From beaches and sunny coastal towns to secluded mountainy retreats and Disneyland — California has it all. With so much to do and see, it can be challenging to narrow down the best places to go for your birthday in California.
Trust me. Every year that infamous question “where should I celebrate my birthday” pops up in my head. With 155,959 square miles to explore and an extremely diverse landscape, it’s no wonder California is so popular to visit.
It’s the third largest state by size in the U.S. and it offers a wide range of exciting things to do.
That’s why this post is dedicated to exploring all the best places you should consider visiting for an epic birthday day, weekend, week, or month (hey, who’s counting anyways).
Use the places below to build your itinerary. And if you’re new to visiting California, start here:
Oh, and happy birthday friend! Wishing you all the best and more 💚✨
- 33 Places to go for your birthday in California
- Places to go for your birthday in Northern California
- Places to go for your birthday in Central California
- Places to go for your birthday in Southern California
- Free places to go for your birthday in California
- Unique ways to celebrate your birthday in California
- Visiting California: FAQs
- Final thoughts
- More California Resources
Disclaimer: This post contains some affiliate links. That means I will receive a small commission on the purchase at no additional cost to you. Thanks for your support friend!
33 Places to go for your birthday in California
Whether you’re a California native or it’s your first time visiting, below you’ll find a list of several birthday ideas in California. Because it’s such a big state you’ll find the places separated by region: Northern, Central, and Southern.
It’s also important to keep in mind that places within the same region may require a bit of driving.
Places to go for your birthday in Northern California
1. San Francisco
If you’re planning to visit Northern California, San Francisco is the number one must-visit place to go for your birthday. There’s the iconic Golden Gate Bridge that dates back to 1937 and Alcatraz Island, which is a former prison. In addition, there’s the famous zig-zag road called Lombard Street.
Pier 39 & Fishermans Wharf is home to sea lions, arcades, and Boudin Sourdough Bakery & Cafe, which is a cafe that dishes out some tangy and scrumptious sourdough bread. Sample the sourdough here, then head over to Ghirardelli Square to sample some chocolate.
For the active and outdoor travelers, consider booking a whale watching tour. You could enjoy a picnic at the Presidio, or visit the Japanese Tea Gardens and the San Francisco Botanical Gardens. There’s also plenty of great hiking trails in San Francisco ranging from Angel Island to walking around Golden Gate Park.
In addition, you’ll find several breweries, a great vegan scene, and in my opinion the best Chinatown in the U.S.
2. Visit one of the best museums in San Francisco
One of the best things about visiting San Francisco is that they’re so many wonderful museums to visit. From interactive museums to modern art museums, you’re bound to find some type of museum you’ll enjoy.
Here are some I recommend checking out:
- The Exploratorium
Located on Pier 15, The Exploratorium is an interactive museum that’s excellent for families and big kids at heart. It’s like a scientific funhouse meets an arcade!
The museum is open everyday from except Monday. For more details on the museum, visit their website.
- Walt Disney Family Museum
For the Disney-fanatics, the Walt Disney Family Museum is a great place to check out. Get ready to learn in-depth about the Walt Disney’s legacy, explore interactive exhibits, and get inspired in the Presidio.
It’s open Thursday to Sunday and during the summer it’s also open on Mondays.
- San Francisco Museum of Modern Art
If you’re a fan of art, no visit to San Francisco is complete without visiting the San Franciso Museum of Modern Art. According to their website, it’s the one of biggest modern and contemporary art museums in the state and the U.S.
The museum is open everyday except on Wednesdays.
3. Point Reyes National Seashore
For those craving an active birthday adventure, one of the best places to go in Northern California for your birthday is Point Reyes National Seashore. It’s also great for the beach lovers of Northern California!
This area is protected by the National Park Service and features astonishing coastlines for miles on end. Take a stroll along the sandy beaches and have a beach day, or go hiking to explore more of the wooded areas and hillsides.
Some of the best hiking trails in Point Reyes to explore are Tomales Point Trail (9.4 miles out and back), Point Reyes Lighthouse Visitor Center Trail (1.3 miles out and back), and Coast Trail to Bass Lake (6 miles out and back).
