Experience · Tacoma

Tacoma Theater & Downtown Dinner

Start your evening with a pre-show cocktail in a historic downtown setting before catching a live performance at the beautiful Pantages Theater. Afterwards, continue the romantic vibe with a high-end steak dinner in the heart of the city.

A 4.5-hour New Tacoma evening plan for couples — McMenamins The Old Hangout, Pantages Theater, El Gaucho Tacoma.

Duration: 4h 30m
Cost: $100–$250
Stops: 3 stops
Area: New Tacoma
Walking: Moderate walking · Total 1.1-mile driving route
Best time: 5:00 – 10:00 PM
Ideal for: Couples · Adults · Solo

Start Plan

Customize

The plan

1McMenamins The Old Hangout(1 hr)→
2Pantages Theater(2 hrs)→
3El Gaucho Tacoma(1 hr 30 min)

Why this plan works

Every stop sits in New Tacoma, so the whole plan happens inside one neighborhood. Pantages Theater is the main event and takes the biggest block of time; the other stops are built around it. It finishes at El Gaucho Tacoma — a short, low-effort stop you can skip if you're ready to call it. Best suited to couples, adults, and solo who want a planned Tacoma outing without improvising between stops.

The story

The itinerary

3 stops, one great day

1
1 hr
McMenamins The Old Hangout
Nightlife · New Tacoma
What to do — Arrive an hour before the show starts for a leisurely drink and an appetizer at Chez Lafayette Creole Brasserie. Their ambiance sets a perfect tone for the evening.
Scout Side Quest
Pick the most unusual piece of decor in the room and take turns inventing its dramatic backstory.
0.2 mi · 4 min walk or 3 min drive
Then Enjoy a short walk across the street to the Pantages Theater.
2
2 hrs
Pantages Theater
Arts & Culture · New Tacoma
Built as a vaudeville theater in 1915, this venue now hosts musicals, live music & comedy.
What to do — Find your seats and immerse yourselves in the performance at the grand Pantages Theater. Check their schedule in advance for specific show times and ticket information.
Scout Side Quest
Before the house lights dim, look up and spot your favorite architectural detail in the historic hall.
0.9 mi · 18 min walk or 5 min drive
Then Take a leisurely stroll a few blocks down Pacific Avenue to your dinner reservation.
3
Optional 1h 30m
El Gaucho Tacoma
Food & Drink · New Tacoma
Elegant steakhouse offering a menu of high-end classics like Angus beef & seafood.
What to do — Savor a delicious dinner at El Gaucho Tacoma, known for its elegant ambiance and excellent steak and seafood menu. It's the perfect sophisticated end to your date night.

Scout Stories

People who did this

Be the first to leave a Moment.

Did this outing? Hit "We Did This" up top and share a photo.

The route

On the map

Open route in Google Maps

Common questions

Planning this outing

Is this a good Tacoma itinerary for couples?: Yes. It's built for couples, adults, and solo and runs about 4 hr 30 min across 3 stops, starting at McMenamins The Old Hangout.
How long does this outing take?: Plan on 4 hr 30 min door to door, including time between stops.
How much does this Tacoma itinerary cost?: Roughly $100–$250 per person, before parking and tips. Free and low-cost stops are marked on each card.
Is this itinerary walkable?: Yes — every hop is under a mile, about 1.1 miles of walking in total.
Do I need reservations?: No. Every stop on this plan takes walk-ins, though weekends move faster if you arrive early.

Keep exploring

Different moods, same city.

See all things to do in Tacoma →

Arts & Culture
Tacoma
Family Fun at Car Museum & Waterfront
Dive into the fascinating world of automobiles at LeMay – America's Car Museum, perfect for all ages. Afterwards, grab a casual pizza dinner with waterfront views and then enjoy a relaxing stroll along the scenic Ruston Way.
Duration
4h 15m
Cost
$50–$100
Ideal for
Families · Kids
View the plan
Family
Tacoma
Kids' Play & Pizza Afternoon in Tacoma
Treat the kids to an afternoon of discovery and creative play at the Children's Museum of Tacoma, designed to engage and educate. Afterwards, refuel with a casual pizza lunch before ending the day with a fun browse at a local bookstore, letting each child pick out a new book.
Duration
3h 30m
Cost
$50–$90
Ideal for
Families · Kids
View the plan
Outdoors
Tacoma
Spring Blooms & Tacoma Waterfront
Immerse yourself in the lush beauty of the W.W. Seymour Botanical Conservatory, a Victorian greenhouse brimming with exotic plants. Afterward, head to the waterfront for a delicious, fresh seafood lunch with stunning views of Commencement Bay. Conclude your afternoon with a relaxing stroll along Ruston Way, soaking in the coastal atmosphere.
Duration
3h 45m
Cost
$50–$100
Ideal for
Couples · Friends
View the plan
Date Night
Tacoma
Date Night at Pantages & Steakhouse in New Tacoma
Begin your evening with a sophisticated dinner in the heart of New Tacoma, setting a refined tone for the night. Afterward, immerse yourselves in a live performance at the historic Pantages Theater. Conclude your date with an optional nightcap, extending the conversation and connection.
Duration
4h 30m
Cost
$150–$300
Ideal for
Couples · Friends
View the plan
Arts & Culture
Tacoma
Tacoma Maritime History & Waterfront Views
Dive into Tacoma's rich maritime heritage at the Foss Waterway Seaport, learning about the city's connection to the bay. Afterward, enjoy fresh seafood with stunning water views at a nearby restaurant. Conclude your afternoon with a relaxing stroll at the Chinese Reconciliation Park, a meaningful public space along the waterfront.
Duration
3h 45m
Cost
$50–$100
Ideal for
Solo · Friends
View the plan
Family
Tacoma
Family Afternoon at Point Defiance
Start your family afternoon with an exciting adventure at the Point Defiance Zoo & Aquarium, where kids can discover fascinating creatures from land and sea. Afterward, enjoy a casual, family-friendly lunch with beautiful views along the waterfront. Cap off the day with a fun, low-key play session at a nearby park.
Duration
4h 30m
Cost
$70–$150
Ideal for
Families · Kids
View the plan