These 3 sunny getaways are California’s top destinations for February

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Although snow still falls in March in many states, February is the unofficial end of winter in many of our minds.

That said, you still have about a month and a half to soak up the winter sun instead of shoveling your driveway or lighting the fireplace at home.

What’s the fun in that when you can relax on the West Coast coast or sip cocktails under the palm trees on trendy restaurant patios?

Experts at To go (formerly Scott’s Cheap Flights) have put together an insightful list of the best destinations in the US for February.

Since your boy (me!) is Travel Off Path’s designated West Coast expert and a SoCal native, we picked the top 3 California getaways to cap off winter before the spring break crowds roll in.

According to Going, these are the top 3 vacation destinations in California in February:

3) Santa Barbara: an idyllic retreat from the hustle and bustle of Hollywood

Santa Barbara has prime real estate, away from the hustle and bustle of LA. Located northwest, beyond the chaos of Santa Monica and the charred remains of Malibu, which has yet to make significant progress in rebuilding, there may be no better place to kick back and relax on SoCal’s quintessential coastline.

As Going puts it, Santa Barbara combines “Mediterranean charm with the beauty of the California coast.” Couldn’t have said it better myself…

While this beloved beach paradise is undeniably luxurious, it’s not Beverly Hills, La Jolla or celebrity-studded Montecito, where everyone seems to be drinking wine with their pinkies flapping in the wind.

You will find down-to-earth residents, a charming cityscape and of course beautiful coastlines – some of them big hotels like Harbor view innwith both a beautiful waterfront and a dazzling mountain backdrop.

Even in February, Santa Barbara has mild weather, suitable for long walks or sun-drenched beach days. Best of all, it’s even easier to get to now that five airlines offer it new flights in 2026.

2) Palm Springs: one of the few desert cities worth a visit

As Vegas tourism declines, some travelers may wonder if another desert city is worth it.

As someone who just got home from Palm Springs, I can attest that Palm Springs is a beautiful city full of magnetizing retro vibes, fun bars along the main downtown strip, and luxury hotels like my new favorite place to stay. Palm Mountain Resort & Spajust steps away from the action.

You just missed the Palm Springs International Film Festival, but what you can look forward to is no better place in California’s vast desert for winter sun: 68 degrees is different here and feels more like the 80s when you’re lounging by the pool.

No matter where you live, restaurant patios are probably off limits right now, but not here.

We especially liked Jimmy B’s Steakhouse, Las Casuelas Terraza, and Coachella Valley Brewing Co. as our new must-stops during a visit.

Just know that you will pay a little extra for food and drinks to cover the expensive rent downtown. Guacamole cost $16…

Besides being forced to spend money on food, the only other downside is the popular cable car that takes you 6,000 feet up to the San Jacinto mountains for supposedly breathtaking views.

A Wait 2 hours?! Come on now….

However, that is the only downside of Palm Springs. The city is incredibly vibrant, Calmand a real joy to discover, especially if you take Fido with you on trips.

Moreover, you don’t have to make the desert drive. You can fly directly to PSP from numerous US cities.

1) San Diego: “America’s Most Beautiful City,” even in February

San Diego can be translated in many different ways, thanks in large part to Ron Burgundy. But if there’s one name that sticks, it’s “America’s Finest City.”

I don’t say that because I’m a local, I say that because it’s a fact – and Going agrees.

While much of the US is dealing with ugly weather, San Diego’s gloomiest months are May and June (‘May Gray’ and ‘June Gloom’).

Temperatures hover around 66 degrees in February, perfect for a plethora of outdoor activities. Visit paradise beaches ranging from Coronado to Oceanside, or brave an epic hike to Potato Chip Rock.

If you have the new parking rules in Balboa Park you can enjoy the world famous San Diego Zoo – and believe me, winter is the best time to visit to avoid runny nosed kids during spring and summer break.

Outside of the expansive zoo grounds, Balboa Park feels like old world Mexico, with Spanish Revival architecture and large courtyards.

But it’s not just San Diego’s city limits that are a draw. There are plenty of beach towns making a name for themselves, especially Carlsbad, which was named the top destination in the world for 2026 by Travel + Leisure.

Sam Sears

Sam, our lead writer and San Diego-based journalist, has visited 36 countries and written more than 1,000 articles with an emphasis on sharing his own travel experiences and highlighting lesser-known gems.