There’s also backcountry camping available at Point Reyes!
4. Napa Valley
Just north of San Francisco is the wine country of California. That said, if wine tasting in a gorgeous location is on your birthday wish list, I highly recommend a trip to Napa Valley.
Napa Valley is well known for its rolling green hills which changes vibrant colors during fall (think fiery red, bright orange, etc).
Additionally, this valley is framed by two mountain ranges: Mayacamas Mountains and The Vaca Range, which gives it its unique characteristics for producing wine. In total the valley has five towns and since there’s distinctive characteristics based on the area, I highly recommend exploring all of them if you have the chance.
You can also take The Napa Valley Wine Train, which is historic train that tours the wine country showcasing stunning views while you sip on wine and eat amazing food!
5. Santa Cruz
Another great beach destination to consider visiting for your birthday is Santa Cruz. It has some of the most liveliest beaches in Northern California and one of the of best boardwalks I’ve ever been to.
This iconic Santa Cruz Boardwalk and beach were built in 1907, offering tourist and locals a special way to enjoy this beautiful location.
On the boardwalk you’ll find several tasty food stalls offering yummy fair food like corndogs and pineapple bowls, and thrilling rides. Some of these rides – like the Giant Dipper Roller Coaster – have even landed themselves on the National Historic Landmarks.
Believe it or not, this famous wooden boardwalk is only half of the fun. There are also beaches to explore, local museums in the city, and a historic mission.
6. Winchester Mystery House
Found in San Jose is a stunning, yet peculiar mansion called the Winchester Mystery House. Built by Sarah Winchester, heir to the Winchester Repeating Arms fortune, this mansion has 160 rooms, 2,000 doors, and 10,000 windows.
With more doors than rooms, the mystery behind why this bizarre house was built this way (and other things) have lead to many people believing that this house is haunted by ghosts.
It’s been on my California bucket-list for some time, but the fact they it may be haunted makes me a little nervous.
Take a tour of this property, go axe throwing, walk with the spirits, or if your birthday is during the month of Halloween, consider taking a seasonal spooky tour.
7. Lassen Volcanic National Park
The other national park in Northern California is Lassen Volcanic National Park. It’s one of the least visited national parks as it’s extremely far north in a remote area of the Shasta Cascade.
But don’t let its remote location stop you from visiting!
This park is rich in hydrothermal attractions since it’s a volcanic national park. Some of the best hydrothermal attractions to explore are Sulphur Works, Bumpass Hell, and Boiling Springs Lake. Here you’ll find anything from bubbling hot pools and mud pots to steamy fumaroles.
Moreover, there’s also gorgeous lakes, meadows, and scenic views of the vast wilderness.
If you’re visiting this park, it’s best to fly into Redding or Reno, Nevada.
8. Lake Tahoe
One of the most gorgeous freshwater lakes in Northern California, possibly California (sorry Yosemite National Park), is Lake Tahoe. It’s situated on the Sierra Nevada Mountain range and is well-known for two things — beaches and snow.
Visit during summer to relax at one of the many sandy beaches such as Lester Beach, Sand Harbor Beach, or Kiva Beach.
On the other hand, if you’re a fan of snowboarding and skiing, plan a winter birthday trip to hit the slopes.
If you’re looking to stay in Lake Tahoe, here’s a couple resorts I recommend:
- Edgewood Tahoe Resort
- Cedar Glen Lodge
- South Lake Chalet – Boutique Suites Minutes to Heavenly & Lake Tahoe
9. Redwood National and State Parks
California has nine national parks throughout the state, but only two lie in Northern California. One of these national parks are Redwood National and State Park.
Redwood National and State Park is tucked along the coast of California and is home to the biggest trees alive – Redwoods. This protected area is also home to beautiful prairies, beaches, meadows, and more.
Take a scenic birthday drive on Howland Hill Road or take the Coastal Drive loop. If you prefer to explore by foot, consider hiking Lady Bird Johnson Grove Trail (a 1.5 mile loop) or spend the night camping and stargazing.
