There are two types of people in this world: those who loathe planning for their birthday and those who treat their special day like a national holiday (it is, by the way). Whether you like to keep things low-key and intimate or you revel in the idea of a big birthday bash, there’s no better place to celebrate than in the City of Angels.
From captivating concerts to flying trapeze classes to wine tasting, this is your ultimate guide to all the unforgettable birthday ideas in Los Angeles.
Written by Andrea Alonso, Jamie Ferrell, and Sofía Delpueche
When thinking up plans to celebrate your special day, a dinner in a snazzy restaurant has probably sprung to mind. But if you’re on the lookout for something more exciting than the typical b-day meal out, Dining in the Dark is here to make all your birthday wishes come true.
Once you and your fellow gastronome slip on your blindfolds, your taste buds will set out on a culinary adventure as they work overtime to determine the mouthwatering flavors and textures of a delicious three-course meal. Put your palate to the test and find out how good food can really taste inside some of L.A.’s finest eateries such as City Club LA and Verse.
If you’re still not sure what to do for your birthday this year, here’s a classic Los Angeles birthday idea: channeling your inner Whitney at a karaoke bar in the heart of K-town. Whether you’re ready to serenade strangers or you’d rather book a private room for your friends, karaoke is always a great time.
For a private room, we recommend the local favorite, Gaam Karaoke, while Cafe Brass Monkey is our top choice for belting out in public — the song selection is extensive and the crowd is always ready to sing along.
Finish out your birthday celebrations with a magical, romantic evening at an enchanting Candlelight concert. These soulful performances are hosted in awe-inspiring venues across the city, and the combination of soaring sounds and a captivating ambiance will leave you feeling incredibly inspired.
Each concert focuses on different theme — from tributes to jazz legends and timeless composers to rock bonds. Make this birthday one for the books with an otherworldly concert you’ll never forget.
Los Angeles offers an exciting variety of unique axe throwing venues perfect for a raucous birthday celebration. Popular spots include AxeVentures in Hollywood and the horror-themed Slashers in Costa Mesa. We’re especially partial to Hatchet Hound, which operates out of Arts District Brewing Co. and Brewport Taphouse. Prices generally range around $30-40 per person for an hour.
Glow or Go is the high-octane experience where your reflexes, smarts, and teamwork will be put to the test in a race to restore color to the world. The experience unfolds across five rooms:
- 🩷Pink Panic: Fast-paced, real-life arcade game inspired by the classic Whack-a-Mole, but with a high-tech twist.
- ❤️Red Reflex: Navigate through lasers like a secret agent pulling off a heist.
- 💛Yellow Yell: Aim, shoot, & win!
- 🧡Orange Outrun: Collect keys in an IRL game of “Floor is Lava.”
- 🌈Solara: A paint blast you just have to experience for yourself!
We know it’s not technically Los Angeles, but anyone who’s lived here long enough knows that incredible day trips are part and parcel of this city’s unbeatable allure. If you’re feeling like getting out of the city for a day (or two), Solvang couldn’t be more perfect for celebrating your birthday.
Just a short 2 hours and 45 minutes from the city, this charming little town founded by Danish immigrants in 1911 has an amazing line-up of wineries waiting for you to experience. Don’t miss out Rideau Vineyard, a beautiful winery that focuses on small-lot wines from grapes that are hand-harvested from their estate. Clink glasses under the sun as you cheers to another fabulous year around the sun.
Brassroots District is sending Los Angeles to 1974 with a funk concert that will truly make you feel like you’ve gone back in time. No phones are allowed at this one-of-a-kind experience, encouraging guests to live in the moment with good friends and great music.
What’s a birthday without a bit of fun and laughter? L.A. is teeming with top comedy clubs that have hosted famous comedians from around the world including Eric Andre, Bill Burr and Tiffany Haddish. The Comedy Store is one of the city’s most famous comedy joints and tickets cost as little as $25. The Laugh Factory and Jam In The Van are also known to host comedy legends as well as up-and-coming-talent that’ll split your sides from laughter.
Enter the secretive realm of The Obscure, an exclusive distillery and cocktail bar where spirits and stories intertwine. Amidst cascading waterfalls and mystical ruins, candlelight guides you on a journey through history and legend. Each cocktail tells a captivating tale, transporting you with every sip. The Obscure blends mixology with storytelling, offering an unforgettable tasting experience full of surprises for the curious…
L.A. has one of the most diverse dining scenes in the US. The city is a melting pot of cultures and traditions reflected in its delicious food. Mexican eateries like Mírate serve up authentic enchiladas, ceviches and tacos, while top sushi spots including 715 Sushi take diners all the way to Tokyo with nigiri, sashimi and more.
