Supreme Court of the United States Tours
Along with the White House and US Capitol, the Supreme Court ranks among Washington DC’s most significant, iconic landmarks. Founded in 1789 and now housed in a neoclassical building that dates to 1935, the Supreme Court is the highest court in the land, and visitors are welcome to visit (even when court is in session).
The Basics
Instantly recognizable for its ornate design and grand marble steps, the Supreme Court is one of the country’s most important government buildings and a top DC highlight. Explore the ground floor and the parts of the first floor that are open to the public; watch a video about the court’s history, which is screened continuously in two ground-floor theaters; and view multiple exhibitions as well as portraits and sculptures of former justices. You can even watch the court hear arguments when it is in session.
Given its status as a major DC landmark, the Supreme Court is featured on numerous local tour itineraries, including hop-on hop-off bus tours, bike tours, and trolley tours, as well as history-themed walking tours and Capitol Hill neighborhood excursions.
Things to Know Before You Go
How to Get There
To reach the court by public transit, take the Orange, Blue, or Silver Metro lines to Capitol South; or take the Red line to Union Station. The court is also served by the 32, 34, 36, 39, 97, and A11 buses. Note that the northwest door, located to the left of the Supreme Court’s steps (if you’re facing the building), is the official public entrance.
When to Get There
The Supreme Court is open to the public on weekdays from 9:30am–4:30pm; it is closed on weekends and public holidays, and its hours can sometimes vary due to special events and official engagements. The landmark is at its most crowded between the months of March and June.
Attending the Supreme Court
If you’d like to watch the Supreme Court in action, visit while the justices are hearing cases. Seating in the first-floor courtroom is on a first-come, first-served basis. Before a session begins, join one of two lines: one for those who wish to attend the entire hearing, and a separate “three-minute” line for those who just want a quick peek. You’ll want to arrive early if you hope to get a seat, and it is recommended to avoid bringing infants and young children. When court is not in session, you can see the courtroom during a docent-led lecture.
The Basics
Instantly recognizable for its ornate design and grand marble steps, the Supreme Court is one of the country’s most important government buildings and a top DC highlight. Explore the ground floor and the parts of the first floor that are open to the public; watch a video about the court’s history, which is screened continuously in two ground-floor theaters; and view multiple exhibitions as well as portraits and sculptures of former justices. You can even watch the court hear arguments when it is in session.
Given its status as a major DC landmark, the Supreme Court is featured on numerous local tour itineraries, including hop-on hop-off bus tours, bike tours, and trolley tours, as well as history-themed walking tours and Capitol Hill neighborhood excursions.
Things to Know Before You Go
- All visitors to the Supreme Court must pass through a security screening process that includes metal detectors.
- While the court does not hold guided tours, you can explore highlights—including the courtroom, portraits of former justices, and more—at your leisure.
- Public amenities include restrooms, a cafeteria, and a gift shop.
- The Supreme Court is fully accessible to wheelchair users, and service dogs are welcome.
- Photography and recording devices are banned inside the building.
How to Get There
To reach the court by public transit, take the Orange, Blue, or Silver Metro lines to Capitol South; or take the Red line to Union Station. The court is also served by the 32, 34, 36, 39, 97, and A11 buses. Note that the northwest door, located to the left of the Supreme Court’s steps (if you’re facing the building), is the official public entrance.
When to Get There
The Supreme Court is open to the public on weekdays from 9:30am–4:30pm; it is closed on weekends and public holidays, and its hours can sometimes vary due to special events and official engagements. The landmark is at its most crowded between the months of March and June.
Attending the Supreme Court
If you’d like to watch the Supreme Court in action, visit while the justices are hearing cases. Seating in the first-floor courtroom is on a first-come, first-served basis. Before a session begins, join one of two lines: one for those who wish to attend the entire hearing, and a separate “three-minute” line for those who just want a quick peek. You’ll want to arrive early if you hope to get a seat, and it is recommended to avoid bringing infants and young children. When court is not in session, you can see the courtroom during a docent-led lecture.
