How to Plan Your 21st Birthday in Las Vegas

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Last Updated on October 17, 2023 by sydabroad

Planning your 21st Birthday in Las Vegas? Then keep reading! 

If you are planning a birthday trip to Las Vegas, Nevada, then this guide is for you. I’m going to share an ideal step-by-step guide to planning your Vegas birthday celebration.

I celebrated my 21st birthday in Las Vegas and it was a blast. If you are thinking about planning your birthday in Vegas, I highly recommend it! Make sure to check out my girls trip guide to Las Vegas after this article. Alright, let’s get into the guide. 

Looking for more Las Vegas guides? 

• The Best Las Vegas Hotels
• The Ultimate Las Vegas Girls Trip Guide
• The Perfect Las Vegas Packing List

This post is all about how to plan your 21st birthday in Las Vegas, Nevada.

Planning Your 21st Birthday in Las Vegas in 9 Simple Steps  

1. When is The Best Time to Visit Las Vegas? 

The first thing you need to do is figure out when you plan to go. Are you going to visit in the fall? Winter? Spring? Depending on when you visit, you can enjoy different activities. 

So when is the best time to visit Las Vegas? Vegas is a great place to visit year-round. It will be cooler in the winter and the fall but there are many indoor activities, so you won’t have a problem with finding things to do. 

In the winter months, you can enjoy ice skating, winter decorations, and other holiday activities. Alternatively, in the summer months, you are able to utilize the day clubs or relax by the pools. You can’t go wrong. 

2. How Long Should I Spend in Las Vegas? 

I suggest 2 to 3 days in Las Vegas. Vegas is a great place in small doses, I wouldn’t suggest staying longer than 4 days – you’ll be over it. A long weekend for your 21st birthday in Las Vegas is perfect. 

3. How Much to Budget for a Weekend in Las Vegas 

A downside to Las Vegas is that it is a pretty expensive city to visit. So you’ll want to set your budget. Think about how much you plan to spend per day and keep some money aside for gambling.

Dinners, cocktails, and entertainment do add up. I suggest planning for about $150 to $250 dollars per day. 

4. Invite Your People and Book Your Flights For Your 21st Birthday in Las Vegas 

Next, decide who you want to bring along with you. Once your plan is set, it’s time to book flights. 

You’ll fly into Harry Reid International Airport (LAS) and plan to Uber to your hotel once you land. I suggest using Google Flights or Skyscanner to find the most affordable flights. 

Find all of my favorite travel resources here.  

5. Where to Stay in Las Vegas on The Strip? 

Now that you have your flights booked, it’s time to book accommodation. I prefer to stay on the strip so it’s easy to get around. It’s typically a bit more expensive but I love the convenience of it. The MGM Grand, The Venetian, and The Palazzo are great hotels on the strip.

If you are looking for the most affordable option, check out Luxor Hotel and Casino. Read our guide here all about the best places to stay in Las Vegas on the strip. 

Look for hotels here on Booking.com.

6. What to Pack For Las Vegas 

Once everything is booked and planned – it’s time to figure out what to pack. I loved shopping for a fun 21st birthday outfit. If you really want to go all out you can bring along a birthday sash, gold balloons, and other decorations for your trip.

Don’t forget to pack: 

• ID or passport 
• Birthday outfits 
• Cash 
• Good walking shoes
• Swimsuit (if it’s summer) 
• A coat (it’s chilly inside the casinos)  
• Gambling guide
• Electrolytes 

For a full Las Vegas packing list, click here.

Shop Vegas Birthday Outfits Below

7. Reservations for Your 21st Birthday in Las Vegas 

I recommend making restaurant reservations and booking your entertainment ahead of time. There are so many great dinner and brunch spots in Vegas – a few of my favorites are Catch, Tao, Nobu, and Tableau. I have an entire guide on all of the best places to eat on the Las Vegas strip here. You have do to a nice dinner and a boozy brunch while you are in Las Vegas! 

Also, make sure to book your entertainment in advance. There will be various shows and concerts in town so check to see what shows are here during the time of your visit. 

8. Learn Blackjack and Other Games

Pick up a gambling guide from Amazon here if you want to learn how to play some table games before you visit. 

9. Plan Your Las Vegas Birthday Trip Activities

Lastly, it’s time to actually plan the activities you want to do. You can check out a full guide with the best things to do during your Las Vegas girls trip here. But here are a few of my favorites listed below. 

• Blowouts at Dry Bar 
• Bar hop down the strip 
• Visit a day club 
• Have a spa day at Canyon Ranch Spa 
• Visit fun cocktail bars  
• Watch the Bellagio water show 
• Go to a drag brunch 
• Take photos at the Welcome to Las Vegas Sign
• Ride the High Roller at sunset for panoramic views of the strip

How to Get Around Las Vegas 

Many of the hotels on the strip are connected by walkways or underground tunnels. You can likely walk to many places. If you are planning to go to the opposite end of the strip I suggest taking an Uber. They are affordable and efficient in Vegas.

Map – 21st Birthday in Las Vegas

Below is a map of all the locations mentioned in this article. 

In my opinion, Las Vegas is one of the best places to spend a 21st birthday (or any birthday). It’s up there with Austin and Nashville all being great girls trip destinations. If you have any questions about planning your 21st birthday in Vegas, DM me on Instagram, comment below, or email me at sydabroad@gmail.com. 

Check out our other Nevada travel guides: 

• A Guide to the 7 Magic Mountains Las Vegas
• The Best Cocktail Bars on The Las Vegas Strip 
• The Best Places to Eat in Las Vegas on The Strip

Recommended Tours in Las Vegas

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