Locals - need ideas for 40th birthday party venue

My husband%26#39;s 40th is coming up and the few ideas I%26#39;ve come up with (suite at Petco, dinner cruise) are too expensive--I%26#39;m looking to keep it to $50 or under per person. We%26#39;re probably talking 20 to 30 people.

I%26#39;d welcome any suggestions.

Locals - need ideas for 40th birthday party venue

Are you looking for something that is a food/activity combo? If so, maybe consider the Murder Mystery Cafe @ the Imperial House near Balboa Park

http://www.mysterycafe.net/index.php

Their pricing is a little bit above your $50 range, but I believe that they do group rates for large parties.

Locals - need ideas for 40th birthday party venue

My friend did a great party just in the house with a caterer.

She made it a surprise and kind of a treasure hunt for her hubby making him go all over town to find clues and people who were invited.

You could do a bonfire at the beach with everybody bringing something.

Have a Hawaiian theme and go to the Bali Hai on Shelter Island . They can do an inexpensive buffet. Good luck . I know there will be lots of other ideas.

I just remembered- we had a 40th birthday party for a friend recently, and her husband surprised her w/ drinks and dancing @ Humphrey%26#39;s in Shelter Island. We were able to reserve a section of tables for our group, and everyone had a great time- it was a live band, and the crowd was in the mid-30s to mid-50s range, so no one felt out of place. We even got the band to sing happy birthday to her :)

Mission Bay Hilton also has some bayside suites that can be rented out, they look out towards Sea World. You can have a big bonfire on the beach (pits close by), watch the fireworks and enjoy our gorgeous weather.

I went to one at the Boathouse on Harbor Island that was nice. I don%26#39;t know how much it cost though.

Not sure if it is too far for your guests, but Orfila winery in Escondido has different catering options and an outdoor party tent. They do wedding receptions and hors de ouvers parties.

If you have any Navy affiliation, Admiral Kitt club is nice too.

Bahia Belle on Mission Bay? They have cocktail cruises and catering available.

I went to a party recently at D*ck%26#39;s Last Resort - that was fun and the food is pretty good, but it can get wild.

I also just went to a 50th party - they had it at a beach in Del Mar and just brought down some Rubios catered to go and some beers, sodas, etc... with a little portable fire pit - it was great.

Thanks to everyone for the suggestions--lots of options to consider.

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