18 Cool 40th Birthday Travel Ideas (with Friends & Family)

At all ages, traveling is amazing for self-pleasure and making memories with loved ones. 40th birthday travel ideas allow you to celebrate your birthday in the unique way to make birthday celebrations unforgettable.

Are you thinking of what to do or where to travel to celebrate your 40th birthday? If yes, you have come to the right place. In this blog post, we are going to share with you 18 travel ideas that will be best for your 40th birthday.

Let’s get started!

18 Unique 40th Birthday Travel Ideas

Whether you are in search of places to go for 40th birthday with friends or 40th birthday trip ideas for couples, the following are 18 best ideas to celebrate 40th birthday:

1. Napa Valley Wine Tasting

Napa Valley Wine Tasting

Sip & stay at Napa Valley vine yards is one of the best ideas for your 40th birthday. Napa Valley comes with resort-style packages to make your 40th trip memorable. Plus, when you want to stay in one of these resorts, you have variety of wines options to taste from. Other than Napa Valley, there are various other wine tasting options too in the U.S.

Best Time to Visit

  • March to mid-May

Nearby Restaurants

  • Brix
  • Scala Osteria & Bar
  • Napa Valley Bistro

Famous Vineyards

  • Wild Diamond Vineyards
  • Baldacci Family Vineyards
  • Castello di Amorosa

Famous Attractions

  • Napa Valley Museum
  • Bothe-Napa Valley State Park
  • China Point Overlook

2. Austin

Austin

Imagine Stunning River views, live country music and delicious barbeque in Austin on your 40th birthday. It feels great or not?

Definitely, it would be one of the great experiences on your 40th birthday. From local trail rides, paddle boarding, and vintage shops to vibrant nightlife scenes, Austin has something for everyone.

Best Time to Visit

  • September to November or March to May

Nearby Restaurants

  • Stella San Jac
  • Corinne Austin
  • Caroline

Things to do

  • Austin Aquarium
  • Haunted ATX
  • Pedal Pub Austin

Famous Attractions

  • Texas Capitol
  • UT Tower
  • The Boardwalk at Lady Bird Lake

3. Louisville

A city skyline at dusk featuring Louisville's prominent, illuminated bridge in the foreground with bright lights reflecting on the water below. Skyscrapers and buildings of various heights, some with colorful lighting, dominate the background under a cloudy evening sky.

Louisville city is famous for its Bourbon distilleries. Pan to spend busy day in this vibrant city and we are sure that you won’t regret on our recommendation on your 40th birthday.

A guided Bourbon tour in Louisville will get you some of the old, famous and delicious distilleries. You can enjoy quality 40th birthday time in this city.

Best Time to Visit

  • Spring and autumn

Nearby Restaurants

  • River House Restaurant and Raw Bar
  • Agave & Rye Louisville
  • The Village Anchor

Things to do

Famous Attractions

  • Kentucky Derby Museum
  • The Waverly Hills Sanatorium
  • Louisville Water Tower

4. Los Angeles California

Skyline of Los Angeles with tall buildings in the distance, framed by palm trees. The foreground features residential houses with red-tiled roofs, and the sky above is a mix of soft clouds and pastel hues from the setting or rising California sun.

Los Angeles California is one of the best 40th birthday destinations USA. There are many activities to do here for every type of traveler or travel enthusiast. You can find amazing places for inspiration from our travel blog.

To celebrate a milestone birthday in style, we highly recommend Oceana Santa Monica, LXR Hotels & Resorts. Also, there are various hiking trails and birthday spots.

Best Time to Visit

  • March, April, September and October

Nearby Restaurants

  • Sushi Enya
  • Redbird
  • Perch LA

Things to do

  • Next Door Lounge
  • Paint and Sip Studio LA
  • The Magic Castle

Famous Attractions

  • Universal Studios Hollywood
  • Venice Beach
  • Petersen Automotive Museum

5. Portland Oregon

Aerial view of Portland Oregon at sunset featuring a mix of tall buildings and greenery. Below, a waterfront marina with numerous docked boats is visible. To the right, a river runs through the city, crossed by multiple bridges. The sky is painted with soft pastel hues.

Hipsters, microbrews, and food carts makes Portland one of the best places to go for 40th birthday with friends. While your stay at Portland Oregon, you not only make your 40th birthday memorable but also spend quality time.

