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Hi - Our group of 5 adults is looking to spend February possibly someplace north of San Fran (and are open to other parts of the state but don't want to be in a large city like LA or a congested area). We are coming from the midwest and understand weather is unpredictable - that's ok - but we'd like some 60-degree or higher weather. We like the outdoors (hike/bike/beach/walks/national and state parks) and exploring towns. We want to settle into a spot and take day trips out and about and are content to enjoy the place we are staying. We have stayed in large and smaller cities. We like to find a place to join a gym (to swim/sauna/hot tub). We have done limited travel in California and are open to suggestions. Since there are 5 of us we will look for a house rental. We are all retired and active people. Thanks for your help!

Answer

For a group of 5 adults seeking mild February weather in California, avoiding large cities and congested areas, there are several great options north of San Francisco as well as other parts of the state. While February weather can be unpredictable, coastal and inland areas in Southern and Central California typically offer daytime highs in the 60s and sometimes low 70s.

Here are some recommended regions and towns that balance outdoor activities, charming towns, and access to facilities like gyms or swimming pools:

Santa Cruz / Capitola: Coastal towns north of Monterey Bay with beaches, hiking trails, and bike paths. The town itself has a relaxed vibe, great local restaurants, and access to gyms and hot tubs. Day trips could include Big Basin Redwoods State Park and Monterey.
Monterey / Carmel-by-the-Sea: Beautiful coastline with scenic drives, 17-Mile Drive, and access to Point Lobos State Natural Reserve. Both towns have smaller, charming downtowns, outdoor activities like hiking and biking, and several gyms or resort facilities with pools and hot tubs.
Santa Barbara: Further south but still mild in February, Santa Barbara offers beaches, hiking in the Santa Ynez Mountains, wine country nearby, and a lovely downtown. Many resorts and gyms are available, and vacation homes are abundant.
Ojai: Inland from Ventura, Ojai is known for wellness retreats, boutique shops, and hiking/biking in the surrounding hills. Weather is generally mild, and day trips can include the coast or nearby national forests.
San Luis Obispo / Pismo Beach: Central Coast towns with mild winter weather, great for walks, hiking, biking, and nearby state parks. They have gyms and rental homes that can accommodate a group of five.

For all these areas:

Look for vacation rentals that provide a comfortable base for your group. Many homes in these towns are equipped with kitchens, outdoor spaces, and easy access to parks or trails.
Membership or day passes to local gyms or resort facilities can provide access to swimming pools, saunas, or hot tubs.
Day trips from these towns can include hiking in nearby parks, visiting scenic coastal drives, wine tasting, or exploring small towns.
Since February can bring some rain, having flexible indoor/outdoor options (museums, local cafes, wine tasting rooms, or spa facilities) is helpful.

Overall, for a balance of outdoors, relaxation, and small-town charm, Monterey/Carmel or Santa Cruz/Capitola would be excellent choices north of San Francisco, while Santa Barbara or San Luis Obispo offer slightly warmer winter temperatures further south.

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