Looking for the best US beaches in February? I’ve compiled a list of the best, warmest beaches to visit so you can escape the winter weather and have some fun in the sun! Check out the full list of 17 plus all the details about each of them.
If you’re reading this, it’s most likely because—
- You’re completely sick of winter weather and are desperate for a beach escape
- Your kids have a break for President’s Day and there’s no way you’re spending it cooped up in the house
- You want to celebrate Valentine’s Day on a beach
- You just like going to the beach, no matter the month (my people!)
Whatever your reason is, let’s get you on a beach asap. I’ve rounded up 17 amazing, warm US beaches for you to visit so you can swap snow for some sand this February.
I’ve personally been to many of these beaches in the winter months, and I can tell you that you won’t be disappointed!
From Hawaii all the way to the Caribbean, I got you covered! Let’s get started on planning your February beach vacation.
Key Takeaways
- The best beaches in February in the USA are on warm islands like the US Virgin Islands, Puerto Rico, and Hawaii.
- Outside of islands, other warm beach locations include California, Florida, Texas, and Alabama.
- You can swim at most of the beaches in February, but you might need a wetsuit if the water is chilly.
Table of Contents
17 Best US Beaches in February
I’ve grouped the beaches by state and ranked them by average temperature in February. I got all the details plus the best spots to stay—and even some ideas for amazing excursions to go on while you’re there.
Top US Virgin Islands to Visit in February
1. St Thomas: Magens Bay Beach
Consistently voted one of the top-10 most beautiful beaches in the WORLD,Magens Bay Beach is what you picture when you think of a tropical beach. Crystal clear turquoise water, bright white sand with a touch of pink, a lush backdrop, swaying palm trees… it’s postcard worthy.
Since it’s a bay, the water is calm and so are the vibes. Snorkeling is great, swimming is safe, and you might even catch adults laying on floats with a drink in hand.
The beach has food options, a rental shop, showers, restrooms, picnic tables, changing rooms, and lifeguards. Only downside is that there’s an entrance fee for anyone 13+.
Activities: Swimming, snorkeling, fishing, hiking, picnicking
Amenities: Restrooms, showers, changing rooms, picnic tables, lifeguards, rental shop
How to Get There: Drive northwest from downtown Charlotte Amalie
Parking: Designated parking areas ($2 per vehicle)
Nearby Restaurants: Magens Point Bar and Grill ($$), Old Stone Farmhouse ($$$), Side Street Pub ($$)
Nearby Lodging: Emerald Beach Resort ($$), Secret Harbour Beach Resort ($$$), The Pink Palm Hotel ($$)
Seasonal Events: Whale watching
2. St Croix: Rainbow Beach
Average temperature in February: 82 degrees
If you’re looking for easy beach days with local Caribbean vibes, Rainbow Beach is it.
Rhythms, the restaurant/bar on the beach, serves up local foods and drinks. There’s a spot to rent beach chairs, umbrellas, snorkeling equipment, and jet skis.
If you want a lively time, visit on Sunday Fundays when the beach lights up with locals and live music. Avoid visiting on a Tuesday though, that’s when cruise ships dock, and the beach gets crowded.
Activities: Swimming, snorkeling, jet skiing, kayaking, paddleboarding, boating, live music
Amenities: Rental shop, restrooms
How to Get There: A 5-minute drive from the St Croix cruise port
Parking: Free public parking
Nearby Restaurants: Rhythms at Rainbow Beach ($$), Beach Side Cafe at Sand Castle on the Beach ($$), Turtle’s Deli ($$-$$$)
Nearby Lodging: The Hotel on the Cay ($), Sand Castle on the Beach ($$), The Waves Cane Bay ($$)
3. St John: Trunk Bay Beach
Average temperature in February: 82
St. John’s most visited beach, most photographed beach, AND voted one of the top 10 beaches in the world by Conde Nast! It’s pretty much the best overall beach in St. John.
