10 Fun Date Day/Night Ideas in Tacoma
Looking to spice up your day and night activities this fall and winter with your partner, family, or friends? Rest assured that Tacoma has no shortage of riveting date ideas for whatever tickles your fancy - from dining to live entertainment, the 253 has got a wide spectrum of activities for tastes and budgets all across the board!
1- Go out for drinks
Whether you’re a fan of cocktails, wine, beer, or cider, there’s surely a spot that’ll satiate your thirst here around the South Sound. Some of our personal favorites include The Boom Boom Room, Elks Temple Hotel-McMenamins, Dahlman Cellars, E-9 Brewing, 7 Seas Brewing, Cider & Ceder, Busy Body, and the The Redd Dog. Many of these spots are family-friendly, equipped with games aplenty and good vibes all around (and heaters for those chilly nights this season!)
2 - Peruse the Museum of Glass
If you and your posse are art enthusiasts, the Museum of Glass is the perfect establishment to explore the striking art form that is contemporary glass. Recognized as the “West Coast’s largest and most active museum glass studio,” the museum provides plenty of impactful and engaging artist residencies, demonstrations, exhibitions, and programs for its visitors - including a Make Your Own Glass experience!
3 - Shop ‘til you drop down Antique Row
Nestled between 6th and 7th on Broadway and enveloping St. Helens and Commerce lies Antique Row, a strip lined with dozens of antique and vintage sellers specializing in clothing, furniture, records, and other gadgets and gizmos. Pay a visit to businesses like Vessel Vintage Collective, Memory Lane Toys, and Peppermint Tuna to amplify your living space or wardrobe, support local businesses, and shop sustainably!!
4 - Catch a flick at The Grand Cinema
Located in the heart of Downtown Tacoma in the historic St. Helens district, The Grand Cinema is a quaint local theater near and dear to Tacoma and is South Sound's nonprofit home for independent, international, and local film. As the only nonprofit cinema in Pierce County, they are committed to enhancing the cultural vitality of the community through quality film and educational programming. Grand Cinema hosts a multitude of special events and programs for all ages!
5 - Visit the Foss Waterway Seaport
Explore Tacoma’s rich maritime heritage at the Foss Waterway Seaport: a museum, boat shop, and venue space all in one! When you visit the Seaport, you can immerse yourself in a wide variety of intriguing exhibits and educational programs, such as woodworking classes and sealife touch tanks!
6 - Play chef at Korean Barbeque
Tacoma’s food scene is booming with Korean cuisine, including Korean BBQ, which is both delicious and an entertaining experience for the whole family. Traditionally, at a Korean BBQ establishment, your party will receive a plethora of tasty sides such as kimchi, fishcake, mungbean sprouts, soybean paste, and rice, as well as plates of meat that you cook yourself on a big grill located at the center of the table. It’s interactive and delightful - some of our favorite local establishments include Cham Garden, The Grill, and Ho Soon Yi.
7 - Win big at Dorky’s Arcade Bar
Ever dream of playing pinball or Pac-Man while out on a Saturday night? Dorky’s Arcade Bar is an eclectic 80s-themed joint perfect for relishing nostalgic arcade games while enjoying beverages, food, and good music! It turns 21+ after 9 pm.
8 - Have a chuckle at Tacoma Comedy Club
Serving up laughs and an assortment of food and beverages, Tacoma Comedy Club is the perfect spot to let loose and watch your favorite comedians and open-mic nights, as well as participate in trivia!
9 - Jam out at Keys on Main
If you’ve never been to a dueling piano bar, you’re in for quite the treat at Keys on Main. Witness the most talented of piano players and musical artists create their own interpretations of your favorite songs. Will it be an early 2000s throwback or a musical theater classic? The choice is yours!
10 - Channel your inner Picasso while painting pottery
You’re never too old for arts and crafts. Let your imagination run wild with a paintbrush in hand at some of our favorite pottery painting joints, including The Painting Panda, Art and Clay Studio, and Throwing Mud Gallery. Your creation could wind up being your go-to dinner plate or coffee mug for years to come - a family heirloom, perhaps!
Tacoma truly knows how to keep things fun, fresh, and memorable, no matter the season. Whether you're exploring local gems, indulging in new culinary experiences, or simply soaking in the vibrant culture of the South Sound, there's always something new to discover. So grab your partner, friends, or family, and make your next date night one to remember. After all, the best memories are made right here in the 253!
