When you think of February in San Diego, “boring” might come to mind – but you’d be wrong. While the summer months get all the attention, February quietly delivers unique seasonal activities, smaller crowds, and wallet-friendly travel options. Whether you’re a local looking to spice up your routine or a visitor planning a getaway, these 15 activities will prove that February in San Diego is anything but dull.
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Planning your trip to San Diego? Here are the best tours, hotels, and car rentals:
📸 Best Tours In San Diego:
- Luxury Catamaran Sailing Charter of San Diego (for up to 12 people!)
- San Diego 4×4: Border Wilderness (travel the off-beaten path)
- Premium Valle de Guadalupe Wine and Food Tour (all-inclusive)
- The San Diego Highlights Tour (all the top sights + free time to explore)
- San Diego Whale Watching Cruise (check out the 2 guarantees!)
😴 Best Hotels In San Diego:
- Staypineapple, Hotel Z, Gaslamp (💲) (complimentary bikes!)
- Hotel Marisol Coronado (💲💲) (5-min walk to Coronado Beach)
- Fairmont Grand Del Mar (💲💲💲) (be treated like a celebrity!)
🚘 Best Car Rental In San Diego: DiscoverCars (save up to 70%)
1. Visit the San Diego Zoo for the Lunar New Year celebration
Whether you’re in town with a significant other or the entire family, The San Diego Zoo is an enjoyable way to spend the day. The grounds are full of interactive stations and playgrounds for children and feature hundreds of local craft beers for adults. The zoo also hosts a beautiful Lunar New Year celebration every February that only lasts two days but is worth planning around.
2. Celebrate the Super Bowl at a local sports bar
If San Diegans love two things, it’s lively bars and sports. Because of this, the Super Bowl is the perfect opportunity to spend a day out on the town, experiencing the excitement of the city. Find your ideal sports bar, and spend the day eating and drinking with other fans. Some favorite local spots include Barleymash in the Gaslamp Quarter, Sandbar in Mission Beach, and The Deck at Moonshine Flats in East Village.
3. Experience Mardi Gras at SeaWorld
Every year in February, Sea World holds a Mardi Gras-themed carnival featuring live music, colorful costumes and performances, and tons of New Orleans-style food options. SeaWorld’s permanent attractions also remain available to those visiting the park.
4. Go for a bike ride along the Mission Beach Boardwalk
The Mission Beach Boardwalk is a year-round attraction to tourists and locals alike. It is a scenic spot for a bike ride, an afternoon jog, or just to get from one happy hour to another. While warmer months can see some heavy crowds on the boardwalk, months like February are a great time to use the feature without this worry.
5. Take a stroll in South Park with hot chocolate
While South Park is a neighborhood right outside of Downtown San Diego, visiting can often feel like being transported to another part of the country. Small historic houses and large trees line the streets. On a chilly day, grab some hot chocolate, and visit the aesthetic shops and restaurants owned by local vendors.
6. Run a 5k or 10k
If you are looking for a way to cover new ground and meet some new people, Signing up for one of February’s 5k or 10k races is a great option. The Coronado Valentines Fun Run is a popular race, and the Cardiff Kook Run doubles as a costume contest.
7. Go on a whale-watching tour
February is a prime month for whale watchers as gray whales that migrate South for the winter begin to change their route and head back North toward Alaska. Mothers can be seen migrating north with their calves who were born several months prior. The mother and calf duos often stick close to shore in the warmer and safer waters.
8. Enjoy discounted museum tickets during San Diego’s Museum Month
February is San Diego’s Museum Month, which means that admission to over 40 local museums is half off throughout the month. This is a great option for days when the weather is a bit gloomy, or some rare rain may even be on the forecast. Some of San Diego’s museums include the San Diego Museum of Art and the San Diego Air and Space Museum.
9. Eat at one of San Diego’s most romantic restaurants
While San Diego has impressive choices year-round when it comes to cuisine, February is a great time to try out some of the city’s more romantic eateries. Some great options include like Le Parfait Paris, La Bonne Table, Baci Restaurant, and Cesarina. While their menus vary in cultural influence, they all share high ratings and a sought-after ambiance.
10. Go on a scenic hike at Torrey Pines
February’s cooler weather makes for ideal and safe hiking conditions. From the hills to the shorelines, San Diego has no shortage of natural lands to visit for a day of hiking. Hike the trail at Torrey Pines for a top-notch photo op. Torrey Pines State Natural Reserve is a must-see destination for anyone in the San Diego area for its picturesque ocean views, distinct geological features, and clean beaches.
