Citywide Celebration Includes a Valentine’s 5K Run and Bike, Sweetheart Sunset Market, Hotel Specials and more
Oceanside CA— Several hundred people gathered, Halloween morning, in front of the San Luis Rey Mission and formed a giant heart for a photo to be used in a campaign designed to bring visitors to Oceanside for a week of events surrounding Valentine’s Day. The promotion is a joint effort of the City of Oceanside Parks and Recreation Department, Mainstreet Oceanside, Visit Oceanside and the Oceanside Chamber of Commerce.
Oceanside, San Diego’s North Shore, is enticing visitors to hit the beach instead of the slopes this February with its inaugural Oceanside Valentine’s Week celebration Feb. 5-15, 2016. Businesses and attractions throughout this SoCal coastal community have come together to celebrate love during a week of activities that includes everything from romantic dining specials and sunset harbor cruises to an outdoor family-friendly movie night at the beach, a classic car cruise and even a fun run and bike event.
“With our spectacular beaches, gorgeous sunsets and warm, sunny days all year-round, Oceanside by nature is a great destination for celebrating with loved ones while escaping snow and frigid temperatures,” said Leslee Gaul, CEO of Visit Oceanside. “The city’s Valentine’s Week program is designed to appeal to all kinds of love connections whether romantic, family bonding or cherished friendships. There will be activities and special offers throughout the week that cater to all types of visitors and showcase our exciting beach community.”
Anchoring the week of activities is the 1st Annual Oceanside Valentine 5K Run and Bike Ride on Feb. 14. This heart-healthy event takes participants along a scenic coastal route and finishes with a “lovely” expo that includes a beer garden, food and other family fun. Entry options are available for single, couple and combo (run and bike).
Leading up to the run/bike event are a host of activities including romantic carriage rides along the coast and through downtown during the Thursday night Oceanside Sweetheart Sunset Market, special performances of Shakespeare’s love scenes and a Valentine’s themed First Friday Art Walk on Feb. 5. Oceanside Harbor will feature specials on electric boat rentals for romantic excursions as well as a selection of champagne and sunset whale watching cruises, while restaurants and craft brew venues will get in on the fun with themed menu items, pink milkshakes, locally brewed love potions and a classic car Cruise Night.
In a heartfelt tribute to Oceanside’s close relationship with neighboring Camp Pendleton, Visit Oceanside will join forces with Vows from the Heart Ministries and Elope to Oceanside for “Military Mondays: Special Edition” elopement ceremonies. On Mon, Feb. 8, ten active duty military couples will receive a complimentary elopement ceremony for up to 20 people at Pacific Street Linear Park, which overlooks the beautiful Pacific Ocean. Applications are currently being accepted for military members interested in participating in the Feb. 8 ceremonies.
Visitors seeking accommodations can select from several packages designed to warm the heart. Holiday Inn Oceanside Marina’s Touch of Romance Package starts at $159 and includes sparkling wine, chocolate strawberries, breakfast and a late check out. SpringHill Suites Marriott Oceanside’s That Loving Feeling Package includes a stay in suite-like rooms, bottle of wine, chocolates and massage oil. North Coast Village’s Anniversary Celebration Package includes a stay in an ocean front condo and gift basket complete with snacks and Champagne or Apple Cider to toast with your loved one.
Visitors interested in learning more about Oceanside Valentine’s Week can visit www.OceansideValentinesWeek.org. Specials will continue to be added through February.
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Heart director, Eileen Turk-Oceanside Parks and Rec
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About Oceanside
Oceanside, San Diego’s North Shore, is located along the beautiful Southern California coastline and considered the gateway city between metropolitan San Diego and Los Angeles. A classic Southern California beach town, Oceanside enjoys a rich history as an ideal place to stay and experience California’s casual spirit. The city boasts a number of important historical and cultural attractions such as Mission San Luis Rey (The King of Missions), California’s longest over water wooden pier and the “Top Gun” House. Bordering Camp Pendleton, Oceanside has long enjoyed a strong relationship with the U.S. military and a deep commitment to the men and women serving the nation. Today, with 3.5 miles of sandy beach, a quaint New England-style harbor and a stellar year-round climate, Oceanside is a highly sought after location for enjoying active pursuits including surfing, stand up paddling, kayaking, boating, fishing, bike-riding, skydiving and more.
About Visit Oceanside
Visit Oceanside Conference and Visitors Bureau is the official tourism marketing organization in Oceanside, Calif; promoting travel to the city for both leisure and group visitors. The organization influences more than $60 million in visitor spending in Oceanside each year, which supports nearly 700 tourism-related jobs. Visit Oceanside also operates one of the state’s official California Welcome Centers. With just one stop, visitors can find local, regional and state maps, purchase discount tickets to major Southern California attractions, make hotel reservations or shop for the perfect California keepsake. The Visit Oceanside CVB and California Welcome Center- Oceanside are conveniently located just off Interstate 5 at 928 North Coast Highway. For more information, please call (800) 350-7873 or visit www.visitoceanside.org