With the Super Bowl, Lunar New Year, Valentine’s Day, Black History Month, and the long-awaited return of Museum Month all happening this February, San Diego’s calendar is unusually full. If you’re looking for the best ways to spend it, we got you covered.
From cultural celebrations to big sports moments to romantic date ideas, here are the best things to do across America’s Finest City in February.
February is actually one of the best times to explore the many museums San Diego is home to. From art to history and everything in between, you’re almost guaranteed to find a new favorite Saturday afternoon spot. And if you’re convinced museums aren’t your thing, don’t worry – Museum Month also includes gardens, aquariums, historic sites, and more. This year’s edition is bigger than ever, with over 70 places to explore. Just pick up a Museum Month pass at any San Diego City or County Public Library and enjoy half-off admission the month of February!
Warner Bros. Discovery Global Experiences and Candlelight are bringing the magic of Middle-earth to life with Candlelight: The Lord of the Rings — a classical music concert. This journey features a string quartet performing iconic scores from the beloved movies: The Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring, The Lord of the Rings: The Two Towers, and The Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King.
You’ll be surrounded by thousands of candles as you revisit epic themes. Tickets are now on sale and going fast, so grab yours below! This special show will happen twice throughout February.
Enjoy Lunar New Year celebrations this February in San Diego
Welcome the Year of the Fire Horse, which begins February 17, with one of the many celebrations throughout San Diego.
- SeaWorld San Diego has 8 days of festive performances, vibrant decor, and traditions that honor energy, independence, and new beginnings. It’s happening Saturdays and Sundays, between January 31 and February 16 – with bonus celebrations on February 13 and February 16.
- City Heights puts on an authentic, community-rooted, celebration at Officer Jeremy Henwood Memorial Park. Expect amazing street food, a massive lion dance lineup, and loads of fun.
- Tết Festival takes place between February 20 and 22 at the NTC Park (Liberty Station), and it’s free to attend. Expect live music, dance battles, Taiko drums, lion dancing, a petting zoo for the little ones, and more.
Fire Horses (1966, 2026) are dynamic, self-reliant, and bold. They naturally step into leadership roles, driven by intense passion and determination. Known for embracing risk, Fire Horses flourish when faced with challenges and pursue their ambitions with confidence and enthusiasm.
‘The Art of Banksy: Without Limits’ exhibition is open now through mid-April, bringing over 200 works by the anonymous artist Banksy to San Diego. One of the most comprehensive showcases of his work to date, it features certified originals as well as photographs, sculptures, installations, murals, and mixed media pieces. If you’ve been looking for a chance to experience the breadth of Banksy’s influence in one place, this is it. Tickets are available below.
Catch February’s Snow Moon
Grab your sweaters (or light jackets): the Snow Moon is rising on February 1st, and you don’t wanna miss it. While the moon officially reaches its peak illumination around 2 PM, don’t bother looking up then, as it will still be below the horizon. The real show starts just after sunset! Ready to be amazed? Check this article to find out why it’s called a Snow Moon, and when & where to catch it.
Plan a dreamy Valentine’s Day (or a cute day/night out just because)
February is Valentine’s month, but you don’t need a holiday to plan something romantic in San Diego.
From gondola rides near Coronado and live jazz performances to sunset cruises along the Pacific, the city is full of unexpectedly intimate date ideas. We put together a few guides for romantic things to do in San Diego this month, whether you’re celebrating on the 14th or just feel like making a Tuesday special.
10 Amazing Spots For A Romantic Valentine’s Day Picnic
10 Lovely Ways To Celebrate Valentine’s Day In San Diego
12 Date Ideas In San Diego That Aren’t Just Grabbing A Drink
LA-based wine bar, Bacari, opens in San Diego this February
North Park locals, we’ve got some great news. The space that once housed Urban Solace, our beloved neighborhood restaurant that closed in 2019, will finally have new owners. Bacari, the popular wine bar known for its small Mediterranean plates and already beloved by Los Angelenos with 8 locations, is coming to San Diego. This marks their very first outpost outside of LA, so let’s be sure to give them a warm welcome.