Places to go for your birthday in Central California
10. Monterey Bay Aquarium
The Monterey Bay Aquarium is one of my favorite aquariums in California. Why? Because it has a sea otter conservatory and I’m convinced that they’re my spirit animals. But feelings aside, the sea otter program here is extremely cool.
Listen to a guide talk about the different rescue efforts and the research the aquarium is doing to protect these endangered animals. Then, watch them play with each other or snack on a clam inside the aquarium and from the Wildlife Viewing Station.
Click here to learn more information.
11. Carmel-By-The-Sea
If you’re craving sandy white beaches, Carmel-By-The-Sea is calling your name. It’s about a 12 minute drive from Monterey Bay and it’s another great romantic birthday getaway spot. It’s also excellent for a girls trip or solo trip for your birthday.
The ambiance is extremely relaxing as the town has fairytale like charm with its unique cottages and scenic bluffs.
Drive along the iconic Pacific Coast Highway or Pebble Beach Drive (17 miles long), which are both known as one of world’s most prettiest drives, to experience these scenic bluffs up close.
After head over to the Ocean Avenue which is the downtown of Carmel-By-The-Sea. Here you’ll find eateries, shops, and more.
If you’re looking for a place to stay I recommend:
12. Yosemite National Park
Yosemite National Park is the most visited park in California and for good reason. It’s breathtaking any time of year!
Trust me. I’ve visited this national park every season and each time I experience something new. That said, no matter what season your birthday is, you’re bound to find an adventure that rings in a new age.
If it’s your first time visiting Yosemite, The Valley is where you’ll want to spend most of your time so you can see iconic sights like Upper and Lower Yosemite Falls, Bridalviel Fall, Half Dome, and Tunnel View which is right outside the valley.
Inside The Valley there’s also some of the best hikes to explore in Yosemite like The Mist Trial which winds along two cascading waterfalls during the spring. To Vernal Falls it’s a 3 mile out-and-back hike and to Nevada Falls it’s a 7 mile out-and-back hike. Expect to get soaked!
You can see a full of list of the beautiful waterfalls to see in Yosemite here.
13. Pinnacles National Park
Found just east of Salinas Valley is one of the smaller national parks, Pinnacles National Park. While small in size (26,000 acres), this national park offers visitors an abundance of things to do and see.
As the name suggest, Pinnacles National Park, is famous for it’s awe-inspiring pinnacles. The combination of old volcanic eruption, erosion, and shifting tectonic plates created this parks natural rock wonders.
From shires, towering monoliths, and talus caves to colorful wildflowers, this national park features a diverse landscape.
Similar to Joshua Tree, this park is a great destination for rock climbing and possibly bouldering due to the weird rock formations. With 26,000 acres of land showcasing beautiful vistas, it’s also an excellent place to go hiking.
Keep your eyes open to see the mighty California condors and various other birds of pray.
14. Morro Bay
Defined by the iconic Morro Rock, Morro Bay is a quaint beach town that’s 107 miles North of Santa Barbara. It’s an off-the-beaten path destination so it’s a great choice for anyone looking for romantic and unique place to celebrate their birthday.
Some of the best things to do in Morro Bay involve visiting Morro Bay State Park, relaxing at the beach and exploring Morro Rock which is the remnants of volcanic remains.
Renting a kayak or stand up padding board are also great water-based activities to enjoy in this town.
After exploring the outdoor activities in the area, wander over to Embarcadero, the heartbeat of the town. In this downtown area you’ll find several mom and pop shops, yummy salt water taffy, a local whimsical nursery, and Giovanni’s Fish Market.
If you’re staying in Morro Bay, don’t forget to visit Hearst Castle too. It’s less than a 40 minute drive away!
15. Hearst Castle
Situated in the town of San Simeon is the stunning estate, Hearst Castle. Built by William Randolph Hearst, the estate grew gradually overtime after he initially inherited the property from his mother in 1919.
By the time the estate was completely it encompassed around 250,000 acres of land and had 165 rooms.
Take a tour of this historic property to witness its architectural beauty, see the stunning gardens, gaze at the luxurious pools called the Roman Pool and the Neptune Pool, and more.
