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 this February in San Diego.
1. Learn about our wonderful city at 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. One such exhibition is now open in the San Diego History Center: Nathan Harrison, Born a Slave, Died A San Diego Legend. The exhibition is currently available virtually We expect to soon see more, as February gets closer!
2.Enjoy a magical Candlelight concert
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. Sit back while enjoying music from some of the county’s finest musicians. On February 16th, celebrate (a slightly late) Valentine’s Day with our special, where you can expect to hear Lady Gaga’s Shallow, Celine Dion’s My Heart Will Go On, Elton John’s Your Song, and many more. Grab your tickets here.
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 going you through the Historic Gaslamp quarter, San Diego Bay, and Balboa Park. Get your tickets here, starting at $80.
4. Celebrate Galentine’s Day with your besties
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 has half priced bottles on Thursdays, and live music, which sounds like loads of fun! Last year they threw a party for this occasion too – we’re keeping an eye on their socials. They’re currently closed for renovations, but we’re hoping they’ll be back for the occasion.
Alternatively, you can celebrate this special days with the girls on the water! Cruise on a gondola in Coronado, on February 13, with max. 5 of your girlfriends, for the price of 2! Each cruise is 50 minutes long, and drinks are available for purchase on board. More info here.
5. Check out the African-American Festival
On February 22 and 23, 2025, come and celebrate Black History Month at the African-American Festival! The festival features an array of outstanding performances, such as hip-hop and breakdancing! You’ll experience enriching cultural displays, delicious foods, live music, shows, storytelling 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 AM to 5 PM, and it will be free with general admission to the aquarium. This is a must-do item this February in San Diego!
6.Enjoy a 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.
7. Go “Oh my God, look!” at 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. Our favorite part is the Africa Tram Tour, a whistle-stop jaunt through the African savannah – you’ll get to see giraffes, rhinos, and gazelles!
8.Make the most out of 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, historic sites, gardens, zoos, aquariums and more are participating this year! The 36th annual Museum Month is sure to be a fantastic experience, with all of these cultural spots offering 50% off. All you need is a Museum Month Pass to enjoy the saving and knowledge. They now also have a digital version!
9. Escondido Chocolate Festival
The Escondido Chocolate Festival combines all things chocolate and beverage pairings, perfect for a romantic date or girls night out. On February 15, 2025, between 12 PM – 5 PM, head to Grand Avenue in Historic Downtown Escondido. 20+ vendors and restaurants will be offering beverage and chocolate pairing specials, like wine and craft beers. Plan quick! This sells out every year.
10. 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 animals, since there are more than 70 beautiful miles of coastline directly in their migration path.
11. Have so much fun at San Diego Mardi Gras Fat Tuesday Celebration
Come and celebrate all things Mardi Gras on February 28, 2025, 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 Gaslamp into French Quarter. Your tickets will include 8 welcome shots, and access to over 15 amazing parties, along the famous 5th Ave. The tour starts at American Junkie, an for an extra $5, you can enjoy unlimited tacos here – you know, to start the night right. Grab your ticket here and don’t miss this unique party this February in San Diego!
*2 more such events will take place in March!
12. Watch the latest movie – or a classic – at Cinema Under the Stars
Cinema Under The Stars is a San Diego institution. During the past years, this time of the month, they screened fantastic films such as The Grand Budapest Hotel, a breathtakingly beautiful Wes Anderson film, or One Night in Miami. They’ve yet to announce February’s films, but we’re sure they won’t disappoint!
13. Check out the Annual San Diego International Jewish Film Festival
From January 27 to February 8, 2025, San Diegans can catch some fantastic movies at the 35th Annual San Diego International Jewish Film Festival. You’ll be able to watch movies both in person and virtually. This is the largest Jewish cultural event in San Diego, giving also the opportunity to create conversation and community. The in-person screenings will take place at the JCC’s David & Dorothea Garfield Theatre.
14. Be amazed at San Diego Bird Festival
From February 26, 2025, bird lovers will be treated to an exquisite event: the San Diego’s Bird Festival! This is a premier celebration of the wild birds, habitats, and bird-friendly people. You can observe migratory, resident, and endemic bird species, and deepen (or build) your knowledge about these amazing creatures. The festival will take place at the Marina Village Conference Center.
15.Start every weekend right at the Old Town Harney Street Market
This 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 10 AM and lasts until 4 PM, every Saturday and Sunday. There will be delicious food and (sometimes) live music to really set the weekend mood.
16. Don’t miss Broken Yolks For Car Show Folks
Enjoy 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, raffles, and of course, trophies. This will be a great spot to learn more about your favorite cars and maybe discover a new one. It’s $25 to register as participant, and free for spectators. It takes place on February 22, 2025, between 8 AM – 2 PM, at Broken Yolks Cafe in El Cajon.
Here you go! There are so many things to do this February in San Diego – pick your favorite activity.