Best Things to Do in the Bay Area This February
Featured Photo: Josh Bean via Unsplash
Valentine’s Day is around the corner, but there’s so much more happening this February in the Bay Area. The month may be short, but this year we get an extra day. Lunar New Year, Black History Month, festivals and concerts will keep you busy. You’ll see that there are tons of things to do.
SF Lunar New Year Parade, a giant pillow fight and more!
Visiting San Francisco in February is like a travel hack in itself. The tourist crowds that overwhelm the city in summer thin out, and yearly festivities light up SF, despite sometimes dreary weather. That being said, February in 2025 should be extra energetic, with the NBA All Stars game coming to Chase Center mid-month.
During this time, Lunar New Year gets into full swing, which means parades, street markets, family-friendly activities and endless choices for delicious food. And as Valentine’s Day approaches, the city’s romance seems to echo through the air. If your favorite restaurant is all booked up for dinner, then perhaps a stop to one of the city’s many wine bars could suffice — it doesn’t get any sweeter than golden hour on a sidewalk in San Francisco, so scope out some outdoor seating if it’s not raining.
Fun fact: Valentine’s Day isn’t the only February 14 holiday in San Francisco. V-Day shares a calendar date with the city’s Tony Bennett Day — which seems to me the perfect opportunity to ride his ceremonial cablecar halfway the stars, or stop for a mai tai at the Tonga Room in the Fairmont (his old stomp). That is, of course, if you’re not too busy enjoying the undeniable romance of the Paris of the West.
MarinMOCA, an arts & crafts show and more fun events.
The cozy North Bay gets even cozier during February, when chilly (but not quite “cold”) weather permeates through its hills and valleys. Crisp, cool air makes the region’s many hikes feel even more refreshing. By mid-winter, rains have filled creeks and waterfalls, and hills that stay brown during summer turn a vibrant green that practically begs to be frolicked through. Whether you’re making a day trip to some of the magnificent sights like Muir Woods, Sonoma Coast or Point Reyes National Seashore (February is pupping season for elephant seals), or considering a weekend in an adorable town like Petaluma, Sonoma or any of the few along the Russian River, the North Bay promises to be a worthwhile stop this month.
The Black Joy Parade, concerts at the Fox and more!
In the East Bay, February is a rich time to enjoy festivals and food. Black History Month and Lunar New Year are both causes to celebrate in the region, as the East Bay has robust Black and Asian communities. Oakland is especially worth a visit this month: As the birthplace of the Black Panther Party, and a city with many Black-owned businesses, you can learn about and support the culture through a historical walking tour, a visit to the Oakland Museum of California or by attending the Eighth Annual Black Joy Parade. For Valentine’s Day, outstanding restaurants in Oakland, Berkeley, Alameda and beyond are calling your name. And like the North Bay, hills in the region’s vast open space turn green during this time — perfect for brisk hikes around Mount Diablo, Reinhardt Redwood or Briones Parks.
Disney on Ice, Lunar New Year and more!
February in the South Bay and on the Peninsula includes a host of cultural celebrations, sporting events and exciting performances. The Asian community within the South Bay is large and diverse, so Lunar New Year is a vibrant time of year when festivals and parties fill just about every weekend. And February kicks off soccer season for the San José Earthquakes, the Bay Area’s only Major League Soccer Team. So if you’re looking for the best things to do around the South Bay, check out our recommendations.
