9 cities to visit for your birthday

Whether it’s a major milestone or one of the notches between decades, every birthday is special. On your next one, ditch the awkward office birthday party, set your status to out of office, and treat yourself to the gift of travel .

One thing is for sure: it rolls around once a year, every year, but where you choose to celebrate your birthday is totally up to you. Check out these nine amazing cities where you can spend your special day in style.

Have a Shindig in Chicago

Known for its architecture, museums, and wind, Chi-Town is a great place to grow a year older. Flying in? You have options, with the famed O’Hare International Airport as well as the smaller Midway International Airport. Some of the best hotels are found in the city’s Magnificent Mile or River North neighborhood and both offer easy access to transit and dining options.  

And speaking of dining – you should seek out a proper slice of deep-dish pizza. Park yourself at Gino’s East, a 50-year-old joint with several locations around the city. You can even commemorate your birthday by signing their wall. (Check out this guide for other top places to get a slice in Chicago)

Nightlife in the city? For something special, consider a boat cruise on the Chicago River, or head to Hubbard Street in River North to explore one of the city’s most vibrant scenes.

Celebrate in Savannah

This seaside city is famous for its southern hospitality. Boasting historic architecture and bustling town squares, there’s plenty to enjoy on your visit.

Once you’re in the city, most of the action can be found in the historic district. Here, you’ll find a number of enchanting restaurants and cafes. Consider the trendy Bohemian Hotel, which has a popular rooftop with mesmerizing panoramic views of the river.

One of the best parts of Savannah? Resort towns like Tybee Island and Hilton Head Island are only a short drive away. Once you’ve criss-crossed the small city of Savannah, you can easily seek out a change of scenery.

Let Loose in Las Vegas

Anyone who’s been there knows: there’s nothing quite like a celebration in Las Vegas. If you’re the type of person that likes the energy and neon lights of Sin City, play your cards right and you could head there for your birthday.

Getting to Las Vegas couldn’t be easier. McCarran International Airport is a few miles from The Strip and offers great views of the city as you’re landing. When it comes to lodging, take your pick of any of the resorts that line The Strip. The Mandarin Oriental, ARIA Sky Suites, and The Cosmopolitan are perennial favorites, but the list of hotels available is just as long as the 4.2-mile strip.

And for birthday activities, there are a wealth of casinos and shows, but if you’re looking for something out of the ordinary, make a reservation to see artist James Turrell’s colorful art installation. Situated on the fourth floor of a Louis Vuitton store, this display of creative genius is a must-visit for insta-worthy shots.

Plan a Soiree in Sonoma

For a celebration that steers toward sophistication, look to Sonoma, California. Almost all Sonoma adventures will begin in San Francisco and you’ll either fly into San Francisco International Airport or Oakland International Airport. Make sure to fit in some San Fran sightseeing and watch the sunset, if you can.

From San Francisco, you’ll cross the Golden Gate Bridge, heading north on the 101. In an hour, you’ll enter Sonoma County. The Farmhouse Inn and MacArthur Place Hotel & Spa offer some of the finest lodgings in the area. If you’re looking for something a little funkier, check out the “glamping” options at Autocamp in nearby Guerneville.

Have a Night out in Nashville

Put on your favorite country playlist and pack your boots for a birthday in Nashville. With a city nicknamed “Nashvegas,” you know you’re in for a good time. You’ll fly into Nashville International Airport, only a 20-minute drive from downtown.

The beating heart of Nashville is “The District” – a 20-block area downtown that is the epicenter of honky-tonk bars and live music. Any downtown hotel will offer access to Nashville’s nightspots and tons of other attractions during the day.

If you want to experience some great southern fare, check out Hattie B’s Hot Chicken, which has several locations in Nashville. For music, the honky-tonk bars offer entertaining cover bands,  but to discover up-and-coming Nashville musicians, check out the Bluebird Cafe.

A Year Older in New Orleans

New Orleans has long been a port of call for people looking for a good time. If you’re having your birthday there, you’re in for some of the greatest music, food, and people watching in the country.

To get there, you’ll fly into Louis Armstrong International Airport, which is only 11 miles from the French Quarter, where you’ll undoubtedly spend some (or all) of your visit. You can get a hotel in the French Quarter, like the Four Points or the Royal Sonesta, or consider the Algiers neighborhood as a quieter alternative.

Nightlife activities are not hard to find – stroll Bourbon Street to be entertained without even entering a venue. For must-try dining, make a reservation at the acclaimed Commander’s Palace, and swing by Cafe du Monde for their famous beignets before you leave.

Hang Ten in Hawaii

But not just anywhere in Hawaii – we’re talking about the island of Maui. For the best flights, fly into Honolulu, where you can choose to spend a day, before jetting into Kahului Airport on the island of Maui.

You can treat yourself to a suite at the Four Seasons or the Grand Wailea, or opt to rent an entire condo for the price of a hotel room. Most people stay in West or South Maui where the majority of the resorts and hotels are located. 

There’s nothing wrong with spending your entire visit in relaxation mode at your resort, but for a truly unforgettable adventure, take the Road to Hana to see the best views of Maui’s coastline.  Don’t miss Haleakala National Park, where you can see the world’s largest dormant volcano – a stunning spot that’s perfect for recharging your batteries and enjoying the breathtaking scenery.

Fun in the Florida Keys

If some Florida sun and fun is what your birthday calls for, take your party to the southernmost tip of the United States. To get there, plan to fly into Miami International Airport or Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport. Alternatively, rent a Hertz car, and drive the scenic 120-mile length of the Florida Keys.

For the best nightlife and big crowds, keep driving until you hit Key West. If you’d prefer a slower pace, make a stop at any of the other major keys along the way such as Key Largo, Islamorada, or Marathon. You can find beaches, fishing, snorkeling, and diving on any of the islands that make up the Keys.

Your next birthday is getting closer every day – whether you’re ready for it or not. Tell us where you’re planning to celebrate this year on Facebook.

Hertz encourages you to be responsible. Don’t Drink and Drive. Check out all of Hertz’s Safety Tips and Rental Terms before booking your birthday vacation.