Trunk Bay is long with fluffy white sand and has calm waters and thriving coral reefs that are perfect for snorkeling and kayaking. It has all the amenities you’ll need too—a snack shack, restrooms, showers, picnic tables, beach chairs, and a rental shop for beach gear. Unfortunately, there’s a small entrance fee though.
The beach can get crowded (especially on cruise dock days). Luckily, if you head left from the entrance, you’ll get more privacy and better snorkeling. And if you continue beyond the rocks, you’ll discover a small secret pocket beach, Jumbie Beach!
Activities: Swimming, snorkeling, sunbathing, hiking
Amenities: Restrooms, showers, picnic tables, beach chairs, rental shop
How to Get There: Take Rte 20 from Cruz Bay
Parking: Limited parking (about $5)
Nearby Restaurants: The Windmill Bar ($$), The Beach Bar ($$), The Terrace ($$$)
Nearby Lodging: St. John Inn ($$$), Two Sandals ($$$)
Best Beaches in Puerto Rico to Visit in February
4. San Juan: El Escambron Beach
Average temperature in February: 81
Walking distance from San Juan, El Escambron Beach is the most popular beach in the area, for tourists and locals—and for good reason.
First of all, it’s gorgeous. It has beautiful, clear waters, the sand is soft, plus there are mountain views to stare at. There are also plenty of palm trees for shade, and even a couple of spots you can hang a hammock to really relax.
Not only is it huge but it offers two different experiences on each side. On one side there’s a protected cove so the waves are calm and it’s the spot for swimming and lounging around. On the other side, the area is perfect for snorkeling and scuba diving.
Plus, there’s restrooms, showers, lifeguards, plus numerous restaurants and cafes nearby. This beach is a total crowd pleaser!
Need an itinerary for your first time in Puerto Rico? Read over my 7 day itinerary with everything you must do while you’re on the island!
Activities: Swimming, snorkeling, scuba diving, walking, biking
Amenities: Lifeguards, restrooms, showers
How to Get There: Walk from Old San Juan or take a short drive from the cruise port
Parking: $5 parking areas
Nearby Restaurants: El Charro ($), MUSA ($$), Lucia’s Brunch and Gastro Bar ($$)
Nearby Lodging: El San Geronimo Hotel ($), The Tryst Beachfront Hotel ($$), Embassy Suites by Hilton San Juan Hotel & Casino ($$$)
Top-Rated Hawaiian Beaches to Visit in February
5. Maui: Wailea Beach
Average temperature in February: 82
Wailea Beach, one of Hawaii’s beaches that is consistently on the world’s best beaches list, is the beach for the Grand Wailea and Four Seasons resorts. So, if you’re feeling fancy, this is your spot.
Wailea Beach is wide, has soft golden sand, and umbrellas and cabanas are sprinkled along the water. There’s a paved walkway that runs the length of the beach, bathrooms, showers, and free public parking.
When the ocean is calm, boogie boarding, body surfing, and snorkeling are great to do here.
Visiting Maui with kids? Read over my list of the top things to do while you’re on the island!
Activities: Paddleboarding, snorkeling, swimming, kayaking, sunbathing
Amenities: Bathrooms, showers, paved walkway
How to Get There: Drive south along Wailea Alanui Drive
Parking: Free parking lot
Nearby Restaurants: Whale’s Tale ($), Monkeypod Kitchen by Merriman-Wailea ($$), Lineage ($$$)
Nearby Lodging: Days Inn by Wyndham Maui Oceanfront ($), Maui Coast Hotel ($$), Wailea Beach Resort ($$$)
Seasonal Events: Whale watching, surfing
➡️ Check out this 5-star Clear Kayak and Snorkel Tour!
View the perfectly clear waters and sea life of Maui through a clear kayak, then enjoy some snorkeling!
6. Big Island: Hapuna Beach
Average temperature in February: 81
Not only one of the best beaches in Hawaii, Hapuna Beach is regularly voted among the best beaches in the world! It’s roughly 200 feet wide and stretches for about a half mile. It’s one of the most breathtaking white sand beaches with a gradual slope into the ocean.
