For some parts of the country, February means dreary, cold weather with tons of snow, sleet, and soggy days. But for California, your experience can really vary.
While some parts of the state are still getting plenty of snow, enough to hit the slopes, others are heating up and blooming their way into spring. Things are also heating up with the arrival of Valentine’s Day, as many of California’s best attractions offer events that you and your sweetie will love.
Visiting California in February and wondering what to do? We’ve compiled a list of the best things to do and places to visit in California in February, from unique theme park events to incredible natural phenomena. Stick to this list, and you’re bound to have an amazing California vacation in this love-filled month!
Don’t forget to check out our web story: The 15 Best Things to do in California in February
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The 15 Best Things to do in California in February
1. San Diego for Museum Month
San Diego is one of the best places to visit in California in February, as the shortest month of the year is also the city’s Museum Month. That means you can pick up a pass that will get you access to more than 80 San Diego public libraries and half-off admission to more than 60 San Diego County museums, zoos, historic sites, and much more. If you’re looking to see the best of San Diego and save some money doing it, book a February trip!
2. Disneyland Sweethearts’ Nite
Southern Californians know that Disneyland is where to go in California in February, thanks to the park’s annual Sweethearts’ Nite. This special separately ticketed event, which is a part of the Disneyland After Dark series, happens on select nights throughout February.
There are so many benefits to incorporating Sweethearts’ Nite into your February trip to California. The lines are much shorter than you’ll find during regular park hours. You’ll also get specially-themed entertainment, food, beverages, merchandise, photo opportunities, and much more. Just be sure to get your tickets early, as these nights sell out months in advance.
3. Mammoth Mountain World Cups
Mammoth Mountain is one of the best places to visit in California in winter, but if you’re a winter sports lover, you’re going to want to book your trip for early February. From January 31 to February 4, many of the greatest skiers and snowboarders in the world will come here to compete in the Toyota US Grand Prix Slopestyle and Halfpipe World Cups. You may just be watching a future Olympic champion!
4. Pebble Beach Pro-Am
Pebble Beach is known for its golf courses all year round, but what makes it one of the best California destinations in February is its legendary AT&T Pebble Beach Pro-Am.
Also running from January 31 to February 4, this tournament will have you watch teams of professionals and celebrities compete on the stunning greens of Pebble Beach Golf Links and Spyglass Hill Golf Course. Just some of the many celebs who have played in this historic tournament include Bill Murray, Jason Bateman, and Will Arnett.
5. San Francisco’s Chinese New Year Festival
San Francisco’s Chinatown is where you’ll find the biggest Chinese New Year party outside of China, which is why immersing yourself in the lively events of the Chinese New Year Festival & Parade is one of the best things to do in California in February. Events run all throughout February and even into March.
The Flower Market Fair kicks things off on February 3, and the festival closes out on March 3 with the Chinatown YMCA Run/Walk. In between, you’ll find plenty more events, including the parade itself, a basketball jamboree, and a street fair.
6. Costa Mesa’s UVSA Tết Festival
In early February, you’ll find the largest Vietnamese Lunar New Year Festival in the US in Costa Mesa. The UVSA Tết Festival is one of the best California destinations in February if you want to surround yourself with beautiful cultural displays and unique and fun activities.
Share in Vietnamese culture, food, and entertainment as you celebrate the new year. Learn about Vietnamese traditions at the Cultural Village, watch the crowning of Miss Vietnam of Southern California, see a spectacular firecracker show, and much more.
7. San Diego for Mardi Gras
San Diego has so much going on in February that it had to land on this list twice! Mardi Gras is one of the best times of year to visit California, particularly San Diego’s Gaslamp Quarter, the festivities of which are said to rival those over in New Orleans.
You’ll join in with thousands of other revelers as you take to the streets in celebration, listening to live music, bar hopping, enjoying Creole treats, and partying all night long.
8. Indio for the Riverside County Fair & National Date Festival
When you hear Coachella, the first thing that comes to mind is likely the famous music festival, but perhaps what should come to mind are dates. The region is home to about 250,000 date palms, and dates were essentially what put Coachella on the map!
To celebrate these little fruits and what they did for the region, Indio puts on a festival in their honor running from mid-to-late February for 10 days each year called the Riverside County Fair & National Date Festival.
And the festival just keeps on growing. In addition to exhibits related to all things dates, you’ll also find live entertainment, the Date Festival Queen coronation, tons of rides, and much more.
9. Yosemite Firefall at Yosemite National Park
During most of the year, Horsetail Fall in Yosemite National Park is one of the least impressive waterfalls in the park. But visiting it is easily one of the coolest things to do in California in February if you’re arriving later in the month.
From mid-to-late February, the sunset lights up the water, making it glow orange and turn into what’s called the Yosemite Firefall. Keep in mind that, because of how rare this happens and how many people want to see it, you’ll need reservations to get into the park come the end of February.
10. Santa Barbara’s International Film Festival
Running for 11 days at the beginning of February, the Santa Barbara International Film Festival makes this seaside town one of the best places to visit in California in winter.
This film festival, which brings together stories from different regions all over the world, showcases more than 200 films, as well as panels where you can hear from some of cinema’s greatest and up-and-coming stars.
11. Lodi’s Wine and Chocolate Festival
California has a lot of towns with incredible wineries, and Lodi is one that’s too often forgotten. But with the Lodi Wine & Chocolate Festival, this charming town becomes one of the best places to visit in February.
Running the first weekend in February, this festival allows you to sip your way around more than 50 participating wineries, with wines paired perfectly with locally made chocolate treats.
12. Ripon’s Almond Blossom Festival
Come February, the almond blossoms are in bloom, painting the town of Ripon white and pink. You can join in the celebration by taking part in the annual Almond Blossom Festival, which is the last full weekend of February.
Events will be happening all weekend long, including the Almond Blossom Parade, the Miss Almond Blossom coronation, a carnival, and a vendor fair.
13. Cali Vibes in Long Beach
From February 16 to February 18, Long Beach is home to Cali Vibes and is one of the best places to visit in California in February. This festival is filled with good vibes, great music, and tons of fun. Performers range from reggae acts to rappers to rock stars, so there’s a little something for everyone, though the vibes, food, and ambiance are very reggae-inspired.
14. Modernism Week Palm Springs
Palm Springs is known for its unique modernist architecture. Though seeing these midcentury modern designs anytime is a fun thing to do on a California vacation, the arrival of Modernism Week is what makes Palm Springs one of the best places to be when visiting California in February.
Modernism Week is a bit of a misnomer, as it’s actually 11 days long. During the festival, there are over 350 events, including Signature Home Tours, Architectural Bus Tours, film showcases, a vintage travel trailer exhibition, nightly parties, and much more.
15. San Simeon for Seal Breeding Season
February falls in the middle of elephant seal breeding season, which means it’s prime time to see these massive marvels come ashore. If you’re in California in February, take a drive over to San Simeon, where you’ll find the Piedras Blancas Rookery, which offers a viewing area to see the seals, as well as knowledgeable experts who can tell you more about them.
There you have it! The 15 best things to do in California in February. What’s your favorite thing to do while visiting California in February? Let us know in the comments!
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