From visiting wineries, food cart pod, and microbreweries to enjoy stunning waterfalls, you won’t get bored.

Best Time to Visit

  • June to August

Nearby Restaurants

  • Wyld Pines
  • Lechon
  • Mother’s Bistro & Bar

Things to do

  • Enjoy Oregon’s wine country
  • Microbrewery tour
  • Visit Multnomah Falls

Famous Attractions

  • Washington Park
  • The Grotto
  • Portland Japanese Garden

6. Oahu Hawaii

A stunning aerial view of a lush, green valley in Oahu, Hawaii, surrounded by dramatic mountain ranges. The clear, turquoise ocean meets the shore, with white waves breaking along the sandy beach. The landscape is vibrant under a bright blue sky dotted with fluffy white clouds.

Oahu in Hawaii is one of the preferable spots especially when you want to stay at some place. To visit Oahu, at least try to spend one week in Oahu for memorable 40th birthday. Snorkeling, beach attractions and fun tourist spots let you enjoy your time to the fullest. If you want to book a family resort here, Disney Aulani Resort is one of the best options to go for.

Best Time to Visit

  • Mid-Apr to mid-June and Sept to mid-Dec

Nearby Restaurants

  • Haleiwa Joe’s Haiku Gardens
  • Senia
  • Helena’s Hawaiian Food

Things to do

  • Polynesian Cultural Center
  • Dole Pineapple Plantation
  • Pearl Harbor

Famous Attractions

  • Pearl Harbor National Memorial
  • Kualoa Ranch
  • Iolani Palace

7. Juneau Alaska

A rainy street in Juneau, Alaska, features colorful buildings. People with umbrellas walk on sidewalks, while cars drive on wet roads. A mist-covered forested hill rises in the background, and streetlights illuminate the scene.

Juneau Alaska is not only a popular spot for birthday celebrations but also for honeymoons and anniversaries too. Juneau is the capital of Alaska that comes with various outdoor adventurous activities. Here, you can spend your time viewing wildlife. Most of the tourists want to visit this amazing place during summer.

Best Time to Visit

  • During the summer months

Nearby Restaurants

  • The Hangar On The Wharf
  • Twisted Fish Company Alaskan Grill
  • SALT

Things to do

  • Catching a shuttle to Mendenhall Glacier
  • Watch the salmon run
  • Whale-watching tour

Famous Attractions

  • Nugget Falls
  • Mt Juneau
  • Juneau Icefield

8. Santa Fe

A tropical villa with a Santa Fe touch features a spacious yard with sun loungers, a large swimming pool, and lush green surroundings. The villa has two stories, an open-plan design on the ground floor, and a balcony on the upper level. Trees and plants provide a serene atmosphere.

To enjoy relaxing and comfortable birthday retreat, plan a spa retreat in Santa Fe. Blissful thermal pools and spring-fed waters will totally make your experience exhilarating.

During your stay at Ojo Spa Resort, healthy and farm to table meals are served. If you want enjoy solo birthday trip or quiet birthday retreat, look no further than Santa Fe.

Best Time to Visit

  • You can visit anytime.

Nearby Restaurants

  • The Pantry
  • Horno Restaurant
  • La Plazuela At La Fonda

Things to do

  • Meow Wolf Santa Fe
  • SITE SANTA FE
  • San Miguel Chapel

Famous Attractions

  • San Miguel Chapel
  • Oldest House Museum
  • Loretto Chapel

9. Quebec City Canada

The image shows the Fairmont Le Château Frontenac, a grand hotel with a dramatic, castle-like structure featuring green roofs and a central tower in Quebec City, Canada. The foreground features trees and surrounding buildings, while the background reveals a scenic cityscape under a warm sky.

Quebec, a capital city of Canada comes with major foodie places so there’s no shortage of restaurants and bars in this city.

You can celebrate your birthday at any of these restaurants while enjoying the delicious food. For luxury and rustic experience, you can book your table at Chez Muffy, one of the finest farm-to-fork restaurants.

Best Time to Visit

  • June–September & January–February

Nearby Restaurants

  • Aux Anciens Canadiens
  • Beclub
  • Restaurant La Buche

Things to do

  • Visit to Fairmont Le Chateau Frontenac
  • Stroll along Dufferin Terrace
  • Ride aboard the funicular

Famous Attractions

  • The Citadelle of Québec
  • Place Royale
  • Aquarium of Quebec

10. Mexico City

Aerial view of Mexico City's skyline with various high-rise buildings and skyscrapers in the foreground. The landscape includes modern glass buildings, residential areas, and lush greenery. Mountains and a partly cloudy sky are visible in the background.