Besides being beautiful, the beach has everything you will need. There are restrooms, picnic tables, beach and gear rentals, food concession stands, lots of trees for shade, lifeguards, and a large parking lot. Snorkeling is good on the north and south sides too.
I absolutely loved my time on this beach, I stayed for almost the full day! (And the fish tacos at the food stand were delish!)
Activities: Snorkeling, swimming, bodyboarding, bird watching, fishing, hiking
Amenities: Restrooms, lifeguards, picnic tables, beach rentals, concession stands
How to Get There: Drive about 30 miles north of Kailua Kona
Parking: $10 per vehicle (or free for residents)
Nearby Restaurants: Island Hopper Taproom ($$), Naupaka Beach Grill ($$), Halani ($$$)
Nearby Lodging: Royal Kona Resort ($$), Hilton Grand Vacations Club Ocean Tower Waikoloa Village ($$), The Westin Hapuna Resort ($$$)
Seasonal Events: Whale watching
➡️ Check out this 5-star Night Manta Ray Adventure tour!
Take a short cruise at sunset to swim with manta rays! All equipment and light refreshments are included.
And if you don’t see any manta rays, they’ll book you on another tour for free.
7. Oahu: Waikiki Beach
Average temperature in February: 81
Waikiki Beach is not only one of the best US beaches in February, but it’s also one of the most popular destinations in any of the winter months. The warm weather is perfect, the beach is gorgeous, and the water is clear with vibrant coral reefs.
In addition to being able to lounge on the beach, February is the perfect time to learn how to surf because the waves are perfect for it. My first time surfing ever was on Oahu and I had a blast! The instructors are awesome.
Waikiki Beach is centrally located too, so you will be close to everything you could want—shopping, dining, desserts, plenty of amazing hotels, and countless activities.
Activities: Surfing, snorkeling, paddleboarding, kayaking, swimming, parasailing
Amenities: Restrooms, showers, lifeguards
How to Get There: Most local hotels are within walking distance (or take a short car ride)
Parking: Free and paid parking options (prices vary)
Nearby Restaurants: Duke’s Waikiki ($$), Lulu’s Waikiki ($$), Basalt ($$)
Nearby Lodging: Aqua Aloha Surf Waikiki Hotel ($), Club Wyndham at Waikiki Beach Walk ($), The Royal Hawaiian ($$$)
Seasonal Events: Whale watching, surfing with winter swells
Take this 3-hour snorkeling + waterslide + Diamond Head cruise! It’s earned 5 stars and a Badge of Excellence!
➡️ Check prices and book this traveler-favorite cruise from Waikiki!
8. Kauai: Poipu Beach
Average temperature in February: 81
The Garden Isle’s Poipu Beach is very well-known as one of the best beaches for families on the island. It’s on the south, more bustling and touristy side of the island.
Clear waters and a natural wading pool make it perfect for small kids (or even adults who want to relax in calm waters—like me, I loved it).
This beach has everything you’ll need—lifeguards, bathrooms, picnic area, showers, big parking lot, even a playground. You can spend a full day here. Close by is Sprouting Horn, a blowhole—the water can reach up to 50 feet!
If you need help figuring out which area of Kauai you want to stay in, read over this post that goes through each region and the best hotels in each!
Activities: Swimming, snorkeling, boogie boarding, hiking
Amenities: Lifeguards, restrooms, showers, picnic area
How to Get There: Take HI-50 W from the Lihue airport
Parking: Free parking
Nearby Restaurants: Brennecke’s Beach Broiler ($$), Napali Brewing Co ($$), Keoki’s Paradise ($$$)
Nearby Lodging: Outrigger Kauai Beach Resort & Spa ($$), Aston Islander on the Beach ($$), Sheraton Kauai Resort ($$$)
If you only do one excursion in Kauai it MUST be a Na Pali Tour!
➡️ Check prices and book this sunset cruise of one of the most beautiful coastline in the world here!
