12 Awesome Birthday Ideas in Miami (That Aren’t Just a Bar)

Your big day rolls around but once a year, and you want to celebrate it in style. You’ve outgrown the novelty of doing shots at the local dive bar, but life’s too short to just sit this one out. So we’ve rounded up the best places in Miami to mark the festive occasion. And guess what? Not one of them is a club or bar (but one does involve bottomless wine). Here, 12 excellent birthday ideas in Miami.

• Location: Miami
• How to Book: Book online

OK, we know you're fabulous. So naturally, you deserve an equally swank soiree. Rent a boat through Boatsetter and bring the party to the bay, where you and your guests can revel in luxury and style. Don't worry about navigating the waters yourself—part of the package includes a captain who will skillfully sail you around, allowing you to sit back, relax, and fully immerse yourself in the celebration.

• Location: Miami
• How to Book: Book online

Start your next year off on a (somewhat) healthier foot. The ever-popular Barry’s (with locations in Miami Beach, Midtown and Aventura) is a great spot to gather the gang and get a solid sweat in on your big day. Just call ahead to reserve a block of treadmills and mats. Once class is over, reward yourself with a protein shake… or some good ol’ birthday cake. (You just worked out, so it’s totally acceptable.)

• Location: Miami
• How to Book: Call 305-232-3405

Just off North Miami Avenue, pizza spot Mister 01 hosts pie-tossing classes. You and your pals will gather in a private dining room for a lesson and, under expert guidance, learn how to toss pizza dough—while snacking on 'za and sipping complimentary wine and beer, of course.

• Location: Miami
• How to Book: Call 844-244-9918

Sure, you could ring in your next birthday in a dark, candlelit bar—or you could sip a cold beer and cruise along the ocean at sunset aboard a private yacht charter, creating an unforgettable birthday experience. Feel the gentle sea breeze, witness the breathtaking colors of the sky, and create lasting memories as you celebrate your special day.

• Location: Coral Gables
• How to Book: Book online

Grab your best friends and head to The Biltmore for a private cooking class taught by one of the hotel’s lead chefs. You’ll pick a theme (Mexican, Asian, Italian or South Floridian) and craft a multi-course meal filled with sweet and savory items. (Think: tuna sashimi, Bolognese fettuccine or Thai doughnuts, depending on which menu you choose.) And yes, you get to eat the results once you’re done.

• Location: Miami Beach
• How to Book: Book online

OK, we know you haven’t been bowling since your sixth-grade birthday party. But Basement, a hidden spot below the Miami Beach Edition, has traded pizza and smelly shoes for a swanky, neon-lit bowling experience you never knew existed. Oh, and did we mention there’s an equally stunning ice-skating rink next door?

• Location: Miami
• How to Book: Book online

Now that you’re one year older, it’s time to class up your beverage of choice (come on, you can do better than ordering a vodka cranberry). Let one of Miami’s expert mixologists teach you a few of the classics during a private class with a few friends.

• Location: Miami
• How to Book: Call 305-262-2465

You love wine, and your birthday party merits lots of it. At Happy Wine in Coconut Grove, you can reserve a private room for a three-course Latin-inspired meal. But here’s the important part: It’s paired with an open bar, which means bottomless wines by the glass, sangria and a selection of craft beer. Count. Us. In.

• Location: Brickell
• How to Book: Book online

Regular birthday dinners are overrated. Why settle for the ordinary when you can have an extraordinary experience at CMX Brickell? Enjoy a delectable meal and refreshing drinks while being captivated by the on-screen talents of your favorite actors in the latest Hollywood blockbusters.

• Location: Sunny Isles
• How to Book: Call 305-918-6844

Whether you go alone for some peaceful solitude or invite close friends and loved ones to join you, celebrating your birthday at the spa is exactly what you need to feel refreshed and rejuvenated for the year ahead. At Acqualina Resort & Spa in Sunny Isles, you can make the most of your special day by arriving early and having breakfast overlooking the ocean, indulging in an early afternoon massage and then spending the rest of your time enjoying the spa’s 20,000-square-foot facility (equipped with a healing heat and water ritual area, a private pool area and complimentary snacks).

• Location: South Beach
• How to Book: Book online

Shake it up for your birthday and learn how to dance salsa. Whether you're a beginner or have some experience, Salsa Mia, located above Mango's on South Beach, is the perfect spot. Embark on a one-hour salsa lesson or fully immerse yourself in the Sip, Savor & Salsa experience, complete with a comprehensive one-and-a-half-hour class suitable for all levels. After the lesson, let the festivities continue with a lively dance party, where you can showcase your newfound moves and celebrate your special day in style.

• Location: Wynwood
• How to Book: Book online

Ideal for a birthday celebration, 1-800-Lucky offers the ultimate private room karaoke experience every night of the week. Simply choose the day and time, invite your friends and select your favorite songs—it's as simple as that. And if you're in the mood for more than just karaoke, you can dine at any of the seven on-site restaurants, from Thai cuisine to ceviche and more.