The Ultimate Las Vegas Adventure: A Birthday, A Slingshot, and a Surprise Proposal
Las Vegas has a reputation for quite a few things: gambling, shopping, dining experiences and more. Also known as the ‘Sin City’, this destination can offer much to any individual looking for a fun activity outside of their hometown. This blog post is about my experience and I hope it encourages you to get out there and have fun too! Want to check out Las Vegas yourself? Check out my Las Vegas Itinerary, enjoy!
I never had big birthday celebrations growing up—just a Carvel ice cream cake (my favorite) and a $20 bill in a greeting card. My Sweet 16 was the only exception when I went to laser tag with friends and ended the night with (you guessed it) ice cream cake. But as I got older, I stopped celebrating, which, looking back, made me feel like my birthday wasn’t worth the fuss.
One day, while driving home from work, I had a realization: I deserve to celebrate myself. I wanted more than a simple dinner. I wanted an experience. And what better place for an unforgettable birthday trip than Las Vegas?
Planning the Trip: First Time Flying & A Leap of Faith
For my 24th birthday, I booked my first-ever flight with my then-boyfriend, Gabriel, who happily tagged along. After securing rooms, submitting PTO, and finalizing the itinerary, we were on our way, catching a 6:15 AM flight from DCA (Reagan National Airport) to Sin City.
I’d never spent a birthday away from my family before, and my emotions were all over the place. But this trip wasn’t just about celebrating—it was about stepping outside my comfort zone and embracing new experiences.
Where We Stayed: Circa Resort & Casino
We booked a stay at Circa Resort & Casino, a newly constructed adults-only hotel with the largest sportsbook in Vegas. To make it extra special, we splurged on a Single-King Strip View room, which provided a breathtaking view of Mount Charleston.
What We Loved About Circa:
✔️ Friendly staff and a vibrant casino downstairs
✔️ A rooftop pool with day parties (perfect for the Vegas experience!)
✔️ Room service with restaurant-quality dining
First Stop: Exploring Fremont Street
Right outside our hotel, Fremont Street was our first stop. This 0.8-mile LED-covered strip is a must-visit for budget-friendly travelers who want great food, live entertainment, and affordable casino experiences. Unlike the Vegas Strip, Fremont Street has more local spots that won’t break the bank.
Pro Tip: If you're visiting Vegas on a budget, Fremont Street is where you’ll find cheap eats, happy hour deals, and lower-cost gambling options.
Getting Around: Renting a Slingshot
Vegas is an easy city to navigate, with wide roads and simple intersections (looking at you, DC!). To make our trip even more exciting, we rented a Slingshot through the Turo app.
It’s fun to drive, especially on the Vegas Strip.
The open-top design lets you soak in the neon lights and city energy.
Heads-up: Your hair will be flying everywhere, so bring a hair tie if needed!
Must-See Outside the City: Seven Magic Mountains
One of our favorite excursions was a short 25-minute drive from downtown Las Vegas to Seven Magic Mountains. This outdoor art installation in the Ivanpah Valley features seven towering neon rock formations, making it an Instagrammer’s dream.
✔️ FREE entry
✔️ Perfect for photo ops
✔️ Surrounded by breathtaking desert views
If you plan to visit, wear breathable clothing and comfortable shoes—the desert heat can be brutal!
A Mind-Bending Experience: Area 15 & Omega Mart
Our next stop was Area 15, a massive immersive entertainment space that takes you into a world of neon lights, surreal art, and interactive experiences. While there are free attractions, I highly recommend checking out Omega Mart.
Part escape room, part art exhibit, part adventure.
Features hidden doors, secret passages, and mind-bending displays.
A must-do for groups, couples, and anyone who loves interactive storytelling.
Driving the Vegas Strip: The Ultimate Highlight
One of the best moments of our trip was cruising the Vegas Strip in our Slingshot, passing iconic spots like:
🚗 Caesars Palace
🚗 The Venetian
🚗 Hell’s Kitchen
The contrast between Fremont Street and the Vegas Strip was incredible. Fremont was laid-back, while the Strip felt glamorous, upscale, and electric.
A Birthday Surprise: The High Roller Proposal
What started as a birthday trip turned into something even bigger. Soaring 550 feet above the Vegas Strip, my now-husband Gabriel proposed to me on the High Roller Wheel at The LINQ.
At the very top, he got down on one knee and asked me to be his forever. And just like that, Las Vegas became our forever special place.
✨ Did I see it coming? Not at all.
✨ Was it the best birthday of my life? Absolutely.
We ended the night celebrating with tacos and Fat Daddy Baja Blasts at the famous Taco Bell Cantina, because what’s more “Vegas” than that?
Final Thoughts: Why You Should Visit Las Vegas
Las Vegas is a city that offers something for every kind of traveler:
🎰 Thrill-seekers – from casinos to adventure sports
🎨 Art lovers – with immersive exhibits like Omega Mart
🍽️ Foodies – from street tacos to Michelin-starred dining
🚘 Road trip enthusiasts – with easy drives to Seven Magic Mountains
If you’ve ever debated taking a Vegas trip, consider this your sign to book it! Whether you’re celebrating a milestone or just looking for a fun getaway, Sin City delivers.
Planning Your Trip?
✔️ Best time to visit: Spring & Fall (avoids extreme heat!)
✔️ Budget tip: Stay on Fremont Street for cheaper accommodations.
✔️ Don’t miss: Renting a Slingshot, Omega Mart, and catching a rooftop view.
-Positively, The Harpers 