If you’re planning on celebrating your big day with a group of friends, then head to Bar Chelou. They have a range of tasty bite-sized dishes including boquerones and scallop tartare as well as a spectacular selection of cheeses and meats.
Titanic: A Voyage Through Time, is an extraordinary VR experience is the perfect unique celebration, allowing you to dive to the Titanic’s wreckage and then step back in time to explore its lavish halls, walk the iconic Grand Staircase, and uncover personal passenger stories. Developed with Musealia experts, it’s an unparalleled and deeply moving journey, offering a remarkable way to commemorate someone’s special day.
Take a step back in time at the iconic Moonlight Rollerway in Glendale for a good dose of throwback hits, disco lighting and immaculate retro vibes overall. Open since 1956, Moonlight Rollerway has been perfecting the funky, fun ambience of the roller rink for over 60 years.
Grab your skates (even if you’re a tad wobbly), round up your crew, and celebrate your birthday in all its glory as you groove your way around the rink.
Music lovers are lucky to enjoy a fantastic lineup of big-name concerts every single month in Los Angeles. No matter when your birthday falls this year, you’ll easily find an exciting show that caters to your and your friend group’s taste. From seasonal events at the Hollywood Bowl to a fancy night out, there’s always a good one coming up.
Go for bingo, stay for the party! Bingo Loco has come to over 200 locations around the globe for an epic evening of confetti showers, lip-sync battles, dance-offs, and CO2 cannons with hilarious comedian MCs leading the way, and of course, bingo! The energy-filled night will stop at TIME Nightclub in Costa Mesa several times this summer, so don’t miss out.
From the decor to the furniture and even the menu, this diner serves breakfast, lunch, and dinner in a unique 1950s fashion. Café 50’s is one of the most iconic themed restaurants you can enjoy in the city, and they also offer the option to customize their menu for special occasions like your birthday!
If you’re looking for a high-energy birthday night out in Los Angeles, Teen Beat Live is an immersive show at CineVita that brings iconic 80s movie soundtracks to life with singers, musicians, dancers, and cinematic staging. A waitlist is open and tickets have just dropped for upcoming performances.
Follow up your wild night out with a luxurious day of rest and relaxation. Getting pampered on your birthday is always a good idea, and L.A. has no shortage of spas to treat yourself. You can opt for a more laidback and budget-friendly experience at Wi Spa, where the notorious body scrubs will leave your skin feeling like a newborn baby’s.
Swap the city buzz for ocean breezes and discover LA’s stunning south coastline. With breathtaking beaches, fresh salty air, and California’s warm sunshine, it’s the perfect setting for a scenic day out. Solve fun riddles and clues that guide you to collect gourmet picnic bites along the way. Each step brings you closer to your final, picture-perfect picnic spot!
Celebrate in style on the water at Marina del Rey
If there’s one thing Angelenos take for granted, it’s access to the beaches and marinas along the coast. With so much buzz happening all around the city, we sometimes forget that one of the greatest facets of this city is the big, beautiful ocean.
While you can always opt for a beach day, celebrate your next birthday in style by booking a sailboat cruise, a catamaran or a yacht at Marina del Rey. Choose your adventure at Marina Del Rey’s Tourism Board to take your birthday celebrations to the next level.
Take a trapeze class at the Santa Monica Pier
Thrill-seekers and adventure junkies, this one’s for you. Try something new (or sharpen your skills) by taking a flying trapeze class at the Santa Monica Pier. Perfect for beginners and experienced acrobats alike, this trapeze school offers classes in flying trapeze, static trapeze, trampoline, lyra and silks and rope.
What better way to celebrate your birthday than by gracefully flying against the backdrop of the ocean? You may just find your new obsession.
Looking for a birthday plan that’s equal parts mysterious and mesmerizing? The Magic Hour at Black Rabbit Rose delivers a captivating mix of illusion, charm, and old-school Hollywood flair. Tucked inside a hidden, vintage-style theater, this 55-minute magic show features a rotating cast of talented performers—and cocktails crafted to dazzle. With shows every Thursday through Saturday, it’s the perfect way to toast your next trip around the sun.
Craft cocktails, cask ales and bottles of bubbly – what more could you ask for on your birthday? There’s no shortage of snazzy bars in L.A., and they make for a great meeting spot to kick off b-day celebrations with your nearest and dearest in.
Apothéke and The Let’s Go! Disco & Cocktail Club are your best bet if you’re looking for off-the-wall cocktails in a vibey setting. For beer lovers, the 83-year-old All Seasons Brewing is a historic brewery that allows you to make your own beer right on-site.
Birthdays are nothing without a little chocolate. Whether it’s a decadent chocolate fudge cake or a bountiful box of bonbons, chocolate is the best gift you can treat yourself to on your big day. Dotted around the city, there’s loads of chocolate shops that worship all the yummy goodness of the cocoa bean.
