10 Things to Do in San Diego in February

In February, San Diego comes alive with a series of must-see events. From exciting whale watching to vibrant Lunar Year celebrations, there are adventures for everyone.

Carla Yaquer

Carla Yaquer

10 min read

10 Things to Do in San Diego in February

vista de palmeras |©Lasse Rheingans

San Diego becomes a haven of excitement during the month of Valentine's Day. From magical whale watching in the Pacific waters to captivating safaris at the Safari Park Zoo, the city is full of opportunities for adventure, a family trip or a romantic getaway.

During this month you can join in the Lunar Year festivities, where culture and tradition come alive in a burst of color and celebration. Although, if you prefer an encounter with nature, bird watching is an unmissable experience. In addition, you will also have the opportunity to immerse yourself in the extravagant fun of the Mardi Gras celebration. February is an ideal month to explore, discover and enjoy to the fullest, and while it's hard to decide what are the best things to do and see in San Diego, I'll help you out with a summary.

1. Attend SeaWorld Mardi Gras

Mardi GRAS San Diego|©Bobby Ghoshal
Mardi GRAS San Diego|©Bobby Ghoshal

In February, when you buy your SeaWorld tickets you have the perfect opportunity to enjoy a festive experience in the best New Orleans style, full of colors, extravagant costumes and joy, during SeaWorld Mardi Gras.

Every year, besides seeing the park's regular shows like the DeepSEE VR experience, the Electric Eel, the visit to the marine fauna or the adrenaline jolt of its roller coaster, the last day of carnivals is celebrated in its facilities. During this day you can dance to live music, marvel at the creative costumes and indulge in the authentic flavors of Creole and Cajun food with a Mardi Gras twist.

Whether you're visiting San Diego as a tourist or a local resident, SeaWorld Mardi Gras offers a fun way to enjoy the culture and holiday spirit of the season. Keep an eye on the park' s calendar of activities and events to make sure you don't miss a thing, buy your costume and make this activity one of your February must-sees - Laissez le bon temps rouler!

Buy SeaWorld tickets

2. Take a tour of the best museums in San Diego

Comic-Con Museum|©vmcampos
Comic-Con Museum|©vmcampos

February is museum month in San Diego! So it's the perfect opportunity to explore the city's best museums at a great price. Imagine visiting more than 60 museums, historic sites, gardens, zoos and aquariums throughout San Diego County at an incredible discount of up to 50% off.

You'll have the opportunity to buy tickets to the USS Midway Museum and visit America's favorite aircraft carrier exhibit; dress up as your favorite superhero at the Comic-Con Museum; learn about the history of vehicles, surrounded by nearly a hundred of them, with the San Diego Automotive Museum Tickets

Every day in February, you can immerse yourself in a world of cultural experiences, making it ideal for those visiting San Diego in 7 days or more. Do you have a passion for virtual activities, behind-the-scenes tours or simply contemplating art and science? San Diego has it all - don't miss the opportunity to experience special moments that only Museum Month can provide!

Buy tickets to the USS Midway Museum

3. Participate in the San Diego TET Festival

Triple threat!|©Southern Sea
Triple threat!|©Southern Sea

During the San Diego TET Festival you will have the opportunity to appreciate the beauty of the peach blossom, traditional symbol of the festival, and taste the variety of authentic dishes such as their spring rolls or Bo Bia, classic soups such as Pho or Bún Cha and of course their traditional sweets. But what is this event all about? It is the celebration of the Vietnamese New Year, and in that culture that is synonymous with good food.

In addition, the festival also offers entertainment, games and activities for the whole family. Learn how to make origami, perform a lion dance, participate in their parades and enjoy a variety of cultural performances that will transport you directly to Vietnam.

This is an immersive event in one of the richest and oldest cultures in the world Where is the event? At Mira Mesa Community Park, 8575, New Salem St., you can get there with your ticket for the tourist streetcar or by public transportation. Beforehand, I recommend that you visit the San Diego TET Festival website to learn about their schedule of activities and get the most out of your visit.

