February is here and it is a beautiful time of year for us San Diegans. With Valentine’s Day, Black History Month, Museum Month, and so much more going on it’s a wonderful time to explore our beautiful city! We’ve selected 20 amazing things to do in San Diego this February.
1.San Diego History Center
As February is Black History Month, there are so many important exhibitions, talks, and events to learn more about the history of African Americans. Two such exhibitions now open in the San Diego History Center are Nathan Harrison, Rediscovering the Lost Shotgun , and Nathan Harrison, Born a Slave, Died A San Diego Legend. Both exhibitions are available virtually and at their center in Casa de Balboa in the heart of Balboa Park. Casa de Balboa is open Friday, Saturday, and Sunday from 11 am to 4 pm.
Location: 1649 El Prado, Suite #3 San Diego, CA 92101
2.Candlelight
There’s a special magic when attending an intimate musical experience, particularly if it’s by flickering candlelight. The Candlelight concerts in San Diego are an excellent way to get away from all the bustle of our everyday. There you’ll sit back while enjoying music from some of the county’s finest musicians in the country. On February 13th, get into the Valentine’s Day mood with Valentine’s Day Special ft. Romeo and Juliet at Adams Avenue Theater. On February 14, enjoy the magical Valentine’s Day Special featuring aerialists at the Joan B. Kroc Museum.
Check here for more shows:
Candlelight: Best of Joe Hisaishi
Location: Various
3. Guided E-Bike tour of San Diego
Head out to K Street and enjoy the weather as it warms up and heads out of winter into spring. This activity takes you on a guided bike tour for 2 and a half hours, starting at 330 K Street and taking you through the Historic Gaslamp quarter, San Diego Bay, and Balboa Park. Get your tickets here, starting at $80.
4.Galentine’s Day at Vin De Syrah
This season may be all about love, but that doesn’t always have to be romantic. If you’re single this year or simply don’t feel like celebrating Valentine’s in the traditional way, then why not have yourself a Galentine’s Day! Vin De Syrah is throwing a Mean Girls-themed Galentine’s Party on Feb 9th, and it’s free to RSVP. There will be many amazing vendors and activities like a henna artist, tarot card readings, loads of shopping, and rose and glitter cocktails!
Location: 901 Fifth Ave, San Diego, CA 92101
5. USS Midway Museum: Skip the Line Pass
Skip the line and get into the USS Midway Musuem faster with this special pass. Immerse yourself in 50 years of history on the longest-serving U.S. aircraft carrier, recognized as one of the biggest ships of the world.
6.African-American Festival
On February 24 & 25, come and celebrate Black History Month at the African-American Festival! The festival features an array of outstanding performances, such as Mardi Gras second-line dancers! That’s not the only musical performance; there’ll also be hip hop and break dancers, jazz musicians, and West African dancers. You’ll experience enriching cultural displays, delicious foods, and can even pick up a beautiful craft from the many vendors. The celebrations will take place at the Aquarium of the Pacific. On both days, the festival will last from 9:00 am–5:00 pm and it will be free with general admission to the aquarium.
Location: 100 Aquarium Way, Long Beach, CA 90802
7.Romantic picnic
San Diego is the perfect picnic city. There are so many gorgeous parks, beaches, and amazing spots to lay down a blanket and basket and enjoy delicious food as you take in the city’s stunning views. Check out our favorite spots here and be sure to enjoy your romantic Valentine’s picnic.
Location: Various
8. San Diego Safari Park
Not sure what to do on a free weekend? Explore one of the largest manmade safari parks in the world, with over 3,500 animals roaming 1,800 acres of authentic natural habitats.
9.Museum Month
It’s finally Museum Month again! This means it’s time to explore and learn from incredible exhibitions, cultural experiences, unique tours, and more magic museum moments! Over 70 museums are participating this year and offering half-price experiences, with sites in Tijuana/Baja being included for the very first time. The 35th annual Museum Month is sure to be a fantastic experience. All you need is a Museum Month Pass to enjoy the saving and knowledge, plus they now have a digital version that can be downloaded here.
