How to Spend a 21st Birthday in LA

 

21st birthdays are a rite of passage for young people ready to explore the variety of fun venues Los Angeles has to offer. With such an exciting celebration to plan, narrowing down the right places to go can be difficult when checking out venues beforehand may not be an option. Coming up with a creative 21st birthday idea for yourself or your loved one can make all the difference in kicking off the year to a lively start.

 

Your hotel choice will be the cherry on top of your 21st birthday weekend in LA when you book a destination fit for rest and relaxation. The Mondrian is centrally located on Sunset Strip and has an iconic pool with infinite views of the city. The trendy W Hotel is a bustling Hollywood Boulevard hotspot that places you right in the center of the action.

If you stay at The London West Hollywood, you’ll be in the lap of luxury with the hotel’s glamorous feel and beautiful views. The elegant design of the Kimpton La Peer makes for a photo-worthy experience and has a prime location right off of the iconic Melrose Boulevard. The stylish Dream Hollywood is also a coveted destination due its location and variety of sister nightlife properties right next door.

 

A newfound taste for wine is sure to develop after a 21st birthday visit to the Tasting Room at Malibu Wines. The rustic destination will let you and your group try out their variety of selections along with enjoying live music and events on the weekend. For a more adrenaline-fueled birthday event, Big Bear Mountain Resort gives visitors a free activity pass on their birthday, good for fans of skiing, cycling, rock climbing, or golf. Crack open a cold one from a scenic mountain lodge at one of the most exciting destinations just a short drive out of LA.

If laid back fun is more of your b-day style, book a lane at the trendy Highland Park Bowl for beers with friends, or reserve a karaoke room with bottle service at the speakeasy destination Break Room 86. Video game fans will have a blast at Player One, a “barcade” with a variety of vintage arcade games along with an extensive beer selection. Take your birthday to new heights with a helicopter tour of Los Angeles that will give you a bird’s eye view of the City of Angels.

 

A chic 21st birthday dinner can create the best memories and in Los Angeles, you can choose from any of the thriving selection of hot spots to make the moment special. Dine at Catch LA for a beautiful rooftop location with a stylish crowd to match. For an intimate hideaway, reserve a table at Delilah in their vintage-inspired setting fit with burlesque dancers and the occasional live jazz performance.

If the West side is more your speed, head to rooftop spot Elephante to take in the sunset while enjoying the Californian and Southern Italian menu of delicious eats. Tao is one of the city’s most trendy dining destinations with an expansive layout and Asian-inspired dishes that attract an A-list clientele to its Hollywood location. After a weekend of partying, check out Gracias Madre for brunch to indulge in their plant-based menu that satisfies vegans and meat lovers alike.

 

Sometimes celebrating during the day is the answer, and LA’s unbeatable weather will ensure a perfect 21st birthday atmosphere. Head to EP & LP to lounge with your closest friends on their patio for a casual toast under the sun. Santa Monica’s neighborhood favorite The Bungalow is a great destination for a birthday with plenty of tables to reserve for your special day, as well as phenomenal service and live music by the beautiful beach.

The colorful Hollywood rooftop spot Mama Shelter also makes for an Instagram-worthy celebration, or book a poolside room at The Roosevelt Hotel to have a prime location at their weekend pool parties without even leaving your hotel room. You can also rise to the top of the Dream Hotel to visit The Highlight Room, a rooftop destination perfect for taking in some poolside sunshine while dancing to tunes from a live DJ.

 

The best part of any 21st birthday is showing your newly legal ID at the hottest nightclubs in town. Warwick is a go to for a birthday bash with their large space and extravagant décor creating the perfect backdrop to your night. One of the most exclusive spots in the city is the A-list favorite Poppy, boasting DJs and world-renowned musical performances in the whimsical setting.

The newly revitalized nightclub Bootsy Bellows has an elegant, Palm Springs-inspired look for you to party the night away in style. Music lovers will appreciate the vibe at The Peppermint Club, known for its live performances and energetic weekend atmosphere. Round out your special evening at Bar Lis–a prime option for drinks and dancing in a sultry, French-themed space.

 

Gathering with friends at a bar is a great way to have a 21st birthday with a little something for everyone. The most recent Houston Hospitality venue Madame Siam will have you dancing the night away in their energetic circus-themed space, or head to the nearby No Vacancy to enjoy a prohibition-themed hotspot. Good Times at Davey Wayne’s is a 70’s retro throwback that always draws a hip young crowd. For those who prefer games over a dancefloor, All Season Brewing lets you try an extensive list of craft brews while practicing your skill at skee-ball and other classic arcade games.

Flick soju bottle caps over tasty Korean Barbecue at Dan Sung Sa, Koreantown’s essential drinking spot. Tonga Hut is Los Angeles’ oldest operating tiki bar is the place to be for tropical vibes and colorful drinks, like their world famous Flaming Scorpion Bowl. Put yourself out there at Karaoke Bleu, where big crowds gather to belt out their favorite tunes. Reserve a private bowling alley space at The Spare Room, a chic bar upstairs at The Roosevelt Hotel that serves up delectable craft cocktails as you aim for a strike. You’ll enjoy the view at trendy outdoor bar Harriet’s Rooftop at the top of 1 Hotel West Hollywood, where tasty drinks and scrumptious light bites are served in front of the Hollywood skyline. Karaoke fans will love Tramp Stamp Granny’s, a chic, Hollywood piano bar where a live pianist leads the crowd in singing top hits for a one-of-a-kind experience.