get Your Guide Pink Jeep Bright Lights City Tour and the Vegas High Roller is included in the price! It’s a great way to see the city, learn fun facts and history, and experience some of the attractions. This would definitely be better in the summer when the nights are warm, since the jeeps have open tops.
Where to Stay for Your 30th Birthday in Vegas
The Palazzo at Venetian
Upon arrival, The Babes That Wander checked in at Palazzo Tower. It’s connected to The Venetian, so you can enjoy all the same shopping, amenities, and luxurious rooms that The Venetian is known for! We stayed here during the birthday week celebrations and I fell absolutely in love. The suites are large, including a living area with couches and an extravagant bathroom. Plenty of room to store all our luggage, clothing, shoes, and makeup! Our matching satin pajamas with feathers were very apropos for the location; it felt like being at home but with the luxury of Vegas.
Additionally, The Palazzo is in the heart of The Vegas Strip. You’ll find yourself surrounded by all the most famous high-end casinos within walking distance. While in the hotel, plenty of food options can be found. In fact, you could stay in the resort the entire time and never have to leave for anything!
I was particularly impressed with the security at The Venetian. Mask wearing was enforced, and security would kindly remind and hand out masks to anyone without them. Several times, when the Babes and I were looking around confused, one of the guards would come up and ask if we needed directions anywhere. They also require that all visitors staying in the towers beep in before entering elevators that go to the rooms. I felt safe the entire time!
Celebrate Your Birthday in Vegas by Eating and Drinking
I Love Sugar Candy Martini Bar
First, check out I love Sugar Candy Martini Bar, an Instagrammable place to get tipsy. They serve humongous martini glasses full of cocktail, often with sugary treats! We went here in search of the smoking drink to share, and we left with spiked gummy bears. The bar is lit in psychedelic rainbow colors and has the coolest atmosphere for a happy hour buzz. I really liked the service here and felt that the bartenders went above and beyond to make our experience memorable. Plus, the drinks were delicious! The large martini was $42, but three of us were able to share the drink easily.
BRERA Osteria
If you’re looking to have pasta and seafood, you must try BRERA Osteria. Located in the Las Vegas’ version of the Italian St. Mark’s Square, where the sky is painted with blue & pink clouds and store fronts have the perfect European touch. We ate the refined Venice-inspired food while watching a free show. “Streetmosphere” is an Italian-inspired street music show that can be seen daily at the top of most hours from 1 pm – 6 pm. I’d recommend getting the sea scallops, the Coppia pizza, and any of their cocktail spritzers.
Carson Kitchen
Also having a location in Salt Lake City, Carson Kitchen is a place to tempt your taste buds! The food is comforting while having a modern take that feels both healthy and an indulging. I’d highly recommend getting the Crispy Chicken Skins, as they were one of the best snacks I have ever had. Additionally, get the Devil’s Eggs, and don’t skip on the Killer Shrimp!
Venetian Bars: The Dorsey, Electra, and Regina
Grab a drink at one of the three award-winning cocktail lounges, The Dorsey, Electra, or Regina. They all have different vibes, and are all great places to relax and chat in intimate atmospheres. They each have different drink menus, but all mix the signature 12 Zodiac cocktails made for each sun sign.
Pro Tip: visit on your birthday & get a 50% discount on your first zodiac cocktail!
The Laundry Room Speakeasy
The El Cortez used to bring laundry to this spot from across the street. Consequently, this bar was named The Laundry Room Legend says that more than linens were in those laundry hampers! This speakeasy is becoming more well-known, but still requires that there is no phone use or photography inside. Other than being exclusive, their claim to fame are the master cocktails made by experienced mixologists.
Therapy
Besides serving delicious comfort food during the day, Therapy has an evening secret. At night, the tables and booths are moved around as the restaurant is converted into a night club called Relapse. The food served during daylight is savory and will hit the spot! I recommend trying the Chicken and Red Velvet Waffle Slider, In the Gnudi, Devils on Horseback, and The SMASH cocktail. This hip eatery near Fremont Street would be a great place to head to for brunch!
Bin 702
Another Art District spot to get drink is Bin 702. Named after the area code, and a way to order cocktails (and a play on words for the location of the restaurant). We headed here to get Ginger Moscow Mules, and they did not disappoint. They’re definitely only for people that enjoy a bit of spice or ginger in their drinks!
The Container Park, part of The Downtown Project, was brought to live by Tony Hsieh as a way to revitalize the community. You’ll find local-only shops here, which means a lot of creative and eateries!
Pro Tip: The Container Park has a playground in the middle with security so that kids can play while parents shop and eat. This is offered for free!
7th & Carson
Lastly, 7th & Carson is a locally owned restaurant located in Downtown Vegas. The laid-back vibes and delicious food have won many awards! I recommend getting the Carson Cooler cocktail, Curry Pasties, Grilled Pear + Burrata, and Potato Gnocchi with Braised Short Rib.
Pro Tip: If you have a reservation, park in the back lot and let them know which spot you’re in. You’ll get free parking for an hour!
Free Things to Do on Your Birthday in Vegas
- Watch volcano show at The Mirage
- Visit the Old Las Vegas Sign (Pro Tip: take photos from the side to skip the line and avoid getting people in your photos. Don’t fall for the trap of paying people. They don’t work there; it’s free!)
- Enjoy “Streetmosphere” street music show at The Grande Canal Shoppes
- Walk down Fremont Street and see the overhead light show
- Head to Downtown Vegas to walk around and see murals in the Art District
- Visit Container Park for local businesses and free child care at the playground
- Get a FREE soft pretzel at Auntie Ann’s locations
- Receive a free drink at Coffee Bean and Tea Leaf
- Eat a FREE Grand Slam breakfast at Denny’s
- Drink free champagne at the MGM buffet on your birthday
- Have a FREE shot at Diablos at the Luxor on your birthday
SHOP WHAT I WORE FOR MY 30TH BIRTHDAY IN VEGAS
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KC
October 10, 2023Wow, I love your outfits and you look so amazing! I haven’t been to Vegas but I’ll surely take note of these fun activities and places when I get to visit! Oh and Happy 30th!!