February is here, and love is in the air… ❤️
What better way to celebrate your relationships than by spending some time outdoors? Whether you’re planning a special Valentine’s Day or just looking to enjoy some fresh air with friends, we’ve got you covered with an itinerary that takes you to Oceanside, California.
Now, we do recommend completing this on February 13th (unofficially known as Galentine’s Day), and we’ll share why later on. But don’t worry if your group isn’t all gals! We’ve created this itinerary for friends, partners, and anyone who wants to enjoy the day together.
So, why are we suggesting Oceanside? It’s a laid-back coastal gem just 35 minutes north of San Diego. It’s known for its surf culture, sandy beaches, and the iconic pier, which makes it the perfect spot to celebrate Galentine’s Day (or any relationship) with your favorite people! Ready to take the leap?
First, take the Amtrak Coaster from San Diego to Oceanside. 🚉
While the journey will take closer to an hour, you’ll enjoy scenic ocean views as you stop in multiple beach towns along the way, and the train will drop you off right by downtown. Plus, you’re guaranteed to miss traffic. 😉
Once you’ve arrived, take an afternoon walk along The Strand. 👟
You’ll find a mile-and-a-half walkway along the beach, leading you to the pier and some pop-up stands along the way. The sand here is golden, and the beaches are wide, giving you plenty of room to dip your toes in the Pacific and enjoy the sound of the waves. There are even showers available for rinsing off the sand, as well as public restrooms.
Before the sun sets, continue your walk along the Oceanside Pier. 🌅
While the end of the pier is closed off, you still have the majority of it to capture an epic sunset with the city and beaches surrounding it. When you’re walking along the pier, don’t be surprised if you see locals fishing. Fishing permits not required here, and there are even bait shops nearby if you feel like throwing in a line yourself. And as you do, keep an eye out for dolphins, who love to take the occasional swim nearby.
Once the sun dips behind the waves, make your way over to the infamous Oceanside Sunset Market located downtown. 🌯
While the market is open year-round, it’s only available on Thursday evenings. That’s why we recommend making this your pre-Valentine’s Day adventure. (But no worries if you choose to do it another week; this itinerary is available year-round!)
There are over 200 food vendors, so you’ll have no trouble finding something delicious to try! When we go, we like to play a game called ‘Around the World.’ We pick an appetizer (or two), an entrée, dessert, and a drink from different stands, each offering a different style of food. You can mix and match however you like, but just know.. there are no bad stands. In case you need some inspiration, here are some of our favorites:
Coxinhas for their garlic and chicken Brazuca bites. 🇧🇷
Country Kitchen for a slice of the yummiest Key Lime or Chocolate Cake. 🍰
Taste of Egypt for Beef Shwarma and Baklava. 🤤
Fatboyz Pizza for the largest slice of pizza you’ll ever lay your eyes on. 🍕
Once those tummies are full and spirits are high, walk back to the Amtrak station (just under half a mile from the market), board your next Coaster, and reminisce on your favorite parts of the afternoon and evening.
There you have it! A little day trip to Oceanside to bring some fresh air to your February. ☀️ Have other recommendations? We would love to hear them. Pay the experience forward by sharing on the Nature’s Playbook app or comment and let us know!
Comentários