Whether you want to go for solo travel, couple travel, family fun or even visiting as birthday destination, Mexico City won’t disappoint you. From exploring the city’s historic architecture to visiting its many world-class museums, there’s a lot for everyone. Also, this city is great if you want to learn about modern and cultural norms to indulge in Mexican history.

Best Time to Visit

  • March-May

Nearby Restaurants

  • Diana Restaurant
  • Quintonil
  • Meroma

Things to do

  • Boat ride along the canals of Xochimilco
  • Palace of Fine Arts
  • Head over to La Docena

Famous Attractions

  • Mexico City Metropolitan Cathedral
  • Templo Mayor Museum
  • Alameda Central

11. Las Vegas

Night view of the Las Vegas Strip, featuring bright neon lights and prominent hotel-casinos. The Eiffel Tower replica at Paris Las Vegas shines beside vibrant signs, including the Planet Hollywood and MGM Grand marquees. Palm trees line the bustling street, epitomizing the essence of Las Vegas.

The list of 40th birthday travel ideas with friends could be incomplete without adding Las Vegas name. You can enjoy your birthday dinner in Las Vegas to make long-lasting memories with your friends or family. Try to make your accommodation reservations in one of the best hotels. Make sure you don’t pick the worst hotel in Las Vegas ever.

Best Time to Visit

  • March, April, May, October, and November

Nearby Restaurants

  • Yardbird Table & Bar
  • Peppermill Restaurant and Fireside Lounge
  • Yardbird Table & Bar

Things to do

  • Go to Sin City Smash
  • Party Tours
  • Vegas Party VIP

Famous Attractions

  • Blackford
  • Sin City Club Crawl
  • Las Vegas Strip

12. Visit the Four Corners

A circular monument marks the intersection of four U.S. states: Arizona, Utah, Colorado, and New Mexico. Each state's name and seal are engraved on the ground, radiating from a central point where the states converge. Visit the Four Corners to see the date 10-31-96 visible in the corner.

Four Corners is one of the unique places to explore. where four borders meet. Arizona, New Mexico, Utah, and Colorado borders meets at this place. If you want to celebrate your birthday with your kids, must go to this place where your kids can also enjoy engaging activities.

Best Time to Visit

  • During any month.

Nearby Restaurants

  • David’s Club
  • Zen
  • Eagle’s edge

Things to do

  • Hike to Rainbow Hot Springs
  • Celebrate birthday at Strater Hotel

Famous Attractions

  • Four Corners Monument
  • Bisti Wilderness
  • Bar D Chuckwagon Suppers

13. Visit All-Inclusive Resort

A luxurious beachfront visit to an all-inclusive resort featuring a large, curvy swimming pool surrounded by lounge chairs and palm trees. The modern, multi-story hotel building overlooks the ocean, and the sky is filled with light clouds during sunset.

If you want to give your partner a surprise with some fun and adventure, there are various all-inclusive resorts all over the U.S. Visiting the excellence Punta Cana or Live Aqua Beach Resort in Cancun is one of the best 40th birthday trip ideas for couples.

Best Time to Visit

  • December through May

Nearby Restaurants

  • Dave & Buster’s
  • The Back Porch Bay
  • Compass Kitchen

Things to do

  • Interactive Aquarium
  • Interactive Aquarium
  • Liverpool

Famous Attractions

  • Cancun Wax Museum
  • Arte garden
  • Avenida Kukulkan

14. Explore Paris Streets

A narrow, cobblestone street in a quaint European town, reminiscent of those you'll explore on the streets of Paris, flanked by charming buildings with shutters and greenery. The gently sloping street is lined with cozy cafes, small shops, and planters. Trees with autumn leaves add a touch of color to the scene.

Paris, France is one of the romantic locations that can’t be missed to make couple’s birthday event unforgettable. History, art, walkable shopping districts, and delicious food let you celebrate your birthday with good mood swings.

Best Time to Visit

  • April, early May, September, and early October.

