Oceanside CA— Oceanside, San Diego’s North Shore, may very well have America’s largest heart this Valentine’s Day. The city’s inaugural Oceanside Valentine’s Week celebration, Feb. 5-15, will not only be chalk-full of romantic fun, but will also include what is estimated to be the largest, heart-shaped balloon in the country welcoming visitors to the city.
“Oceanside has always been a close-knit community with big heart and we are proud to show it off for visitors this Valentine’s season,” said Leslee Gaul, CEO of Visit Oceanside. “We encourage everyone to come check out the wide variety of love-themed activities and promotions that celebrate the bonds shared between couples, families and friends.”
To kick off 10 days of Valentine fun, the city will raise a 25-foot, red heart-shaped balloon on Thurs., Feb. 4 in a festive ceremony. The balloon will be on display throughout the Valentine’s Week celebration, appearing at a different Oceanside location each day.
“It will be fun for people to try to guess where the balloon will appear each day,” said Gaul. “This giant display is a perfect symbol of our pride, hospitality and overall affection for this SoCal beach destination.”
Oceanside Valentine’s Week activities include everything from hotel and dining specials to sunset harbor cruises, an outdoor family-friendly movie night at the beach, a classic car cruise night and even a Valentine’s Day run and bike event. Oceanside will also give back during this city-wide event thanks to a partnership between Visit Oceanside, Vows from the Heart Ministries and Elope to Oceanside. Together, the organizations will provide ten active-duty military couples a complimentary elopement ceremony for up to 20 people at Pacific Street Linear Park, which overlooks the beautiful Pacific Ocean.
Visitors interested in learning more about Oceanside Valentine’s Week can visit www.OceansideValentinesWeek.org. Specials will continue to be added through February with a calendar that currently includes:
Thurs., Feb. 4
Heart Raising: Kick-off ceremony at Civic Center Plaza to raise giant, heart-shaped balloon.
Sweetheart Sunset Market, 5 to 9 p.m., Pier View Way
Fri., Feb. 5
“Celebrate Love” First Friday Oceanside Art Walk, 5 to 8 p.m., various locations throughout Oceanside with all exhibits celebrating love.
Fri., Feb. 5- Mon., Feb. 15
Valentine Boat Rentals, all-day, Oceanside Harbor
Oceanside Boat Rentals is offering 30% discount on electric boat and powerboat rentals for a romantic cruises around the harbor.
Sat., Feb. 6- Sat., Feb. 14
Boxing Love with Shakespeare’s Women, 7:30 p.m., Apotheque Lifestyle Spa.
Shakespeare plays are paired with the art of Blake Kern in one of Oceanside’s most historic builidings, now home to the popular Apothque Spa. (Sundays at 4 p.m.)
Mon., Feb. 8
Military Mondays Special Edition, 9:30 a.m. to 6 p.m., Pacific Street Linear Park
Visit Oceanside joins forces with Vows from the Heart Ministries and Elope to Oceanside to provide ten active-duty military couples a complimentary intimate wedding ceremony overlooking the ocean.
Wed., Feb. 10
Hearts & Rods Classic Car Cruise Night, 5 to 7 p.m., Coast Highway from Wisconsin Ave to Surfrider
Thurs. Feb. 11
Sweetheart Sunset Market, 5 to 9 p.m., Pier View Way
Thurs., Feb. 11- Sat., Feb. 14
Champagne Sunset Harbor Cruises, 4 to 6 p.m., Oceanside Adventures Luxury Cruises, Oceanside Harbor
Loved ones can enjoy a vibrant SoCal sunset during a champagne cruise on Oceanside Adventures state-of-the art catamaran.
Fri., Feb. 12
Tango for Couples, 7 to 9 p.m., Oceanside Museum of Art
Sat., Feb. 13
Movie at the Pier, 6 to 10 p.m., Oceanside Junior Seau Pier Amphitheater
Visitors enjoy an evening under the stars while watching the double feature showing Disney’s Tangled and romantic classic Sleepless in Seattle
Debut of “Go Big,” the new exhibit at California Surf Museum
Sun., Feb. 14
Valentine 5K and Ride, 7:30 a.m., Oceanside City Hall
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).
Valentine’s Paddle Out, 8:30 to 11 a.m., Oceanside Harbor
Visitors can join SUP Chicks as they celebrate Valentine’s Day with a SUP paddle out around Oceanside Harbor. Participants are enjoyed to wear red, pink, and a smile!
Dining Deals:

• 101 Café: Free Valentine’s milk shake with purchase of lunch, Feb. 7-14.
• 333 Pacific: Bellini & Bites: special appetizers paired with an exciting bellini menu, $14, Feb. 7-11, 2016
• Beach Break Café: 10% Off Breakfast or Lunch with mention of “Oceanside Valentines Week,” Feb. 7-14
• Privateer Coal Fire Pizza: Lovers Day Special: (2) Strawberry Champagne Martini, Valentines Red and White Pizza Pie and famous Chocolate Mouse dessert, $25, Feb. 9-14.

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