The park has easy-to-hard trails and of these, the Beach Trail and Razor Point Trail are the best ones. The Beach Trail guides you down to the beach, providing opportunities to find tide pools and stroll along the coast. And the Razor Point Trail provides breathtaking vistas of the Pacific Ocean, making it an ideal spot to watch the sunset.
💡 Tip: To avoid large crowds, it’s best to arrive early and wear durable comfy shoes when hiking the Beach Trail. It can get really hot so wear some sunscreen and bring a hat.
11. Watch a hockey game
February is right in the middle of hockey season, and the San Diego sports arena is a great place to catch a game. Whether you’re a fan of the San Diego Gulls or have your own team to support, a night at the arena is sure to be full of excitement.
12. Experience a Speakeasy
San Diego is known for its many immersive speakeasy experiences. They often have distinct themes and are known for their top-tier drinks, cocktails, and service. Some, in particular, are ideal for a romantic and mysterious date night on the town. Among them are Raised by Wolves, Noble Experiment, and Oculto 477.
13. Go to a concert
San Diego is full of legendary concert venues and hosts the most world-renowned performers. From large arenas to small dive bars, there is always live music to be found. Next time you’re in town, check the websites for Petco Arena or Belly Up Tavern to see who is scheduled to perform.
14. Visit Balboa Park
Balboa Park is a staple for San Diego visitors year-round. However, February is a particularly ideal time to visit the massive park. Many months throughout the year are too hot for a day-long adventure walking around the 1,200 acres. February, however, offers the perfect amount of gloom and crispness to the air, allowing visitors to roam freely to experience the natural trails, curated gardens, and much more.
15. Set up a cozy beach picnic
While February may not be the month for tanning on the sand or swimming without a wetsuit, this does not mean the San Diego beaches are off-limits in winter months. Take your significant other or just your favorite book for a cozy beach picnic. Just pack some pillows, blankets, and maybe a cheese board, and you have a picture-perfect sunset-watching spot.
Where To Stay In San Diego
San Diego has a variety of accommodations: hotels, resorts, campgrounds and more. We recommend these 3 options:
Budget-Friendly Option: Staypineapple, Hotel Z, Gaslamp San Diego
Mid-Priced Option: Hotel Marisol Coronado
Lux Option: Fairmont Grand Del Mar
Frequently Asked Questions
Is February a good time to go to San Diego?
February is a great time to visit San Diego. While it is technically a winter month, the are rarely dips below, and the cooler weather is often ideal for activities that take a lot of outdoor walking.
Can you go to the beach in San Diego in February?
San Diego beaches are beautiful to visit year-round. A sweatshirt may be necessary throughout the winter months, but sitting on the sand is no less enjoyable.
What is San Diego like in February?
Some years, the weather remains in the 70s and 80s year-round, while in other years, February’s temperatures dip down into the 40s or 50s. California winters can be unpredictable but remain mild compared to most other states.
What are some non-touristy things to do in San Diego?
San Diego is known for its substantial ratio of yoga studios and craft beer compared to other cities. Take a yoga class or plan a day sampling beers, and you will meet plenty of locals along the way.
Is San Diego safe?
San Diego is widely known to be one of the safest cities in the nation for its size. Although some levels of crime are a given, and some of its neighborhoods are safer than others, the crime rate in San Diego remains below the national average.
Can I visit San Diego without a car?
Visiting San Diego without a car is a viable option. When doing so, I recommend that you research ahead of time to determine what you are hoping to get out of your visit and choose a walkable neighborhood to stay in based on this. For a safe neighborhood, we recommend the North Park neighborhood in San Diego.
If you choose to rent a car, here’s all you need to know about renting a car in San Diego.
How many days are needed for San Diego?
Because San Diego has so much to offer, I would recommend at least a 3-day trip to be able to explore different neighborhoods and visit as least 1 of its larger attractions such as Balboa Park or the San Diego Zoo. But if you can, plan a 5-day trip to San Diego to see the best of San Diego and not feel rushed.
Final Thoughts
Despite San Diego’s reputation as a city of permanent summer, February offers its very own draws and is arguably just as great a time to visit as the warmer months.
When you’re planning your next winter escape, San Diego should be at the top of your list of destinations. As you plan your visit to this amazing city, add these top things to do in San Diego in February to your list.
Read More From Bae Area and Beyond
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