ChocoVivo and Edelweiss are some of the classic chocolate temples overflowing with tasty treats, from award-winning truffles to chocolate-covered candy that looks like something from Willy Wonka’s wildest dreams.
How do you like your art? Contemporary? Abstract? Ancient? No matter what you’re into, L.A. has a ton of galleries and free museums to explore. So if partying isn’t your thing, why not head to one of the city’s many educational treasure troves that are home to some of the finest art and artifacts in the world.
The Broad houses over 2,000 works of art and admission is completely free, but be sure to book your slot before you go. Consider yourself a science nerd? California Science Center has permanent exhibitions including the iconic Endeavour space shuttle and it’s completely free to enter!
Day and night, movie stars and Hollywood elites roam L.A. Ask a local Angeleno, and it’s likely they’ve rubbed shoulders with the likes of Leonardo DiCaprio and Angelina Jolie at some point in their life. To celebrate the last 365 days of your life, why not enjoy a classic L.A. pastime and head to your local movie theater with your friends?
New Beverly Cinema and El Capitan are some of the famous movie theaters in the city that screen Hollywood cult classics as well as new blockbusters from the likes of Pixar and Marvel.
Toast to getting another year older with a bubbly mimosa in hand at one of L.A.’s top outdoor brunch spots. When the weather decides to behave, soaking in the sunshine and indulging in breakfast delights in the outdoors is the perfect way to kick off the b-day celebrations.
Fia in Santa Monica and République in Mid City are some of our fav brunch joints with plenty of food options and cozy outdoor patios. Expect breakfast burritos, pastries, pancakes, waffles, and lots and lots of mimosas.
For those who love a memorable experience rather than material items on their birthday, these day trip ideas from L.A. are a great place to start. Whether you seek a beach day in Malibu, an island hike on Catalina, or some sight-seeing in San Juan Capistrano, we’ve got a good mix for every type of friend group.
If you’re a fan of action and adrenaline, you won’t want to miss the chance to experience your own real-life version of Call of Duty at one of the many paintball fields around Los Angeles. With different settings and props, these places are ideal for both experienced and amateur shooters.
This idea is a hole in one (pun intended). If you enjoy doing some sports but not too vigorously, and pizza is one of your favorite foods, then you won’t want to miss the chance to play a round of mini-golf with your friends. Los Angeles has plenty of options to offer, from places with virtual parks to huge, professionally designed, and even themed mini-golf courses, so you can feel like Tiger Woods. Plus, most places offer special packages for birthday celebrations!
Are you a fan of vintage video games (and even the newer ones)? Then the perfect option for you is to dust off your joystick at one of the many arcades Los Angeles has to offer. Plus, some places like Dave & Buster’s even offer a $10 birthday reward, making your visit even more fun and budget-friendly!
Table hockey, fighting games, shooters, and the iconic, legendary pinball machines—whatever you want to try, you’ll find it at these spots. Plus, most places offer delicious snack options for those celebrating another trip around the sun.
Even though we’re all grown-ups here, we all know the incredible power of nostalgia. And what better way to succumb to its grip than by celebrating your day at a theme park? Whether you’re a fan or just interested in the Ferris wheel at Santa Monica Pier, you’ll find adrenaline and fun guaranteed here.
If you’re looking to slow down the pace of everyday life, reconnect with nature, and discover Los Angeles and its surroundings from a different perspective than just walking or a scenic drive, then try a dream horseback ride. From the Hollywood sign to the coast and the mountains, there are plenty of options to book a ride on your special day, for you, your friends, and family.
Adventurers and ocean enthusiasts, hear me out! Sometimes visiting a hidden beach and swimming in an amazing, huge pool just isn’t enough for outdoor lovers. If this rings any bells for you, then you’ll want to try snorkeling. Near Los Angeles, there are plenty of spots where the water is calm, crystal-clear, and deep enough for you to enjoy seeing wildlife up close with your group of friends.
Imagine celebrating your birthday and receiving a handcrafted gift made exclusively for you on the same day… That’s what can happen if you spend your special day with friends taking a pottery class. In addition to learning a new skill and reconnecting with your artistic side, you’ll get the luxury of receiving a mug, a vase, or any creation that comes from your friends’ imagination, all made just for you.
While the city offers amazing sunsets, nothing beats watching the day end on the beach. Just grab your friends, hop in the car, and enjoy a scenic drive along the PCH until you reach Malibu (or Matador Beach if you prefer). It’s the perfect opportunity to connect with nature and snap some incredible photos.
Going out to a bar doesn’t have to be limited to cocktails and loud music. On your birthday you can take advantage of the special occasion to visit one of the many tiki bars in town. These quirky spots will make you feel like you’re in Hawaii without having to go through LAX, an experience that is totally worth it!