Robert Kronfli (co-owner) told SD magazine: “Because North Park is already a New Orleans–style building, I’m not going to change that. I’m probably going to give it [more] New Orleans flair.” Bacari is set to open in February.
Plan for a mini trip to Palm Springs for the Desert Smash 2026
Trade the San Diego coast for the Coachella Valley heat at the 22nd annual Desert Smash. This celebrity pro-am blends world-class tennis and pickleball with Hollywood flair, featuring intense matches between tennis icons and global superstars. Beyond the court, there’s high-end hospitality and a party atmosphere that serves as the unofficial kickoff to the desert’s tennis season – all while benefiting the USTA Foundation. The event takes place at the beginning of March (2-3), but tickets are already up for grabs here.
Super Bowl LX kicks off on February 8, and San Diego has plenty to do for game day, whether you’re cheering on the Seahawks or the Patriots, or just waiting for Bad Bunny’s halftime show.
Sports bars and breweries across the city are hosting watch parties, from Brewery X in Point Loma to Wicked West’s PERREOBOWL: Big Game Watch Party, featuring two 20-foot LED walls, surround sound, an open bar, all-you-can-eat buffet, and two rooms of live DJs. Here’s our roundup of the best spots to catch the game.
Catch a really great concert in the city
February brings a solid concert lineup through San Diego. Catch Cat Power performing The Greatest on its 20th anniversary tour at Observatory North Park, or throw it back at Valentine’s Super Love Jam ’26 at Pechanga Arena with Blackstreet, Baby Bash, Frankie J, MC Magic, Rose Royce, OG Mary Jane Girls, Heatwave, and The Floaters. It’s a good month for both nostalgia and indie classics.
Meet up with fellow nature lovers at the San Diego Bird Festival
Starting February 25, San Diego hosts its annual Bird Festival, and no, it’s not just for bird experts – though a little nature curiosity helps. The festival draws enthusiasts from around the country for guided walks, bay cruises, and photography workshops during peak migration season. It’s a cute way to get outside and learn something new, with field trips to coastal, mountain, and desert habitats. The 2026 edition runs Feb. 25 to Mar. 1 at Marina Village on Mission Bay, with workshops, keynotes, and an exhibit hall. Some events at the San Diego Bird Festival are free, while guided trips require registration.
Go whale watching during the “southbound sprint” this February
Gray Whales are unique among whales, as they’re the only species adapted to feed in shallow coastal waters. San Diego is especially lucky when it comes to spotting them, thanks to our position along a key bend in the migration route towards the warm lagoons of Baja. Through the end of February, the “southbound sprint” is underway, with pregnant females and males moving quickly past landmarks like the Point Loma Kelp Beds on their way to Mexico. Don’t miss this treat!
Cheer on the San Diego Gulls Hockey club team
Gulls nights are still a great idea if you’re looking for a sports event that gives you max bang for your buck. They’re affordable, loads of fun, and their special nights are not to miss.
In February, catch Women in Sports Night, Gulls Global Games (pregame tailgate), and 10-Year Anniversary Celebration. Catch you at the rink!
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A retro-futurist hideaway with records, taps, and happy hour deals. What more could you want? If you’re looking for a new night-out spot to add to your February lineup, Timestead is Gaslamp Quarter’s new Modern Times venue combining a vinyl record shop with a retro-futurist bar atmosphere. The bar also has great Happy Hour deals, and discounts for neighbors!
Good news, strawberry lovers: San Diego’s favorite red gems are back! After a winter of waiting for that sun-ripened sweetness, the first signs of strawberry season have arrived. Our favorite local, family-owned farm, The Carlsbad Strawberry Company, has officially kicked off its 2026 season. The stand is open from 9 AM to 4:30 PM, while supplies last!
However, the U-Pick fields are not open yet…we’ll have to wait until March for that experience.