I recommend starting with the Grand Rooms tour and booking ahead of time. More information about the type of tours offered can be found here.
Hearst Castle is open daily.
16. Santa Barbara
For those looking for a romantic getaway for their birthday weekend, Santa Barbara is the perfect place. This chic yet hipster beach town offers a wide-array of activities fit for a spectacular birthday weekend.
On State Street there’s an abundance of boutique shops and stores great for retail therapy. Here you’ll also find various types of eateries ranging from Mexican, Italian, and Brazilian cuisine to artisanal bakeries.
Sip and delight in the afternoon sunshine by heading to different wineries in the Funk Zone. You can also rent a bikes in this area and ride around or head across the street to the beach.
Santa Barbara is known for its gorgeous beaches and each beach has a different vibe. If you want to play a pick-up volleyball game, head to East Beach.
On the other hand, if you’re looking for a romantic stroll, head to Hendrys Beach then grab a meal afterward at the Boathouse.
Beyond the beach scene, this town also boasts of beautiful hiking trails. Some of the best hiking trails in Santa Barbara that are worth exploring include: Inspiration Point and the walking trails in the Santa Barbara Botanical Gardens.
Places to go for your birthday in Southern California
17. Death Valley National Park
Death Valley National Park is another national park found in Southern California. It’s about a 5 hour drive from Los Angeles or a 2 and half hour drive from Las Vegas since it straddles both states. It’s also home to the hottest temperatures every recorded in the world and the lowest points found in North America.
Explore the Badwater Basin’s salt flats to see for yourself or enjoy the best lookout point from Dante’s View.
Another place to visit in the park that’s brimming with vibrant technicolor rock is Artists Palette, found on the 9 mile loop, Artist Drive.
If you’re an outdoor fanatic consider planning a camping trip here for you birthday to go hiking, backcountry driving, and stargazing.
18. Los Angeles
One of the best places to spend your birthday in California is Los Angeles. Why? Because they is so much to do in this city.
You can explore Downtown LA, head over to Hollywood, or visit the several different neighborhoods in the city like Little Tokyo or Little Ethiopia.
For those looking for active experiences you can hike to the Hollywood sign or hike Baldwin Hills Scenic Overlook which is a popular trail overlooking the city. After hiking head over to The Griffith Observatory for a picnic as you watch the sun kiss the earth goodnight. It hands down has one of the best views in Los Angeles!
Let’s not forget about the food, festivals, and museums in LA!
Some of the most popular museums to visit are the Los Angeles County Museum of Art (LACMA), The Ghetty, and The Broad.
Los Angeles also has excellent eateries ranging from fine dining to food festivals. If you’re birthday is in the fall and you’re a fan of food festivals, consider attending Vegandale LA.
Here you’ll find donuts, mozzarella sticks, sushi, soul food… basically anything vegans have a hard time finding. The food really hits that hard for both vegans and non-vegans!
19. Disneyland
Whether you’re a big kid at heart or just obsessed with all things Disney, a trip to Disneyland or California Adventure is a fun way to celebrate a year around the sun. Disneyland is located in Anaheim and is about a 40 minute drive from Los Angeles.
Make it a day trip, go over the weekend, or spend the entire week at the park!
Prices do vary depending on what day or season your going, so always double check the website. Additionally if you’re a resident of California, they do have a special California resident pass that allows you to explore the park for 2-3 days (depends on the year) at a cheaper rate.
On the other hand, if Disneyland is a bit too far out of reach this year whether it’s timing or price, consider planning a Disney stay-cation. This way you’ll still be able to enjoy all the Disney fun and invite your family and friends over.
Here are a couple hotels I recommend staying at if you’re visiting the park:
20. Orange County
Beside Disneyland, there are plenty of other fun things to do in Orange County for your birthday. This county is filled with gorgeous coastlines, unique attractions, and it has some of my favorite beaches in SoCal for hanging with friends.
There’s Huntington or Newport Beach which is perfect for beach days, surfing, and bonfire nights. San Clemente State Beach which offers camping and Laguna Beach which beckons the inner artists and creatives within us all.
