This year, why not make Valentine’s Day extra special by engaging in physical activities that not only bring you closer to your partner but also promote health and well-being? As physical therapists, we understand the importance of movement and physical health in enhancing one’s quality of life. This Valentine’s Day 2024 we’re providing you with a list of fun and active things to do with loved ones here in the Bay. When you are newly in a relationship or even if you have been coupled for a while, sometimes it can be hard to come up with activities to do together. Research shows that doing things together that get your heart racing can actually enhance your romance. Give these active (and potentially skill-building) dates a try!

Roller skating

San Francisco has an indoor roller-skating venue, Church of 8 Wheels, a spot in the Lower Haight that repurposes an old church!  Don’t worry if you are rusty or less coordinated, they have lessons on Fridays and Saturdays for those who need some guidance. If you prefer to stay outside, there’s a great spot for meet-ups in Golden Gate Park: 6th Avenue skating is situated just inside the park between Fulton Street and John F. Kennedy Drive, with lots of action on Sundays when that area of the park is closed to vehicular traffic.

Biking

No worries if you don’t have a bike, San Francisco has loads of rental options.  One you might not know about is at Sports Basement, you can rent a tandem, a great option for a date! Another cool thing about Sports Basement is that you can rent for variable amounts of time (even per month). We also think it’s pretty great that you can even rent a kid trailer or kid tandem so there is no issue if you can’t find a sitter!

Get out on the water

Stow Lake is a hidden gem in Golden Gate Park where you can rent a boat to propel yourself around a few scenic lagoons. The pedal boats provide quite a cardio workout – you might actually need the bite and beverage afterwards, which luckily you can get from the Stow Lake Café.

Additionally, kayaking on the San Francisco Bay offers a unique perspective of the city and a fun way to stay active. Paddling together requires teamwork and communication, strengthening your partnership while you navigate the waters. Check out rentals in the north bay or in the city.

Try out dance lessons

Dancing is a fun and romantic way to connect with your partner. Whether it’s salsa, tango, or ballroom, dancing helps improve physical fitness, coordination, and mental sharpness. Many dance studios in San Francisco offer workshops and classes for couples. It’s a perfect opportunity to learn something new together and have a memorable night.

Mini golf

When you don’t know someone well, dates can be kind of squirmy. Not sure why, but mini golf tends to help all of that potential awkwardness. Stagecoach Greens in SOMA is a great outdoor spot to check out.  And if things aren’t as awkward as you expect, and you want to extend the date, there are pop-up food trucks right across the way!

Take a scenic hike

San Francisco is blessed with breathtaking landscapes and scenic trails perfect for couples looking to immerse themselves in nature. Whether it’s a leisurely walk through the Presidio or a more challenging hike up to Twin Peaks, hiking offers a great way to spend quality time together while enjoying panoramic views of the city. Check out all or part of the SF Crosstown trail, this trail connects  San Francisco from the southeast to the northwest, running through hidden trails, public parks, shopping corridors, tiled stairways, and community gardens along the way.

Even if you believe that celebrating love should happen on every day (not just once a year), we hope these active dates inspire some fun in the coming weeks! Not only will these experiences bring you closer together, but they’ll also contribute to your overall health and well-being. Here’s to a Valentine’s Day filled with love, connection, and movement!