Experience · Washington

Arboretum Serenity & Shaw Sweets

Enjoy a serene afternoon exploring the vast and beautiful U.S. National Arboretum, perfect for a long walk among diverse plant collections. After immersing yourself in nature, refuel with a delicious meal at a vibrant Shaw eatery, culminating with a sophisticated coffee and pastry treat.

A 4.5-hour Washington afternoon plan for solo — Unconventional Diner, U.S. National Arboretum, La Colombe Coffee Workshop.

Duration
4h 30m
Cost
$25–$55
Stops
3 stops
Area
Shaw + 1 more
Walking
Light walking · Total 6.3-mile driving route
Best time
12:00 – 5:00 PM
Ideal for
Solo · Couples · Friends
Start Plan
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Arboretum Serenity & Shaw Sweets

The plan

The plan

  1. 1Unconventional Diner(1 hr)→
  2. 2U.S. National Arboretum(2 hrs)→
  3. 3La Colombe Coffee Workshop(45 min)

Why this plan works

The stops span roughly 6.3 miles across Washington, so plan on driving — the order below keeps that driving in one direction. U.S. National Arboretum is the main event and takes the biggest block of time; the other stops are built around it. It finishes at La Colombe Coffee Workshop — a short, low-effort stop you can skip if you're ready to call it. Best suited to solo, couples, and friends who want a planned Washington outing without improvising between stops.

The story

Overview

Enjoy a serene afternoon exploring the vast and beautiful U.S. National Arboretum, perfect for a long walk among diverse plant collections. After immersing yourself in nature, refuel with a delicious meal at a vibrant Shaw eatery, culminating with a sophisticated coffee and pastry treat.

The itinerary

3 stops, one great day

  1. Unconventional Diner1
    1 hr
    Unconventional Diner

    Food & Drink · Shaw

    Industrial-chic bistro and bar for upscale comfort fare, coffee, beer, wine, and cocktails.

    What to do — Grab a table and choose from the inventive menu of comfort fare and unique beverages.

    Scout Side Quest

    Pick the dish on the menu that sounds the most unconventional, then decide if you're brave enough to split it.

    3.1 mi · 10 min drive

    Then From Unconventional Diner, it's a short 10-15 minute drive or ride-share to the U.S. National Arboretum.

  2. U.S. National Arboretum2
    2 hrs
    U.S. National Arboretum

    Outdoors · Northeast Washington

    Free to visitors, this outdoor space boasts trees, shrubs, & plants, plus a picnic area & museum.

    What to do — Wander through the various garden sections, perhaps bringing binoculars for birdwatching or a sketchbook to capture the serene landscapes.

    Scout Side Quest

    Find a tree or plant that looks like it belongs in a fantasy novel. Compare your top contenders.

    3.2 mi · 10 min drive

    Then A brief 5-7 minute drive will take you from the Arboretum to the La Colombe Coffee Workshop in Shaw.

  3. La Colombe Coffee Workshop3
    Optional 45 min
    La Colombe Coffee Workshop

    Food & Drink · Shaw

    Trendy cafe serving house-brand artisanal coffee, pastries & snacks in a fashionable space.

    What to do — Order your favorite coffee and a sweet treat, finding a cozy spot to relax and reflect on the day.

Scout Stories

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The route

On the map

Open route in Google Maps

Common questions

Planning this outing

Is this a good Washington itinerary for solo?
Yes. It's built for solo, couples, and friends and runs about 4 hr 30 min across 3 stops, starting at Unconventional Diner.
How long does this outing take?
Plan on 4 hr 30 min door to door, including time between stops.
How much does this Washington itinerary cost?
Roughly $25–$55 per person, before parking and tips. Free and low-cost stops are marked on each card.
Is this itinerary walkable?
Not entirely. The stops cover about 6.3 miles, so you'll drive or rideshare between at least one pair.
Do I need reservations?
No. Every stop on this plan takes walk-ins, though weekends move faster if you arrive early.

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