For the museum lovers there, consider touring the Richard Nixon Presidential Library and Museum and witness the Marine One helicopter.
In this county you’ll also find excellent dining options for any diets, especially for those who are vegan and gluten-free such as Seabirds Kitchen and Vegan by El Zamorano.
21. Universal Studios Hollywood
While Disneyland is a crowd favorite, another favorite amusement in Southern California is Universal Studios. It’s located in Hollywood and is as close as an amusement park can get to the airport LAX.
It’s also a film studio and admission lets you hop on board The World-Famous Studio Tour ride where you can see studios used for shooting the Fast and the Furious, Big Fat Liar, and much more.
Another one of the biggest attractions here is The Wizarding World of Harry Potter. Hop on the different Harry Potter inspired rides or sip on a on Butterbeer in the pub Hog’s Head. If you’re a Harry Potter fan, this is one of the best places to visit for your birthday in California.
Here are couple hotels worth checking out:
22. Palm Springs
About 2 hours southeast of Los Angeles is the sunny city of Palm Springs. This destination is perfect for family birthday celebrations, friend trips, and adventurous birthday pursuits. It’s also a great place for vegans to celebrate their birthday in California as this city is extremely vegan friendly like Los Angeles.
Check out the Palm Springs Air Museum to learn more about the aircrafts used during World War II, or learn about the Agua Caliente Band of Cahuilla Indians who’s ancestral home is the Coachella Valley.
Don’t forget to hop on the Palm Springs Aerial Tramway, which is the biggest rotating aerial tramway found across the globe.
Palm Springs is also right next door to Joshua Tree National Park, a prime destination for outdoor enthusiasts and hikers.
It’s important to note that Palm Springs is located in the desert, so summers tend be extremely hot and dry. Exercise caution if you plan on hiking outside during the heat. Pack lots of water, sunscreen, and bring a hat!
23. Joshua Tree National Park
Joshua Tree National Park is the intersection of the Colorado Desert and the Mojave Desert. It’s about 50 minutes northwest of Palm Springs and is a desert paradise for climbers, hikers, and campers alike.
With scenic views of the Coachella Valley and unique rock formations shaped like faces, active travelers are spoiled for choice of natural attractions. Named after the famous Joshua Tree, these trees can be found all over the park.
Hike up Ryan Mountain to experience one of the best hikes in Joshua Tree National Park. Rated as moderate to hard, this 2.9 miles out-and-back hike slowly ascend the mountainside for spectacular views at the top.
If you’re looking for interesting rock formations, drive over to Hall of Horrors and Skull Rock which are two popular stops in the park.These are also great places to go bouldering in Joshua Tree.
Camp overnight at Jumbo Rocks Campground – the best campground in the park – or consider taking a day trip to Joshua Tree from Palm Springs.
24. San Diego Zoo and Balboa Park
If you continue heading south of Los Angeles you’ll eventually reach another one of my favorite places to celebrate your birthday in California, San Diego. San Diego is home to the San Diego Zoo and Balboa Park.
What I love about each of these parks is that they all offer completely distinctive and different experiences.
- San Diego Zoo
The San Diego Zoo welcomes visitors to observe animals from across the globes. You’ll see around 3,700 animals and it also has an aerial tram called the Skyfari Aerial Tram. It’s located in downtown San Diego.
- Balboa Park
Balboa Park is right next to the San Diego Zoo and is brimming with just as many fun experiences. It has the beautiful Botanical Building, a Japanese Friendship Garden, various museums, and a Spanish Village Arts Center where you can see local artwork.
There are also multiple international cottage here ranging from Peru to Palestine so you can learn and celebrate different cultures.
25. San Diego Zoo Safari Park
San Diego is also home to the San Diego Zoo Safari Park and is very different from the zoo. The Safari Park has wildlife sanctuaries for animals that live in savannas and their homes are generally much larger with a more natural feel.
The tram here is open air so you feel as if you’re on a real safari trip in Africa. It located on the outskirts of San Diego in Escondido.