Address: 1 1st Street NE, Capitol Hill, Washington DC, District of Columbia 20543, USA
Admission: Free
43 Tours and Activities to Experience Supreme Court of the United States
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Private Capitol Hill, Supreme Court and Library of Congress Tour
Get personalized attention and enjoy a flexible itinerary on this walking tour of Washington, D.C. Visit the highlights and landmarks of the nation's capital, such as the Supreme Court, the Capitol Building, the Main Reading Room of Library of Congress, and others.
…More
From
$73.14
Price varies by group size
From
$73.14
Price varies by group size
Face masks required for travelers in public areas
Face masks required for guides in public areas
Face masks provided for travelers
Washington DC Sightseeing Trolley Tour with 1 Stop
Depart from the Washington DC Welcome Center and take a 90 minute Washington DC trolley tour to explore the nation’s capital. The route encompasses the city’s top attractions, including the White House, Lincoln Memorial and the National Mall.
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From
$49.00
From
$49.00
Face masks required for travelers in public areas
Face masks required for guides in public areas
Hand sanitizer available to travelers and staff
Washington DC Monuments by Moonlight Tour by Trolley
Explore the famous monuments and memorials of Washington DC by moonlight on this narrated sightseeing tour. Hop aboard an open-air trolley and enjoy an educational and entertaining history of the nation’s capital while traveling past each point of interest. Take in the stunning views of an illuminated Lincoln Memorial, the Washington Monument, the White House, and many other landmarks. This is a truly unique look at the iconic monuments of Washington DC by night.
…More
From
$45.00
From
$45.00
Face masks required for travelers in public areas
Face masks required for guides in public areas
Hand sanitizer available to travelers and staff
Four Hour Private DC Highlight Tour by Van
Make the most of your time in Washington, D.C., on a private tour of the city’s highlights with a professional guide. Kick off the day at the White House, then visit the Supreme Court, Library of Congress, Jefferson Memorial, and more of D.C.’s most iconic monuments and museums. Finish the day with a stop at the Martin Luther King, Jr. Memorial.
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From
$369.87
per group
From
$369.87
per group
Washington DC Express Sightseeing Tour
See the highlights of the capital on a Washington DC express tour that whisks you around the city by van or minibus. A knowledgable guide provides informative commentary about DC’s major landmarks such as the White House and the US Capitol Building. During your 2-hour tour, starting from Capitol Hill, you’ll get a comprehensive overview in a short time. Select the night tour and see the Washington Monument, Lincoln Memorial and World War II Memorial illuminated after dark.
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From
$77.06
From
$77.06
Face masks required for travelers in public areas
Face masks required for guides in public areas
Hand sanitizer available to travelers and staff
Private Washington DC Day Trip from New York
Visit Washington, D.C., on a private, full-day trip from New York City with a chauffeured minivan that accommodates up to six passengers. Enjoy the ride in comfort and style, then spend a day exploring the capital’s most important sites. See the United States Capitol and the moving tombs of the Arlington National Cemetery, then continue to the White House and Presidential memorials. Visit the museums and monuments that line the National Mall before returning to New York.
…More
From
$1,199.00
per group
From
$1,199.00
per group
Face masks required for travelers in public areas
Face masks required for guides in public areas
Face masks provided for travelers
Washington DC Capital Sites Bike Tour
Washington DC is full of historical sites and while it’s easy to explore on foot or by bus, this 2-wheel tour option gives travelers access to some of the city’s most popular landmarks. Check out the Lincoln Memorial, White House, Supreme Court and the Capitol on this Capital Sites Bike Tour. Your friendly guide shares plenty of history, facts, and city knowledge on this easy bike ride through the nation’s capital.
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From
$46.00
From
$46.00
Washington DC Private Tour with Spanish or Portuguese Option
Explore the famous sites of Washington DC on this private tour. Choose from a morning or afternoon departure, then climb aboard a luxury vehicle and enjoy an educational and entertaining account of the nation’s capital with a private guide. Travel around and through the plethora of famous war memorials, monuments, and landmarks. From DC’s residential neighborhoods to Arlington, Virginia and back, experience this comprehensive tour of the city. Hotel pickup/drop-off included.
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From
$410.96
per group
From
$410.96
per group
Private Moonlight DC City Tour by Van
Experience the beauty of America's iconic capital city during this moonlit tour of Washington, D.C. by van. Make your way in a private vehicle through historic landmarks and top attractions. Visit Capitol Hill, the Supreme Court, the Library of Congress and more. It's the perfect way to cap off a day of sightseeing with a relaxing tour at dusk.