Nearby Restaurants

  • Maslow
  • La Côte ou la Cuisse
  • Le Bistro des Augustins

Things to do

  • Go to the Eiffel Tower
  • Grand Palais
  • Le Marais

Famous Attractions

  • Sainte-Chapelle
  • Musée Rodin
  • Disneyland Paris

15. Watch a Broadway Performance

A group of performers dances energetically on a wooden stage with a rustic set behind them, reminiscent of colonial architecture. Watch a Broadway performance as one central performer sings passionately while others move dynamically around him, with a red curtain being raised in the background.

Need 40th birthday trip ideas for a lover of the arts? Celebrate your next 40th birthday by watching the Broadway performance. By seeing this Broadway performance, you will feel like you’re living in the spotlight.

Best Time to Watch

  • Friday night and Saturday night

Nearby Restaurants

  • Brooklyn Chop House – Times Square
  • Angelina Bakery Times Square
  • Quality Meats

Things to do

Famous Attractions

  • The Lion King
  • Skechers
  • Minskoff Theatre

16. Machu Picchu Hiking

A group of people hike along a stone path surrounded by lush green terraces, reminiscent of Machu Picchu Hiking. In the background, a towering, jagged peak rises into a foggy, cloud-covered sky. Dense forested hills form a dramatic backdrop, creating a serene and adventurous scene

If you love hiking, nothing is better than celebrating your 40th birthday hiking on Machu Picchu trails. You can celebrate your birthday with your friends by cutting birthday cake on hiking trails. Also, you can celebrate in below-mentioned restaurants or places.

Best Time to Visit

  • End March to May and from September to mid-December.

Nearby Restaurants

  • Mapacho Craft Beer Restaurant
  • Full House Peruvian Cuisine
  • Munaycha Restaurante

Things to do

  • Hiking
  • Explore historical sites
  • Go to museums

Famous Attractions

  • Intipata
  • Mandor
  • Sayacmarca

17. Train Journey of Italy

A scenic coastal train travels along a rocky cliffside with the turquoise sea on the left. Colorful buildings are perched on the cliff with mountains in the background under a partly cloudy sky. This picturesque scene showcases the beauty of Italy's coastline as the train moves towards the horizon.

Italy’s train journey would be one of the best birthday experiences that you can’t forget ever. Nothing special than exploring one country culture through train. For window’s best scenery, must include Florence, Cinque Terre, and Tuscany in your train journey.

Best Time to Visit

  • April-May or early September-October

Nearby Restaurants

  • Paola’s Cosa Nostra
  • Taverna dei migliori
  • Osteria Francescana

Things to do

  • Colosseum
  • Palatine Hill
  • Vatican City

Famous Attractions

  • Trevi Fountain
  • Pantheon
  • Roman Forum

18. Cabin Getaway in Banff

A cozy log cabin with illuminated eaves sits amid tall pine trees at dusk. Another brightly lit cabin is visible in the background. The scene exudes a serene, rustic charm with the glow of the lights contrasting against the deep blue twilight sky, creating an inviting atmosphere.

If you want to celebrate your birthday in the form of a relaxing getaway with your friends and family, Banff will be one of the best options to go for. Downtown Banff comes with multiple options in form of restaurants and bars where you can celebrate your birthday with scenic mountain views.

Best Time to Visit

  • September to November

Nearby Restaurants

  • Farm & Fire
  • Brazen
  • The Juniper Bistro

Things to do

  • Banff Gondola
  • Go to Peyto Lake
  • Explore nature at Icefields Parkway

Famous Attractions

  • Banff Trail Riders
  • Banff Avenue
  • Johnston Creek

In a Nutshell!

Turning 40 is a milestone worth celebrating! Whether you’re an adventure seeker, a relaxation or a culture enthusiast, there’s a perfect 40th birthday trip waiting for you and your loved ones.

From thrilling outdoor escapades to amazing city breaks, these 18 40th birthday travel ideas offer a diverse range of travel places’ options to create unforgettable memories.

So gather your closest friends and family, choose your dream travel destination, and go on a journey filled with laughter, excitement, and cherished moments. Happy 40th Birthday in Advance!



Ferona Jose
Ferona Jose isn't just a travel writer; she's a weaver of tales. With a knack for capturing the essence of a place through vivid descriptions and heartfelt storytelling, she brings her travel experiences to life on her blog, Travelistia, and on Touripia.com. She is passionate about exploring new places around the world.

View all posts by Ferona Jose →

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