Buy your ticket for the sightseeing trolley

4. Don't miss the whale watching activities

San Diego Whale Watching|©Ray Slick
San Diego Whale Watching|©Ray Slick

One of the most exciting experiences San Diego has to offer is an unforgettable whale watching cruise. Don't miss the opportunity to enter the Pacific waters and witness the majesty of these marine creatures in their natural habitat!

One of the most popular activities in February are boat trips to see these crustaceans. The reason? Because it is in full migration season for gray whales. There will be about 20,000 of them lining the coast so, it's the perfect time to sign up for the best cruises in San Diego.

The spectacle of watching these giant sea creatures swimming close to the bay is truly breathtaking and will connect you with the beauty of the ocean for 2-4 hours, depending on the cruise you choose.

In addition, during their approximately 10,000-mile round-trip journey, you may witness the birth of new ones off the coast of the city. Expert guides on board will provide you with fascinating information about whale life and behavior, making the experience educational and entertaining.

Book a Whale Watching Cruise

5. Take a safari at San Diego Zoo

San Diego Zoo|©Gerardo Espíndola
San Diego Zoo|©Gerardo Espíndola

In February, a recommended experience in San Diego is to attend the San Diego Zoo Safari Park for its various benefits. By purchasing your tickets to the San Diego Zoo during this month, you can access special Lunar New Year activities, opt for senior discounts and participate in Mardi Gras-themed activities. This makes the visit a highlight on the list of the best things to do in San Diego with kids.

The Zoo Safari Park allows you to get up close to a variety of animal species such as giraffes, rhinos, lions and more in an environment that promotes conservation and education. Explore the diversity of wildlife in spaces that simulate natural habitats.

If you're looking for an exciting activity in San Diego in February, the safari at the Safari Park Zoo is a must-see option.

Buy tickets for the San Diego Zoo

6. Enjoy a gastronomic tour on Valentine's Day

romantic couple at dinner|©cottonbro studio
romantic couple at dinner|©cottonbro studio

To celebrate the day of the naughty God, I invite you to pamper your partner's palate with a gastronomic tour.Book a gastronomic tour of the Gaslamp Quarter to celebrate Valentine's Day in a special way! This vibrant neighborhood is the perfect place to delight your senses with a culinary adventure.

Try the IPA beer, jumbo shrimp and ouzo saganaki at Meze Café and Grill; the golden hat at Rockin' Baja Lobster; the street food and signature cocktails offered by The Smoking Gun SD, and more.

In this area you'll find an array of restaurants with exquisite dishes prepared by talented chefs, expert pairings and irresistible desserts for that special day. Not for nothing is it one of the best gastronomic routes in San Diego.

The Gaslamp Quarter offers a hipster, on-trend atmosphere. The lively streets, historic architecture and culinary diversity combine to create the perfect setting. If you're looking for an original and delicious way to celebrate Valentine's Day in San Diego, this plan is worth checking out.

Book a food tour of the Gaslamp Quarter

7. Celebrate Lunar New Year in San Diego

SD Lunar New Year TeT Festival|©Rodger
SD Lunar New Year TeT Festival|©Rodger

Celebrate the Lunar New Year in San Diego and immerse yourself in the vibrant Asian culture. This holiday, also known as the Spring Festival, is one of the most important and colorful celebrations in Asia, and San Diego offers you the opportunity to enjoy it in its splendor.

During the Lunar New Year, the city dresses in red and gold to receive good fortune and prosperity. You can participate in parades full of floats and cultural performances, where dragon dancers will amaze you with their skill and grace. If you like to delve deeper into this art, you can even visit the Chinese Theater, included with the purchase of the San Diego Explorer Pass. In addition, you have the opportunity to take a gastronomic tour among numerous restaurants and street food stalls.

The Lunar New Year is a festival full of symbolism and ancient traditions. When is it celebrated? Between late January and early February. Be prepared to do your good luck rituals, such as releasing paper lanterns into the sky and burning fireworks to ward off evil spirits, or writing wishes on red paper and hanging them on the festival trees. Where is the date? Officer Jeremy Henwood Memorial Park, 4455 Wightman Street.

Buy the San Diego Explorer Pass

8. Participate in the San Diego Bird Festival

Birds in the Sunset|©Suzie's Farm
Birds in the Sunset|©Suzie's Farm

Come join the San Diego Bird Festival! The San Diego Audubon Society invites you in February to birdwatch at Silverwood Wildlife Sanctuary, one of the most beautiful and largest in the area thanks to its 317 acres where some 120 species have been spotted.

In a world dominated by social media and smart devices, birds remind us that there are real experiences waiting around every corner - you just need to look up! By attending this festival, you'll be supporting San Diego Audubon Society's education, conservation and sanctuary programs. Plus, in February the birds are migrating, so it's a great time to enjoy their company.

Where is the event? Marina Village Conference Center, 1936 Quivira Way.

9. Participate in the closing of the San Diego Black Film Festival

In-Room Meeting|©achrntatrps
In-Room Meeting|©achrntatrps

Attend the closing of the San Diego Black Film Festival, an annual event that culminates the first week of February. Get ready to soak in the energy of California's performing arts while celebrating diversity and creativity in the film industry. The festival becomes the epicenter of the best works by African American filmmakers, offering you an exciting cinematic experience that portrays the local and international scene.

The San Diego Black Film Festival features everything from documentaries, dramas, comedies to independent cinema, this event immerses you in a wide range of genres, ensuring there is something for everyone. The festival highlights talented directors, screenwriters and actors telling stories from diverse perspectives, bringing a breath of fresh air to the big screen.

Whether you're a film lover or just looking for an entertaining way to pass the time, the San Diego Black Film Festival is your chance to discover new voices and perspectives in the film industry. Don't forget to mark your calendar for the first few days of February. Check their page to follow the schedule of films they offer during the season of your trip.

10. Celebrate the African American Festival at Aquarium of the Pacific

African American heritage festival|©Joint Base Pearl Harbor-Hickam
African American heritage festival|©Joint Base Pearl Harbor-Hickam

Celebrate African American History Month with the San Diego African American Festival. This special event honors the rich culture and contributions of the African American community. If you're in San Diego in February, this festival is a must-see, and the venue is the Aquarium of the Pacific.

The San Diego African American Festival offers an experience loaded with music, art, delicious food and fun activities for all ages. Enjoy live concerts featuring a variety of genres such as jazz, blues, R&B and hip-hop. In addition, you can explore African American art exhibits and enjoy authentic soul cuisine.

This festival is also an opportunity to learn about the history and accomplishments of African American leaders and activists who have left a mark on society. You can participate in inspiring and educational talks and panel discussions. Admission to the festival is included with general admission to the Aquarium, and this in turn is part of the activities included in the San Diego Explorer Pass.

Buy the San Diego Explorer Pass

11. Get caught up in Super Bowl Fever

Super Bowl Seats|©gangsterofboats2003
Super Bowl Seats|©gangsterofboats2003

If there's one thing to do in San Diego at night in February, it's to get caught up in Super Bowl fever.

Immerse yourself in the excitement of soccer, gather with friends and enjoy the festive atmosphere while cheering on your favorite team at bars and special events throughout the city. Giant screens, delicious food and camaraderie make the Super Bowl an unforgettable experience.

Whether you're a passionate fan or just looking for a fun time, the Super Bowl in San Diego is the perfect excuse to share laughs and excitement with other sports fans. Plus, hopefully your stadium of choice is in the area.

12. Enjoy the San Diego International Jewish Film Festival

discussion|©NCJF Films
discussion|©NCJF Films

It's been more than 30 years since this event arrived in the city. San Diego's largest Jewish cultural event, the International Jewish Film Festival takes place the first two weeks of February.

This festival gives you the opportunity to see new stories of the Jewish community portrayed, explore different perspectives and enjoy films that you can watch both in person and virtually. In addition to screenings, there are panel discussions and special events where you can interact with filmmakers and experts. Where is the event? 4126 Executive Dr, La Jolla, La Jolla.