The Best Places To Visit in California in February

February in California has a quieter, more spacious feel, with cool mornings, crisp light, and enough seasonal contrast to make beach days, mountain escapes, and wine-country weekends equally appealing.

It’s a great time for travelers who want room to explore: coastal highways without summer congestion, national parks with clearer trails, and cities with easier restaurant reservations. Wander has a deep portfolio of luxury vacation homes in California, making it easy to anchor your stay in a stylish, high-comfort space close to the places you want to explore.

Below are the best places to visit in California in February, with ideas that genuinely make the month shine.

Big Sur

Winter storms shift the color of the Pacific, turning the coastline a deeper blue and leaving the cliffs especially dramatic. February tends to bring calm windows between fronts – ideal for hiking canyon trails or pulling off at Garrapata’s overlooks without the heavy summer traffic.

Cooler temperatures also mean Pfeiffer Beach, Point Lobos, and Bixby Bridge viewpoints feel more serene. Staying nearby gives you the luxury of slow drives along Highway 1, lingering at Nepenthe, and catching sunsets from turnout spots that are often fully packed later in the year.

Things to do

• Walk the coastal bluffs at Garrapata State Park after morning fog lifts.

• Explore Point Lobos’ Sea Lion Point Trail for wildlife sightings.

• Book a thermal session at Esalen’s cliffside baths during public hours.

• Photograph the purple sands at Pfeiffer Beach when the tide recedes.

• Settle into a Wander home along the coast for a comfortable winter base.

Travel tips

• Road conditions can shift quickly; check for temporary Highway 1 closures.

• Sunset hits earlier behind the cliffs – arrive 30–40 minutes before.

• Reserve Esalen night baths exactly at release time; they sell out fast.

Where to stay near Big Sur

• Wander Big Sur Coast – This gorgeous 5-bedroom rental features ocean views and a separate guest house for ultimate privacy.

Palm Springs

February is peak weather, with temperatures in the mid-70s, warm sun, and clear desert skies. Modernism Week brings outdoor tours, open houses, and design talks that transform the city into an architecture festival. Trails in the Indian Canyons and Tahquitz Canyon run with winter water flow, making them especially scenic. It’s also a great month for a rental home with a pool – warm enough for daytime lounging, cool enough at night for fire pits and stargazing.

Things to do

• Join a Modernism Week neighborhood tour.

• Hike Andreas Canyon’s palm-lined loop.

• Take the Palm Springs Aerial Tramway for snow-dusted mountain views.

• Explore the Uptown Design District’s galleries and vintage shops.

• Enjoy poolside afternoons at a nearby Wander property in the Coachella Valley.

Travel tips

• Book dinner reservations well ahead during Modernism Week.

• Mornings are cool – bring layers for early hikes.

• Avoid the 111 during peak weekend traffic; Indian Canyon Drive is often faster.

Expert tips on visiting Palm Springs

If you’re doing both the Tramway and Indian Canyons, start with the Canyons in the morning while wildlife is active and temperatures are ideal. Head up the Tram by mid-afternoon; the changing light over Chino Canyon makes for better photos than a midday ride.

Where to stay near Palm Springs

• Wander Palm Springs Buena Vista – Book a stay at this modern, stylish retreat, with an outdoor pool, hot tub and fire pit.

• Wander Palm Springs Mesa – With mountain views and an outdoor dining area, this luxury stay offers a touch of style in the heart of Palm Springs.

• Wander Palm Springs Summit –Breathtaking panoramic views of the valley set the scene for this stunning 5-bedroom getaway.

Lake Tahoe

Tahoe’s snowpack generally peaks mid-winter, and February usually means reliable powder, crisp mornings, and longer daylight compared to early January. Both North and South Shore ski areas run at full operations, and mid-week gaps can feel surprisingly uncrowded. Off-mountain, the lake takes on a glassy winter stillness – ideal for scenic drives along Highway 89 or quiet afternoons in a well-equipped rental home with a hot tub.

Things to do

• Ski powder mornings at Palisades or Heavenly.

• Snowshoe the West Shore’s Blackwood Canyon.

• Warm up at the Lone Eagle Grille bar with lake views.

• Drive the East Shore for turquoise-water winter photos.

• Stay in a nearby Wander property for easy access to both shores.

Travel tips

• Chains may be required suddenly – keep them accessible.

• Roads around Emerald Bay often close after storms, so check the status before sunrise drives.

• North Shore tends to run calmer on Saturdays compared to South Shore.

Where to stay near Lake Tahoe

• Wander Tahoe Glade – This pet-friendly rental features 9 spacious bedrooms across 4 levels, offering stunning mountain and forest views.