Best Beaches to Visit in February in Florida
9. Ft. Lauderdale: Hollywood Beach
Average temperature in February: 78
Named one of Fodor’s Best Beach for Families, Hollywood Beach is amazing—it’s wide, goes on for miles, and the water is clear.
Right outside of Ft. Lauderdale, Hollywood Beach, FL has a lot of options for water activities—jet skis, surf lessons, kayaking, parasailing, paddleboats, or just swimming. There are multiple volleyball nets set up on the beach too. And some resorts have full service on the beach, so you can get food and drinks right at your beach chair.
The beach is lined by the Hollywood Beach Boardwalk, full of restaurants, boutiques, dessert shops, live music, and great people watching.
A free shuttle ride away is Young Circle, the downtown area, with even more activities and many events.
If you’re visiting Hollywood Beach for the first time, read over my full guide by clicking here!
Activities: Jet skiing, surfing, kayaking, swimming, paddleboarding, parasailing
Amenities: Restrooms, outdoor showers, lifeguards
How to Get There: Drive a few miles south of Dania Beach
Parking: Variety of parking lots and structures (prices vary)
Nearby Restaurants: Ocean Alley Restaurant & Beach Bar ($), Why Not? ($$), GG’s Waterfront($$$)
Nearby Lodging: Hollywood Beachside Boutique Suites ($), Margaritaville Hollywood Beach Resort ($$)
Seasonal Events: Groundhog Day on Hollywood Beach event
10. Palm Beach: Singer Island
Average temperature in February: 78
Palm Beach, one of America’s most luxurious resort areas, is also home to many of the best beaches in South Florida. Dozens of tropical beaches that go on for 47 miles down the Atlantic side of Florida.
You can’t go wrong with any of them, but Singer Island is a real treat. Along with being gorgeous—powdery soft sand and clear waters—Singer Island is THE spot for water sports. Specifically, diving! It’s one of the best diving sites in the WORLD.
And if you’re not a diver, there are boat charters and tours, jet skis, kayaking, canoeing, paddleboarding, snorkeling—you get the idea.
Activities: Swimming, snorkeling, kayaking, canoeing, paddleboarding, jet skiing
Amenities: Restrooms, picnic tables, playgrounds, lifeguards
How to Get There: Drive 1.5 hours north from Miami
Parking: Free parking lot (and various paid lots nearby)
Nearby Restaurants: Mulligan’s Beach House ($), Johnny Longboats ($$), Coconuts on the Beach ($$)
Nearby Lodging: The Singer Oceanfront Resort ($$), Marriott’s Ocean Pointe ($$), Palm Beach Singer Island Resort ($$$)
Want to see Singer Island from above?
➡️ Try this highly-rated 5-star parasailing excursion by clicking here!
You’ll float around overlooking the area and you might even spot dolphins!
11. Marco Island: South Beach
Average temperature in February: 75
South Beach is one of the best beaches on quiet Marco Island—powdery white sand and turquoise waters for miles. And along with being beautiful, it’s one of the best shelling beaches in the country!
South Beach offers a good old fashioned beach day. Calm waters are great for swimming or renting a kayak or paddleboat. If you want more action, jet skis, parasailing, and boat tours are available. There are plenty of restaurant options within walking distance too.
Activities: Swimming, kayaking, paddleboarding, jet skiing, parasailing, boating
Amenities: Foot-washing stations, restrooms nearby
How to Get There: From Naples, drive US-41 to Collier Boulevard
Parking: $8 parking per vehicle
Nearby Restaurants: 2Shea’s Salty Dog ($), Sunset Grille ($$), Quinn’s ($$)
Nearby Lodging: Hampton Inn & Suites Naples South ($$), Cove Inn on Naples Bay ($$), Marco Beach Ocean Resort ($$$)
Texas Beaches to Visit in February
12. South Padre Island: Isla Blanca Beach
Average temperature in February: 71
Did you know you can get tropical vibes in Texas? South Padre Island is 34 miles of light sand beach between the Gulf of Mexico and the Laguna Madre Bay. And with 300 days of sunshine, this is a great spot for a February beach vacation.