Location: Various
10. Escondido Chocolate Festival
The Escondido Chocolate Festival combines all things chocolate and beverage pairings, perfect for a romantic date or girls night. On February 10th from 12-5pm, head to Maple Street Plaza where 20+ vendors and restaurants will be offering beverage and chocolate pairing specials.
Location: 485 S Coast Hwy 101, Encinitas CA 92024
11. Winter & Spring Gray Whale Watching
Did you know that over 20,000 gray whales make a 10,000-mile roundtrip from Alaska to Baja California each year? They travel to Baja to give birth to their calves in the warm Californian waters, so they grow strong enough to swim back north in the spring. This incredible distance of 10,000 miles demonstrates how amazing these animals are. February is an ideal month to see the whales since the peak time is between December and April. San Diegans have a first-row seat to watch these fantastic grey whales since there are more than 70 beautiful miles of coastline directly in their migration path.
12. San Diego Mardi Cras Fat Tuesday Celebration
Come and celebrate all things Mardi Gras on February 17, 18, and 321st, at the City’s longest-running Gaslamp Mardi Gras celebration! This event will have delicious New Orleans-inspired cocktails for you to enjoy and transform the Gaslamp into French Quarter. You can get your tickets here and gain entry to more than 10 award-winning bars, restaurants & clubs along the famous 5th Ave. Some of these spots include Tin Roof & and Whiskey Girl.
Location: 628 Fifth Avenue, San Diego, CA 92101
13. Cinema Under the Stars
Cinema Under The Stars is a San Diego institution, and last year this time of the month, they screened two fantastic films, The Grand Budapest Hotel, which is aWes Anderson film with one of the most breathtaking cinematography we’ve ever seen and One Night in Miami. They’ve yet to announce this month’s films but we’ll update you as soon as we know.
Location: 4040 Goldfinch St, San Diego, CA 92103
14. Annual San Diego International Jewish Film Festival
From January 31st to February 11th, San Diegans can catch some fantastic movies at The 34th Annual San Diego International Jewish Film Festival. This is the 34th year of the festival, and you’ll be able to watch movies both in person and virtually. This is the largest Jewish cultural event in San Diego. The in-person screenings will take place at the JCC’s David & Dorothea Garfield Theatre.
Location: 4126 Executive Dr, La Jolla, CA 92037
15. Watch Don Giovanni
The San Diego Opera is coming back in a big way! Starting on February 2 and 4, the new production of Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart’s “Don Giovanni” will be the company’s first staged indoor production since 2020.
Location: 1100 Third Ave, San Diego, CA 92101
16. Sweetheart Sail
Roses and chocolates are all well and good, but how about celebrating Valentine’s day on a spectacular sail? This three-hour adventure happens at various dates during the month so check their website for the full list.
Location: 1492 N Harbor Dr, San Diego, CA 92101
17. San Diego Bird Festival
From February 21st-25th, San Diegan bird lovers will be treated to San Diego’s Bird Festival! The festival will take place at the Marina Village Conference Center.
Location: 1936 Quivira Way, San Diego, CA 92109
18.
The Mermaid Half Marathon
San Diego’s mermaids are on dry land! This fun race is returning to San Diego’s Mission Bay. Runners can choose between a 5K, 10K, and Half Marathon. The spectacular views ocean views will keep you motivated till you reach the finish line! The race will be held on February 24.
Location: S Shores Park Dy, San Diego, CA 92109 (South Shores Parking Lot)
19. Old Town Saturday Market
The Old Town Saturday Market is a fabulous way to start any weekend. It is actually San Diego’s biggest weekly market where you can pick out beautiful artisanal goodies, such as jewelry, pottery, clothes, accessories, paintings, and more one-of-a-kind treats! The fun begins at 9 am and lasts until 3 pm. There will be delicious food and live music to really set the weekend mood!
Location: Old Town
20. Broken Yolks For Car Show Folks
Raise money for an incredible cause and help the Dallas Pugh Foundation on February 12 while enjoying a fantastic car show with both classic and new automobiles. The Broken Yolks for Car Show Folks will be a delightful event for car lovers of all ages. There will be tasty food, fun music, and of course, beautiful cars on display for you to admire. This will be a great spot to learn more about your favorite cars and maybe discover a new one.
Location: 2963 Jamacha RoadEl Cajon, CA, 92019United States