• Wander Lake Tahoe Vista – The ultimate spot for entertaining, this luxurious property features a games room, lake access, and a hot tub with mountain views.

• Wander Tahoe Canyon – A 3-story modern mountain retreat with a sauna and outdoor BBQ area.

San Diego

Mild winter sun, low surf crowds, and early wildflower hints make San Diego one of the best California vacation spots in February. Daytime temps trend in the mid-60s, good for long walks through Balboa Park or coastal hiking at Torrey Pines. Whale-watching season is in full swing, and winter clarity often brings unusually good visibility from the Cabrillo cliffs.

Things to do

• Hike Torrey Pines before mid-day parking fills.

• Explore Balboa Park’s quieter mid-week museums.

• Watch gray whales from the Cabrillo National Monument overlook.

• Surf gentler winter swells in La Jolla.

• Relax in a Wander stay in Southern California for a comfortable base.

Travel tips

• Morning marine layer is common; sunsets are clearer after 4 pm.

• Parking at Torrey Pines is easier from the North Beach entrance.

• Winter tides vary, so check for low tide if you want access to La Jolla tide pools.

Where to stay near San Diego

• Wander San Diego Still – This coastal retreat accommodates 12 guests and features a fireplace and a balcony with stunning ocean views.

• Wander San Diego Drift – Multiple outdoor decks make the perfect setting for relaxation and entertainment, in this luxury rental complete with a gas fire pit and hot tub.

• Wander San Diego Coast – This cozy 3-bed property features an outdoor dining area and patio.

Yosemite Valley

Crowds thin dramatically this time of year, and the valley takes on a quiet, snow-dusted beauty. February is also the short window when Horsetail Fall can illuminate at sunset – dependent on water flow and sky clarity, but remarkable when it happens. Trails like Lower Yosemite Fall and Mirror Lake feel peaceful, and the colder air sharpens views of Half Dome and El Capitan.

Things to do

• View Horsetail Fall during the mid-February light window.

• Walk to Mirror Lake along the winter trail.

• Snowshoe around Crane Flat on fresh-snow mornings.

• Wander Cook’s Meadow for wide-open valley views.

• Use a Central California Wander rental as a warm, quiet base outside the park.

Travel tips

• Expect intermittent chain requirements on park roads.

• The valley warms quickly on clear days – layers help with big temperature swings.

• Parking near Yosemite Falls is easiest before 10 am.

Expert tips on visiting Yosemite Valley

For Horsetail Fall, skip the busiest south-side viewing zone and try the north-side turnout just past El Capitan Meadow. The angle is slightly different, but the crowd levels drop dramatically – especially on weekdays.

Where to stay near Yosemite Valley

• Wander Yosemite Valley – This tranquil property, nestled in the Sierra Nevada mountains, offers the ideal luxury escape for unwinding and reconnecting with nature.

Joshua Tree

Cool desert weather makes February one of the best months for exploring Joshua Tree’s trails and climbing areas. The park’s boulders hold warmth without overheating, and the Cholla Cactus Garden glows in the low winter light. Quiet weekdays give you breathing room around Hidden Valley and Skull Rock. Evenings are cold but perfect for stargazing from an outdoor patio or hot tub.

Things to do

• Hike the panoramic Ryan Mountain trail.

• Visit the Cholla Cactus Garden at sunrise.

• Explore Hidden Valley’s loop on calmer weekdays.

• Browse local art studios in Joshua Tree Village.

• Stay in a Wander desert home with wide-open night skies.

Travel tips

• Sunrise is powerful but frigid – bring layers and gloves.

• Parking fills quickly at Hidden Valley on weekends; arrive before 9 am.

• Winds pick up after storms – choose sheltered hikes if gusts exceed 25 mph.

Where to stay near Joshua Tree

• Wander Joshua Tree Cactus – Choose this luxury vacation rental for the perfect stay. Located near scenic hiking trails and breathtaking views, this 3-bedroom property features an outdoor pool.

• Wander Joshua Tree Boulders – Framed by mountain views and natural boulders, this Wander stay is perfect for relaxation or entertaining under the desert sky.

• Wander Joshua Tree Serenity – Perfect for up to 4 guests, this retreat has desert views, an outdoor dining area, and fire pit.

Plan the perfect trip to California in February with Wander

February suits travelers who prefer space, clarity, and cooler air – whether that means quiet coastlines, snow-covered mountains, or desert sun warm enough for a poolside afternoon. California’s winter rhythms make Wander’s luxury vacation rentals in California  feel more personal, especially when you’re staying somewhere comfortable and well-located like Big Sur or Palm Springs. Use this month to follow the light, the weather windows, and the landscapes that look their best before spring arrives.