Isla Blanca Park is known as the best beach in the area. Besides lounging on the beach, kayaking, paddleboarding, and fishing are also popular activities. for the more adventurous, there’s beach horseback riding, jet skis, and parasailing. There are plenty of food options to choose from in the area too.
Activities: Fishing, kayaking, swimming, sunbathing, paddleboarding, parasailing
Amenities: Restrooms, showers, lifeguards, boardwalk
How to Get There: Drive a half hour northeast from the Brownsville South Padre Island Airport
Parking: Paid parking (about $12 per vehicle)
Nearby Restaurants: Nautico Island Grill ($), Cafe on the Beach ($), Louie’s Backyard ($$)
California's Top Beaches to Visit in February
13. Laguna Beach: Main Beach
Average temperature in February: 68
Main Beach is the beach hot spot in iconic Laguna Beach, so you know it’s good.
You’ll be there all day using all the amenities—basketball, volleyball, a big grassy area, a boardwalk, and a play structure for the kids.
As for water sports, (you’ll need a wetsuit because the water is chilly!) you can body board, snorkel, kayak, and paddleboard.
The beach area is so walkable, you’ll find plenty of restaurants, museums, art galleries, and shopping.
Activities: Swimming, body boarding, snorkeling, paddleboarding, kayaking
Amenities: Boardwalk, playground, lifeguards, restrooms, showers
How to Get There: Drive a half hour southeast from Long Beach
Parking: Hourly parking available ($2 to $6 per hour)
Nearby Restaurants: The Cliff Restaurant ($$), The Deck ($$), Splashes Restaurant($$$)
Nearby Lodging: Laguna Beach House ($$), Casa Loma Beach Hotel ($$), Surf & Sand Resort Laguna Beach ($$$)
14. Los Angeles: South Bay Beaches
Average temperature in February: 67
Los Angeles South Bay beaches, Manhattan Beach, Hermosa Beach, and Redondo Beach, offer the laid-back California vibe in their own distinct ways. And they’re all connected by a bike path called The Strand, so getting to each of them is easy!
They share the same beautiful stretch of sand, tall palm trees, and lifeguard stations. Each of them has their own bustling boardwalk area— Manhattan Beach is a bit ritzy, Hermosa Beachi s a vibrant boho chic, while Redondo is down-to-earth casual.
The best part about the South Bay is that it’s so walkable. Wherever you stay you’ll be minutes away from exceptional dining, shopping, treats, culture, events, you name it.
Read over my top things to do in Hermosa Beach here!
Activities: Swimming, fishing, walking, roller blading, biking, surfing, boating
Amenities: Paved path, restrooms, lifeguards, showers, nearby rentals
How to Get There: Drive a half hour southwest from Los Angeles
Parking: Paid parking (prices vary)
Nearby Restaurants: Ferch’s Beachside Grill ($), The Kettle ($), The Strand House ($$$)
Nearby Lodging: Sonesta Redondo Beach & Marina ($$), The Portofino Hotel & Marina ($$), Beach House ($$$)
15. San Diego: Coronado Central Beach
Average temperature in February: 66
Coronado Beach is pretty famous—it was voted #1 beach in America by Dr. Beach, top US beaches on TripAdvisor, and even featured in the old film “Some Like it Hot.”
It’s a picturesque California beach town. It’s long and wide and even sparkles due to the mineral mica in the sand. There are beach chairs and cabanas, volleyball, firepits, tidepools, and calm waves for swimming or boogie boarding.
Orange Avenue, full of restaurants and shops, is just a stroll away.
If you’re visiting San Diego with kids, check out my full guide including the best things to do while you’re there!