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From
$328.77
per group
From
$328.77
per group
Washington DC Super Saver: Hop-on Hop-off Trolley + Monuments by Moonlight Tour
Explore the best of Washington, DC on this narrated, hop-on hop-off trolley tour. Visit more than 100 points of interest among DC’s top attractions—like the White House, the Lincoln Memorial and the Washington Monument, to name just a few. Depending upon your interest, select a silver, gold, or platinum pass, then board at any of the stops and get to know the nation’s capital in customized fashion, with live onboard commentary from a professional tour conductor. A guided moonlight trolley tour to the same landmark locations, illuminated for the evening, is also included.
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From
$94.00
From
$94.00
Face masks required for travelers in public areas
Face masks required for guides in public areas
Hand sanitizer available to travelers and staff
Capitol Hill Guided Small-Group Walking Tour
Go to the heart of America's Legislative and Judicial branches of government on a small-group tour of Capitol Hill that explores the U.S. Capitol, the Library of Congress, and the Supreme Court. This tour goes inside each destination for a guided tour, and highlights include reserved-entry at the U.S. Capitol and entry to the Supreme Court, with a guide to help bring Capitol Hill's fascinating politics and history to life.
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From
$50.35
From
$50.35
Face masks required for travelers in public areas
Face masks required for guides in public areas
Hand sanitizer available to travelers and staff
Dynamite Day Tour: Small-Group DC Bus Tour
Explore the famous monuments and war memorials of Washington, DC on this guided, small-group sightseeing tour. Climb aboard a Dodge Sprinter van and enjoy an educational and entertaining narrated history of the US nation’s capital. Travel around and through the plethora of famous monuments and memorials, featuring the White House, the United States Capitol, the Lincoln Memorial, the Thomas Jefferson Memorial, the Vietnam Veterans Memorial and many other landmark locations. A variety of lunch options (own expense) will be made available.
…More
From
$81.17
From
$81.17
Private Customized Washington DC City Tour by Van
Experience the very best of Washington, DC, on a fully-customizable, 4 to 5 hours private tour with a personal van and driver. Create the perfect route for your interests, choosing from over fifty points of interest. See the city’s political, historical and scenic highlights, or focus on a single theme, with plenty of time to explore the sites that appeal to you most. Take in Capitol Hill and the Supreme Court, gardens, Presidential memorials, War Memorials and landmarks, or head outside the city to see Arlington National Cemetery and Mount Vernon Estate.
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From
$102.74
From
$102.74
Hop-On Hop-Off Bus Tour of Washington DC: Monuments, Landmarks and Memorials
Explore the most popular sites in Washington, DC on this hop-on hop-off bus tour. Visit many of the top attractions in the nation’s capital — like the White House, Washington Monument, the National Mall, historic Georgetown, Arlington National Cemetery and more. Select a 1- or 2-day pass, for access to three separate routes and get to know the city in custom fashion, with live and recorded narration.
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From
$49.00
From
$49.00
Haunted DC Walking Tour on Capitol Hill
Take a spooky stroll through Washington DC on this guided walking ghost tour. Visit one of the most haunted buildings in the world—the United States Capitol Building—as well as the Supreme Court Building and the Library of Congress. Hear the stories of feuding ghosts of past lawmakers, haunted souls surrounding the Trial of the Lincoln Assassination Conspirators, the phantoms of past presidents and the curse that surrounds everything on Capitol Hill. It’s a fascinating, spine-tingling adventure.
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From
$25.00
From
$25.00
Face masks required for travelers in public areas
Face masks required for guides in public areas
Social distancing enforced throughout experience
Lonely Planet Experiences: American Politics & Debate on Capitol Hill Tour
Get an insider take on DC politics, history, and landmarks on a 2-hour walking tour of the Capitol Hill neighborhood that concludes in a beloved local pub or cafe. You’ll see the US Capitol Building, the Supreme Court, and the Library of Congress while chatting about current American politics and policy along the way. This 2-hour Capitol Hill walking tour is limited to 12 people for a personalized experience and offers an up-to-date immersion in America’s historic capital city.
