What to eat in San Diego in February: Seasonal delicacies
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Fish tacos
Fish tacos are corn tortillas filled with battered or grilled fish, cabbage, crema, and salsa, a staple shaped by nearby Baja. They suit most diets that include seafood and can be customized for spice. For a classic version, try Oscar’s Mexican Seafood near Pacific Beach, a small counter spot popular with surfers and locals for quick, affordable plates.
The California burrito is a flour tortilla stuffed with carne asada, french fries, cheese, and often guacamole and salsa. It originated in San Diego’s surf culture and is a hearty, non vegetarian option best for those who eat beef and gluten. Lolita’s Mexican Food on Clairemont Mesa Boulevard is a local favorite, serving large, shareable versions late into the evening.
Locally harvested uni (sea urchin) is a delicacy from cold Pacific waters, eaten raw with lemon or used in simple preparations. It is rich and briny, so best for adventurous seafood eaters. On Saturday mornings, Tuna Harbor Dockside Market near Seaport Village lets divers crack fresh urchins to order, giving you a short sea to table experience on the pier.
From roughly September to March, local spiny lobster appears on menus, often split, grilled, and served with rice, beans, and tortillas in the Puerto Nuevo style. It is a rich, celebratory dish for shellfish eaters, often shared. In San Diego you can sample it at spots like Mariscos Godoy in Barrio Logan, which draws cross border diners for hearty seafood feasts.
February is the rainiest month, but showers are usually brief. Wildflowers may start blooming after rains, and the city hosts vibrant Lunar New Year celebrations. Museum Month offers half-price admission, making it a great time for indoor exploration.
Pro tips for visiting San Diego in February
Museum Month offers 50% off admission at 70+ museums; pick up a pass at local libraries.
Rain is more frequent, so plan indoor backups like museums or cafes for wet days.
Lunar New Year events can draw crowds and affect traffic near festival sites; check schedules.
Wildflowers may begin blooming in parks and along trails after rains.
Crowds remain low, making it easy to book last-minute tours and accommodations.
San Diego in February at a glance
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Weather
Maximum temperature: 19°C
Minimum temperature: 11°C
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Daylight
Around 10 hours 55 minutes of daylight
Sunrise: 6:45am
Sunset: 5:40pm
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Key events
San Diego Tết Festival, San Diego Lunar New Year Festival, Museum Month San Diego, Mardi Gras Gaslamp
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Crowds
Fewer tourists, shorter queues at attractions, and a quieter overall vibe, as locals may be on holiday.
San Diego Tết Festival is the citys largest Vietnamese Lunar New Year celebration, held at Mira Mesa Community Park. Over three days (February 20-22) you will find traditional music, lion dances, pageants, carnival rides, and extensive street food. Admission is free, but food and games are paid, so bring cash and expect crowds especially Saturday night.
The San Diego Lunar New Year Festival in City Heights is a free, pan Asian New Year celebration with a bustling market, stage shows, and street food. It runs Friday to Sunday (February 13-15). Expect family crowds, vendors selling snacks and gifts, and cultural performances into the evening. Street parking is limited, so consider transit or rideshare.
Museum Month runs throughout February (February 1-28), offering 50 percent off admission at more than 70 museums and cultural sites across San Diego County with a free pass. Participants range from Balboa Park institutions to coastal and inland museums. It is ideal for budget conscious travelers, especially on cooler or rainy days when indoor time is welcome.
Mardi Gras Gaslamp is a ticketed Fat Tuesday street party in the downtown Gaslamp Quarter on February 17. Evening hours see several blocks closed to traffic, with DJs, small floats, costumes, and bead throwing. It is strictly 21 plus and can be very crowded, so book tickets ahead, carry ID, and plan a safe route back via rideshare or hotel on foot.
Plan ahead: must-visit experiences for San Diego in February
