The Ultimate 21st Birthday

Turning 21. Not only is it the final rite of adulthood, it's really the last birthday anyone actually looks forward to. Only Vegas in the summertime provides the pomp and circumstance befitting such an occasion. Start the day off right with a delicious brunch at the award-winning Hash House a Go Go, with locations in the Imperial Palace, M Hotel, Plaza Hotel and Casino or on Sahara Avenue. Then, it's time to hit the pools, an essential for any summer trip to Vegas. Party it up with the celebs at MGM Grand's Wet Republic or Hard Rock's REHAB.

First, let's talk home base. When you decide to take the party back to your room, you need to make sure the room is worthy of your party. The Hard Rock Hotel can help. It just unveiled seven new awesomely themed super suites, each of which includes 70-inch flat screens, hot tubs, seven-spout uber showers, butler service, props and costumes that vary by theme, and an Obscura Digital system capable of projecting any image onto your wall.

Before the big night, set the tone of the day with a round of pineapple chipotle margaritas at Tacos & Tequila inside the Luxor. Then it's time for the guys and girls to do their own thing. For the ladies, it's mani-pedi nirvana with a spa suite party package from The Spa at ARIA. For the guys, the hunt for fresh kicks is on at CRSVR (pronounced crossover) at The Cosmopolitan. This sneaker boutique specializes in limited editions and is the only shoe store we know of with resident DJs. Now you're ready to kick it.

You only turn 21 once and you definitely want to go big. The newest nightclub and dayclub on the Strip is Marquee at The Cosmopolitan. This $60 million party palace is actually three clubs in one. There's the main level with a four-story LED DJ booth, projection stage and two dance floors - all of which is overlooked by the Library, with its billiards table, fireplace and vintage Vegas books. And then there's the Boom Box room with giant glass walls that look right onto the Strip. For another three clubs-in-one experience, check out PURE inside Caesars Palace, which includes the Terrace, the largest outdoor, year-round nightlife venue in Vegas. For more amazing views, go to the top of the Palms and party at Moon, with its retractable roof 35 feet above the dance floor. If high energy is your passion, let loose at TAO Nightclub at The Venetian, with its eight private skyboxes with minibars, espresso machines and European bottle service.

Before you crash for the evening, grab a late-night bite - trust us on this one. First Food and Bar at The Palazzo is always a good call. It stays open late to serve club goers bar food favorites like Philly cheesesteak dumplings, lollipop buffalo wings, and Doritos-crusted mac jack and cheese.