February may be short, but it’s an excellent month to reset and chase culture, design, nature, and new hotels. Several spots on our Best Places to Go in 2026 list offer timely reasons to visit this month—from Modernism Week in Palm Springs to the Verbier Festival in Shenzhen, the Winter Olympics around Milan, vintage-car gatherings in Udaipur, and wildlife and festivals along Costa Rica’s South Pacific. Below are the reasons to go in February, recommended places to stay, and quick intel for each pick. This gallery has been updated since first published. Additional reporting by Caitlin Morton, Jing Yang, Jaclyn deGiorgio, Malavika Bhattacharya, and Anna Prendergast.
Palm Springs, California
Why go in February:
Palm Springs embraces mid-century modern design year-round, but Modernism Week (Feb 12–22, 2026) turns the city into a concentrated celebration of architecture and vintage culture. Expect home tours, architecture talks, self-guided house routes that open normally private properties, plus museums, sunny garden-lined streets, and plentiful vintage shops.
Where to stay:
Choose from serene boutique inns to expansive resort properties. Casa Cody pairs velvet interiors with wood-beamed cottages for a quietly stylish stay; Thompson Palm Springs situates you near restaurants, galleries, and the art museum.
Quick intel:
Popular side activities include museum visits and vintage shopping; consider booking Modernism Week events and house tours early.
Shenzhen, China
Why go in February:
Shenzhen’s futuristic skyline and rapid reinvention make it a compelling time to visit in 2026: the Verbier Festival travels from Switzerland to Shenzhen (Jan 30–Feb 8) with world-class performances at the new Longgang International Art Centre, while Shenzhen Design Week and Art Shenzhen offer design and contemporary-art programming.
Where to stay:
Skyline-facing luxury is expanding: St. Regis opened a second Shenzhen property in Bao’an, Shangri-La has a flagship in Nanshan, and Rosewood and Mirage by MGM were scheduled to debut in 2026, widening high-end options across neighborhoods.
Quick intel:
Plan logistics around performance dates; read up on local travel guidelines and cultural norms before you go.
Milan, Italy
Why go in February:
Milan co-hosts the 2026 Winter Olympic Games (Feb 6–22) with events spread across the region, bringing extra energy and citywide programming. Design travelers who prefer Salone del Mobile can instead enjoy the Olympic atmosphere and related exhibitions in February.
Where to stay:
Several new five-star hotels were slated for 2026, including Rosewood Milan in the Quadrilatero, Six Senses in Brera with a rooftop bar and sky pool, and Mett Milan in the Torre Velasca. Classic luxury choices remain Park Hyatt Milano, Mandarin Oriental Milan, and Hotel Principe di Savoia.
Quick intel:
Expect crowds and increased demand during Olympic events; book hotels and event tickets well in advance and allow extra time for transport across venues.
Udaipur, India
Why go in February:
Udaipur’s lakefront palaces, carved havelis, and Rajput architecture are especially enjoyable in cool, dry February weather. Design-minded visitors can explore Indian homegrown design at the House of Things, and the Oberoi Concourse d’Elegance (Feb 20–22) returns with international judges and a display of vintage European, American, and Indian automobiles.
Where to stay:
New and expanded properties are arriving: a 226-key Marriott on Fateh Sagar, the Fairmont Udaipur Palace near the Monsoon Palace, and boutique projects including a small lakefront property from Minimalist Hotels; a Hilton was also expected in early 2026.
Quick intel:
Combine palace visits, boat rides on Lake Pichola, and shopping for textiles and crafts. Reserve rooms and Concourse d’Elegance access ahead of popular dates.
Costa Rica’s South Pacific Coast
Why go in February:
The South Pacific coast offers rainforests, remote beaches, and abundant biodiversity—ideal for eco-minded travelers in February’s dry season. Boutique, solar-powered Kura and private villas such as Villa Kañik and Villa Sueño provide secluded luxury. Envision festival—returning in 2026—mixes underground music with wellness programming, while Corcovado National Park celebrates conservation milestones and a 50th anniversary.
Where to stay:
For immersive nature stays, Corcovado Wilderness Lodge sits on a private reserve accessible by boat and offers guided jungle treks and snorkeling led by marine biologists. Sandglass’s Drake Bay property Tibo plans treehouse-style bungalows with private pools to link Uvita and Corcovado bases.
Quick intel:
Book eco-lodges and reserve guided tours in advance; factor in boat transfers and limited connectivity if you seek an off-grid experience.
Updated note:
This guide has been refreshed since its original publication to reflect new openings, festival dates, and reporting contributions. For more detailed hotel lists, local tips, and attraction guides, consult destination-specific resources before you travel.