…More
From
$42.47
From
$42.47
Social distancing enforced throughout experience
Guides required to regularly wash hands
Paid stay-at-home policy for staff with symptoms
Day or Night Private DC Sightseeing Tour
Explore Washington D.C.’s most important destinations with a fully-customizable, 4 or 5-hour private sightseeing tour for your group of 6 to 14 people. Work with an experienced guide to tailor the itinerary to your interests, and visit the city’s landmarks, memorials and museums. Enjoy convenient hotel pick-up and drop-off within the D.C. beltway and beyond in a comfortable minibus. Finish your tour with return transfer to your hotel, or make the most of your time in the capital by heading directly to one of the D.C. airports.
…More
From
$299.00
per group
From
$299.00
per group
Face masks required for travelers in public areas
Face masks required for guides in public areas
Hand sanitizer available to travelers and staff
Capitol Hill, Supreme Court & Library of Congress Small Group Tour
Take a 2.5-hour tour of one of the most powerful country’s governments as you explore Capitol Hill with a guide. See the main buildings, including the Capitol and the Supreme Court. Go into the main reading room of the Library of Congress, and catch sight of an original Gutenberg Bible. Also, during your tour, see the Statue of Freedom.
…More
From
$73.14
Price varies by group size
From
$73.14
Price varies by group size
Face masks required for travelers in public areas
Face masks required for guides in public areas
Face masks provided for travelers
Washington DC Christmas Lights Walking Tour
Every year Washington DC comes alive with the most-festive decorations you can see. Discover the most-unique Christmas Trees and decorations that most people do not even know about. Enjoy the beautiful lights, decorations, Christmas Trees and much more. In this easy walking tour, you will experience three hours of taking photos, learning about the history of Christmas in Washington DC as well as enjoying some of the best holiday decorations you will ever see.
NOTE: Sometimes different locations on our tour may limit access for health or other reasons. We will make every effort to provide you with the best tour possible with the locations that are available on the day of your tour.
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From
$73.43
From
$73.43
Private Town Car DC Tour
Looking for Washington DC private tours? Explore DC with World’s Five Star Limo Service. This Town Car Tour is for up to 4 people. We provide pick up and drop off at any desired place in Washington DC, Virginia and Maryland. Distinguish customer service, modified limos and reliability shape our Tour Quality. Capture yourself in front of most of the historical buildings in the shortest possible time.
…More
From
$383.57
per group
From
$383.57
per group
Private SUV DC Tour
Looking for Washington DC private tours? Explore DC with World’s Five Star Limo Service. This SUV Tour is for up to 7 people. We provide pick up and drop off at any desired place in Washington DC, Virginia and Maryland. Distinguish customer service, modified limos and reliability shape our Tour Quality. Capture yourself in front of most of the historical buildings in the shortest possible time.
…More
From
$437.27
per group
From
$437.27
per group
Stretch Limo private DC Tours
Looking for Washington DC private tours? Explore DC with World’s Five Star Limo Service. This Stretch Limo Tour is for up to 14 people. We provide pick up and drop off at any desired place in Washington DC, Virginia and Maryland. Distinguish customer service, modified limos and reliability shape our Tour Quality. Capture yourself in front of most of the historical buildings in the shortest possible time.
…More
From
$437.27
per group
From
$437.27
per group
Private Hummer Limo DC Tours
Looking for Washington DC private tours? Explore DC with World’s Five Star Limo Service. This Hummer Limo Tour is for up to 15 people. We provide pick up and drop off at any desired place in Washington DC, Virginia and Maryland. Distinguish customer service, modified limos and reliability shape our Tour Quality. Capture yourself in front of most of the historical buildings in the shortest possible time.
…More
From
$854.80
per group
From
$854.80
per group
Private Mercedes Sprinter Van DC Tours
Looking for Washington DC private tours? Explore DC with World’s Five Star Limo Service. This Mercedes Van Tour is for up to 14 people. We provide pick up and drop off at any desired place in Washington DC, Virginia and Maryland. Distinguish customer service, modified limos and reliability shape our Tour Quality. Capture yourself in front of most of the historical buildings in the shortest possible time.
…More
From
$499.00
per group
From
$499.00
per group
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