26. Temecula
If you’re looking for wine county in SoCal, welcome to Temecula. This city is one of the best places to go for you birthday in California if you’re looking for cute wineries, laid-back breweries and everything in-between. Go wine tasting, take a tour, and explore the exquisite dining options Temecula has to offer.
Some other great activities to do for your birthday in Temecula include hot air ballooning, golfing, hiking, and roaming around Old Town Temecula. Here you’ll find tasty restaurants like EAT Marketplace or 1909 Temecula and a fun nightlife scene.
Free places to go for your birthday in California
While many of the activities listed above have a cost, there are plenty of free things to do in California for your birthday.
- The Beach
The top free places to go for your birthday in California is the beach. Relax at one of the numerous beaches in Southern California, play a pick up game of volleyball, or consider having a picnic to celebrate your birthday.
- Restaurants with free or discounted birthday meal
Some restaurants that offer a free or discounted meal for your birthday are Red Robin, Denny’s, Yogurtland, Jersey Mike, Sidecar Doughnuts, etc. Enjoy a meal in your hometown or consider driving to a new town you haven’t been to and enjoy this free birthday meal.
- Camping
While most campgrounds cost a small fee, free campgrounds do exist. Some can be found on the Bureau of Land Management (BLM) lands and camping is limited to 14 days. Sometimes they aren’t marked clearly so make sure to double that it’s open for camping use.
- Free museums
There are tons of free museums in California! Some of my favorite in LA are The Ghetty, The Broad, and the California Science Center. But this isn’t the only city with free museums.
Your best bet on finding free museums is to look at local museums in your area and also check to see if bigger, more well-known museums have a free day.
- Go Hiking
Getting outdoors is always free and you don’t have to go to a national park to hike. While national parks are beautiful and offers awe-inspiring places to celebrate your birthday in California, there’s always some stunning beauty in your own backyard.
Unique ways to celebrate your birthday in California
- Road trip along the Pacific Coast Highway or in the mountains
What better way to celebrate your birthday than a classic California road trip. The Pacific Coast Highway offers unparalleled views of the mountains and the sea, while mountain roadtrips are the best for visiting national parks. Both allow you to visit multiple cities in California.
- Celebrate with a party boat rental
Yup, you read that right! Rent a party boat or yacht in Orange County, Los Angeles, or San Diego. You can bring food aboard, alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages, and more.
Visiting California: FAQs
- What are the best places to go on your birthday with friends?
Any places that can accommodate a large group of people is a great place to visit for your birthday in California. This can be an amusement parks, restaurants, beaches, bowling alleys, camping, etc.
- What should I do for my birthday Socal?
This depends on what type of birthday you want. If you’re a big kid at heart, visit Disneyland or Universal Studios. But if you’re looking for the ultimate friends trip, consider spending the weekend in Palm Springs.
On the other hand, if you’re looking for a romantic birthday baecation, Newport Beach, San Clemente, and Carlsbad have the cutest ambiance.
- What are the best places to go for your birthday in Los Angeles?
Some of the best places to visit in LA for an interactive birthday are Universal Studios, Urban Putt for mini golfing, and the California Science Center. Wander around downtown LA, walk amongst the stars, and explore the various neighbors in LA like Koreatown, Chinatown, and Little Ethiopia.
You can also take a cooking class or grab some tasty food at the Grand Central Market.
Final thoughts
As you can see, there are several amazing places to go for your birthday in California. Ultimately, the decision for your birthday celebration will boil down to the amount of time you have and how much you want to spend.
If you’re have lots of time and a generous budget, consider exploring a part of California that you haven’t seen before. For instance if you’re from Northern California, journey down the coast to Central or Southern California.
You’ll also want to keep in mind how many people you are inviting to your birthday. Sometimes destinations closer to your home base makes it easier for your friends and family members to attend.
At the end of the day no matter what place you visit for your birthday, you’re bound to have a beautiful day.
Happy birthday friend!
More California Resources
- The Ultimate Road Trip Checklist
- The Best Airbnbs Near Yosemite National Park
- Amazing Hikes with Views in the Inland Empire
- How to Road Trip From LA to Bryce Canyon
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