Activities: Swimming, boogie boarding, biking, boating
Amenities: Beach chairs, cabanas, lifeguards, restrooms, fire pits
How to Get There: Drive across the San Diego-Coronado Bridge or take a ferry
Parking: Free public parking
Nearby Restaurants: Night & Day Cafe ($), Little Frenchie ($$), The Henry ($$)
Nearby Lodging: Coronado Beach Resort ($$), Hotel del Coronado ($$$)
16. Santa Barbara: East Beach
Average temperature in February: 66
Santa Barbara is a charming, quintessential California beach town. It has a laid-back vibe with beautiful Mediterranean-style architecture.
East Beach is the beach hot spot—it’s like the backdrop on one of those retro California postcards. A big sandy beach lined with tall palm trees, volleyball nets, lifeguard stations, a beach playground, and a bike path.
It’s also right in the middle of the action. It’s within walking distance of plenty of delicious dining options, Stearns Wharf, the Santa Barbara Zoo, and many beachfront hotels. It’s also a few minute walk to the Funk Zone—the trendy district with dining, shopping, and culture.
Activities: Swimming, sunbathing, walking, biking, paddleboarding
Amenities: Lifeguards, volleyball nets, playgrounds, bike path, restrooms
How to Get There: Take Highway 101 (to Hot Springs Road from the north, to Garden Street from the south)
Parking: Various parking spaces (some are free for the first hour and a half, then pricing varies)
Nearby Restaurants: Shoreline Beach Cafe ($), Reunion Kitchen + Drink ($$), Convivo Restaurant & Bar ($$$)
Nearby Lodging: Santa Barbara Inn ($$), El Encanto ($$$)
Seasonal Events: Santa Barbara International Film Festival
Beaches in Alabama to Visit in February
17. Orange Beach
Average temperature in February: 66
Most people don’t think of Alabama when they’re searching for a beach escape, but you should! Orange Beach is a charming, relaxing little hidden gem on Alabama’s Gulf Coast.
If you just want to get away and enjoy some tranquility, this is your spot. You can enjoy the intense beauty of the beach with its pristine white sands and clear emerald water.
If you want to get on the water, rental shops line the beach for all types of water activities (bonus, February marks the beginning of dolphin-watching season!)
And after the beach you can head to the Wharf for all kinds of dining options, a Ferris wheel, events, an arcade, and boat tours.
Activities: Swimming, boating, snorkeling, parasailing, kayaking, jet skiing
Amenities: Restrooms, picnic shelters, lifeguards, grills
How to Get There: Drive about an hour along the coast from the Pensacola Airport
Parking: Paid parking, $10 per vehicle (or free for Alabama residents)
Nearby Restaurants: Luna Eat & Drink ($), The Gulf – Orange Beach ($$), Coastal Orange Beach ($$$)
Nearby Lodging: Best Western on the Beach ($), Hilton Garden Inn Orange Beach Beachfront ($), The Beach Club Resort & Spa ($$)
Seasonal Events: Dolphin watching
Speaking of dolphin tours—check out this highly rated dolphin tour that’s earned a Badge of Excellence by clicking here!
And if you can make it an adults-only night, try this 5-star sunset cruise on a tiki bar (where you also might spot dolphins)!
FAQs: Best US Beaches in February
What is the warmest US beach in February?
The warmest US beaches in February are in the Caribbean—the beaches of the US Virgin Islands and Puerto Rico will all give you 80-degree days in February.
Where in the US is nice in February?
In February, the areas that it’s nice in are California, Florida, Texas, Alabama, the Hawaiian Islands, the US Virgin Islands, and Puerto Rico.
Where is it 80 degrees in February in USA?
In February, the places where it hits 80 degrees are the Hawaiian Islands, the US Virgin Islands, and Puerto Rico.
Wrapping Up: Best US Beaches in February
There you have it! No need to wait for summer for a warm beach day, there are plenty of spots to visit right now.
From the surfer vibes of Waikiki to a tropical escape in Florida, these beaches will give you the dose of sunshine and vitamin sea to melt your winter woes away.
And if you’re still not convinced, take a look at this picture of my son at Hollywood Beach during our trip there in February 2023:
