February in California offers its own form of early spring: Wildflowers start to bloom in the desert, fruit and nut trees blossom all over the Central Valley, and the mysterious “firefall” at Yosemite National Park. February also brings the first Free Entrance Day of 2026 at the national parks—Feb. 16.
The shortest month of the year is action-packed around the Golden State. You can enjoy wine-and-chocolate pairings at a longtime festival, watch celebrities play golf, and catch Oscar contenders at buzzy film festivals. Here are more than 20 reasons to plan a Golden State getaway in February.
All Month: Black History Month
Plan a trip around the museums, monuments, and events that celebrate African-American history this month. In Los Angeles, check out the current exhibits at the California African American Museum or listen to speakers at the Los Angeles Black History Month Festival (Feb. 21) at the La Brea Tar Pits.
In San Francisco, explore the city’s African-American Freedom Trail, which includes stops at the Museum of the African Diaspora, The MLK Memorial, and a statue of Willie Mays, as well as many great Black-owned restaurants, bakeries, and shops. You can also support these notable Black-owned businesses across California throughout the year.
All Month: Lunar New Year Festivities
The Year of the Horse begins on Feb. 17, but the parties and parades will start a little early and continue through well into March around California. The Vietnamese community in Orange County, for instance, celebrates its USVA Tet Festival from Feb. 13–15 in Garden Grove.
San Francisco kicks off its festivities on Feb. 14, with its two-day Flower Market Fair selling seasonal flowers, plants, and festive foods associated with good luck and prosperity. Then, save the date for the huge Alaska Airlines Chinese New Year Festival & Parade on Mar. 7—the world’s biggest Chinese New Year party outside of China.
Some Golden State theme parks throw their own parties. SeaWorld San Diego hosts a celebration (Jan. 31–Feb. 16) with special menus, strolling characters, and live performances, while Disneyland Resort celebrates through Feb. 22 with the Mulan’s Lunar New Year Procession parade, the nighttime water show Hurry Home—A Lunar New Year Celebration, nighttime water show, and limited-time cuisine and merchandise.
Northern California
Jan. 30–Feb. 8: Seafood & Sips, Mendocino
Winter is high season for fresh crabs in Mendocino. This 10-day seafood-fest includes a Crabcake Cook-Off, a cioppino dinner, and an afternoon dedicated to pairings of sparkling wines and oysters.
All Month: A Romantic Sparkling Lunch at Chandon, Napa
Take your valentine to this Napa Valley winery for a romantic lunch where each course is complemented by different sparkling wines created by Chandon. A bonus: the winery’s expansive garden views. Check out the other tasting experiences, too, including the family-friendly Togetherness Lunch.
Feb. 2–8: Super Bowl Week, San Francisco Bay Area
Whether or not you are going to the big game at Levi’s Stadium on Feb. 8, you can take part in the festivities across the Bay Area. The week kicks off on Feb. 2 with the free-admission Super Bowl Opening Night Fueled by Gatorade at San Jose’s Convention Center, featuring appearances by players and coaches.
From Feb. 3–7, Yerba Buena Gardens in San Francisco will be the site of the Bay Area Host Committee’s Fan Zone, where you can watch live performances and check out interactive exhibits.
Head next door to the Moscone Center, which is home of the Super Bowl Experience presented by Jersey Mike's (Feb. 3–7) to play games, shop, and check out the Vince Lombardi Trophy. For access to many of these events, register online using the NFL OnePass app. Check out more info on taking part in the Super Bowl Week festivities.
Starting early February: Almond Blossom Cruise, Modesto
Embark on your own self-guided drive to see Modesto’s flowering almond orchards, which start blooming in February. Along the way, stop at spots such as Oakdale Cheese & Specialties, Rodin Ranch, and shops where you can peruse all things almond—including milkshakes, brittle, and chocolate-covered.
Consider a package that includes your hotel and a tour, or download the audio tour to drive yourself.
Starting mid-February: Fresno Blossom Trail, Fresno County
From mid-February until late March, Fresno County’s fruit and nut orchards pop with a blaze of pink-and-white blossoms. Drive the 60-mile route yourself, or take part in festivities, such as the weekend excursions on the Blossom Trail Train.
Mid- to late February: Yosemite Firefall, Yosemite National Park
For about two weeks every February, the setting sun reflects off the waters of Horsetail Fall in Yosemite National Park, creating the twilight illusion of fire cascading down El Capitan. This year, the national park’s experts are predicting a date range roughly from Feb. 8–23.
This phenomenon always draws crowds, so if you want to go, please do so responsibly—check out these tips on how to see the Firefall.
Feb. 13–16: Cloverdale Citrus Fair, Cloverdale
In the 19th century, the Sonoma County town of Cloverdale was lined with sawmills and citrus groves. Today, it hosts a nostalgic fair that offers plenty of classic rides and food along with citrus-based treats, orange-juicing contests, and a “citrus art” contest. This year’s fair includes a salute to America’s 250th anniversary.
Feb. 14–15: Lodi Wine & Chocolate Weekend, Lodi
Celebrate your love—or just your love of wine and chocolate—at this annual weekend that pairs sweets with Lodi’s big, bold Zinfandels. Saturday features self-guided winery tours and treats at more than 30 participating wineries and Sunday offers a Winemaker’s Toast with tastings and small bites at Wine & Roses Hotel, Restaurant and Spa. Winery participants include Mettler Family Vineyards, GoodMills Family Winery, and Bokisch Vineyards
Feb. 14–15: International White Wine Festival, Anderson Valley
Taste the Anderson Valley white wines that put this Mendocino County wine region on the map: Alsace-style varietals such as Gewürztraminer, Pinot Gris, and Riesling. The weekend includes a Grand Tasting on Saturday at the Mendocino County Fairgrounds, followed by winery open houses on Sunday. Participating wineries and producers include Domaine Anderson, Navarro Vineyards, and Pennyroyal Farm.
Feb. 20–Mar. 1: SF Beer Week, San Francisco
Beer nerds will delight in these events at breweries around San Francisco and the surrounding Bay Area, including Silicon Valley and the East Bay. The event’s website will list up-to-date activities as they develop, such as release parties, trivia nights, pinball parties, and food pairings. The kickoff, however, will be SFBW Fest on Feb. 21 at San Francisco’s Salesforce Park.
Feb. 21–22: Clam Chowder Cook-Off, Santa Cruz
This competition on the boardwalk in Santa Cruz, featuring both professional chefs and amateurs, boasts of being the longest-running clam chowder contest in the U.S. Admission to the Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk is free, and your event ticket grants you six tasting tickets and a ballot to vote in the people’s choice awards. Amateurs cook on Saturday, and pros on Sunday.
Feb. 21–22: Capay Valley Almond Parade & Festival, Yolo County
This almond-themed festival in Yolo County dates back to 1915. Check out the pink blossoms lighting up the local almond groves, watch the parade, then enjoy goodies at the almond-themed bake-off.
Feb. 22: Almond Blossom Run, Durham
See the almond blossoms in Butte County on this fun run through blooming orchards. Choose from a 5K or 10K, as well as a virtual run. Afterward, taste another local crop—grapes—in the nearby Durham Wine District.
Feb. 23–March 1: Sonoma County Restaurant Week, Sonoma County
Taste your way through Sonoma County’s foodie haven by way of special prix fixe dinners and deals that range from $6 Sweet Treats to $70 dinners for four. Participants include Spoonbar in Healdsburg and the nearby Rooftop at Harmon Guest House.
Feb. 27–March 1: California International Antiquarian Book Fair, San Francisco
Pier 27 along San Francisco’s Embarcadero will host one of the world’s largest antiquarian book fairs. The gathering boasts nearly 200 booksellers offering up manuscripts, children’s books, ephemera, and even “incunabula” literature (meaning books printed before 1501). Note: Students with a valid ID get free admission to the book fair.
February 27: St. Helena Mustard Celebration, St. Helena
This time of year is mustard season in Napa Valley’s St. Helena, as mustard blossoms start dotting the landscape. Come to the St. Helena Welcome Center to admire the mustard-inspired photography and enjoy seasonal treats from Roman Holiday Gelato and Sam’s General Store.
Feb 28: Alpenglow Demo Day, Palisades Tahoe
If you enjoy backcountry snow sports such as alpine touring, telemarking, or splitboarding, head to this well-known demo day that also includes avalanche education, guided tours, and a huge raffle. Admission is free for anyone who has a Palisades Tahoe lift ticket and parking reservation for that weekend.
Feb. 28: Winter Wine Adventure, Placerville
Combine wine tastings, small bites, and a scavenger hunt during this weekend in El Dorado County. Taste your way through eight boutique wineries along Placerville’s Carson Road, known for its Zinfandel, Barbera, Syrah, and Rhône varietals.
Central California
Feb. 4–14: Santa Barbara International Film Festival, Santa Barbara
Hollywood A-listers love getaways to Santa Barbara, and this prestigious annual festival with 200-plus films, tributes, and panels gives anyone extra incentive. This year’s honorees include Adam Sandler, Stellan Skarsgård, Michael B. Jordon, Sydney Sweeney, and more. Choose from different levels of tickets and passes to attend various screenings and special events. The film lineup will be announced Jan. 14.
Feb. 10–12: World Ag Expo, Tulare
Learn about California’s wide and diverse agricultural community at this giant trade show in Tulare County that also has a visitor-friendly fun: Check out the livestock farm equipment, eat from the food vendors, or enjoy pairings at the Wine and Cheese Pavilion. Add on tours of dairies, wineries, and almond or citrus farms.
Feb. 12–15: AT&T Pebble Beach Pro-Am, Pebble Beach
Watch as an all-star lineup of top golfers and A-list celebrities take to the manicured, ocean-hugging greens of Spyglass Hill and other classic courses along the Monterey Peninsula. As of press time the roster of celebrities was still pending but past attendees have included Jason Bateman, Darius Rucker, and chef Thomas Keller.
Feb. 13–16: Whiskey Flat Days, Kernville
When this Kern County town was first settled during the Gold Rush, it went by the name of Whiskey Flat. It took on the more respectable name of Kernville in 1864, but the town still celebrates its wilder days at this annual festival held every Presidents Day weekend, which includes a parade, a rodeo, carnival rides, and period costume and “whiskerino” contests.
Feb. 17: Film N’ Feast at the Dolphin Bay Resort, Pismo Beach
Celebrate Mardi Gras at this Pismo Beach hotel that has a flair for special dinners and holiday festivities. This Fat Tuesday, the hotel’s Lido Restaurant will offer live jazz, special cocktails, and a six-course Creole dinner alongside a screening of Disney’s The Princess and the Frog. Pack your best purple—Mardi Gras attire is encouraged.
Southern California
Jan. 31–Feb. 1: Temecula Valley Wines Barrel Tasting Weekend, Temecula
Sample newly released wines along with the unfinished barrel and tank batches from dozens of wineries at this annual event in Temecula Valley. Each one-day ticket includes a one-time visit to each participating winery, and tastings typically include light bites as well.
Grapeline Tours offers packages that include all-day transportation to the wineries and pickups at local hotels.
Jan. 31–Feb. 22: Knott’s Peanuts Celebration, Buena Park
The Buena Park theme park salutes the Peanuts gang this month: See Snoopy and friends in live shows, then take part in activities such as cartoon-sketching classes, a silent disco, and lots of character meet-and-greets. Runs on weekends plus Presidents Day through Feb. 22.
All Month: San Diego Museum Month
San Diego has a treasure trove of museums—from the Fleet Science Center to the floating Maritime Museum of San Diego.
Throughout February, pick up a printed or digital pass (available at San Diego city and county libraries) to get half off entry at more than 70 of them, including the Comic-Con Museum, the Mingei International Museum, the Museum of Us, and the San Diego Model Railroad Museum. Note that a few museums have rules about which days the passes can be used.
Feb. 1: Surf City USA Marathon & Half Marathon, Huntington Beach
Choose from the marathon, half marathon, or 5K at this event along the Pacific Coast Highway in Huntington Beach. The marathon is a qualifier for the Boston Marathon, but you can also draw motivation from the scenic and flat route that passes the Huntington Beach Pier and features live bands cranking out the tunes to energize the runners. To warm up, do the 1-mile, soft-sand Beach Mile run on Saturday, Jan. 31.
Feb. 1: Griffith Park Run, Los Angeles
Choose from two routes at this fun run that benefits the Los Angeles Parks Foundation. The half-marathon covers all the main trails of Griffith Park—passing landmarks such as the zoo and its Autry Museum of the American West—while the scenic 5K route is flat and shaded, running alongside the golf course. All participants get a medal, t-shirt, and access to food trucks plus raffle prizes after the runs.
Feb. 2–7: Laguna Beach Music Festival, Laguna Beach
Enjoy the music presented by the Philharmonic Society of Orange County and Laguna Beach Live at this weeklong event in the arts-loving beach town. The full lineup of classical and contemporary concerts was still in the works at press time, but this year’s concerts feature one of the nation’s most acclaimed violinists, Stefan Jackiw.
Feb. 12–22: Palm Springs Modernism Week, Palm Springs
The desert city celebrates its midcentury modern architecture during this annual festival of tours, exhibits, and cocktail parties. This year’s home tours include classic neighborhoods such as Raquet Club Estates and Vista Las Palmas. While many of the activities are films, presentations, or bus or walking tours, there are other unique experiences like bike rides, mahjong workshops, and cocktail-making classes.
Feb. 12–March 1: Riverside County Fair and National Date Festival, Indio
Festival food is accented with local dates at Riverside County’s fair, located in the Coachella Valley, and kicks off with the annual blessing of the beloved local crop. Activities include concerts, midway rides, and competitions—such as monster trucks, camel races, and, of course, recipes using dates.
Feb. 19–22: Genesis Invitational, Los Angeles
Tiger Woods’ PGA golf tournament returns this year to the Riviera Country Club in Los Angeles’ Pacific Palisades, after having to move last year due to the 2025 wildfires. The course has special meaning for Woods, as this is where he made his tour debut as a 16-year-old. Check the latest on this year’s lineup—elite players are invited based on the top 50 players in the prior season’s FedExCup points list.
Feb. 19–25: Slamdance Film Festival, Los Angeles
See the work of emerging artists at this festival of feature films, documentaries, and shorts held at two theaters in West Hollywood. This year’s spotlight films include a documentary about the stolen ruby slippers from The Wizard of Oz and the film The Projectionist, produced by Quentin Tarantino.
Your $50 pass grants you access to any screenings and offers some bragging rights too: The festival is a qualifier for nominees in short films for both the BAFTAs and Academy Awards.
Feb. 21–22: Riverside Dickens Festival, Riverside
Immerse yourself in Victorian culture and the work of the British author at this annual festival held in Riverside’s White Park. There are readings, discussions, characters, and events such as An Evening in a Victorian Pub, where you can watch Pickwick on trial or take part in a game of “throwing bones” with Miss Havisham. Don your Victorian or steampunk cosplay and feast on meat pies, scones, and plenty of tea. This year’s literary discussions will focus in part on Dickens’ Oliver Twist.