Supreme Court of the United States

Supreme Court of the United States is a sightseeing stop in Washington, DC, part of the Washington DC guide. Cost: free.

1 First St NE · Washington, DC

Why you should go…

Home of the Court since 1935, Cass Gilbert's neoclassical building is open to visitors at no charge. You can walk the public areas on your own, see Court-related exhibitions and sit in on a Courtroom Lecture, and Court sessions are open to the public. Look for the bronze entrance doors, 17 feet high, and the Equal Justice Under Law pediment over the west facade. Court business can affect access, so check the Court's daily calendar before you go.

#government building
#courthouse
#architecture
#self-guided tour

What's around here?

The closest stops to Supreme Court of the United States, ordered by straight-line distance. A few more like it, plus some different kinds of fun so you can build a full day.

Museums
History Buff
Folger Shakespeare Library
Free
See Shakespeare First Folios, manuscripts and costumes in the exhibition halls, then visit the gardens and Elizabethan Theatre.
Steps awaySwitch it up: Museums
Attractions
Hidden-in-plain-sight
Library of Congress, Thomas Jefferson Building
Free
The world's largest library, and arguably DC's most beautiful interior, the Great Hall, the Main Reading Room, and a Gutenberg Bible.
Steps awaySwitch it up: Attractions
Sightseeing
History Buff
U.S. Capitol & Capitol Visitor Center
Free
Free guided tours under the Rotunda's frescoed dome, the heart of American democracy, up close.
Steps awayMore like this
Stay
Local Gem
Capitol Hill Hotel
$50+
A boutique hotel set in 19th-century row houses a short walk from the U.S. Capitol and the Supreme Court.
0.3 mi awaySwitch it up: Stay
Sightseeing
Iconic
Union Station
Free
Walk through a 1907 Beaux-Arts rail terminal whose Main Hall ceiling rises 96 feet, then browse its shops and restaurants.
0.5 mi awayMore like this
Sightseeing
Iconic
Washington Monument
Free
Ride 500 feet up the world's tallest stone obelisk for the only aerial panorama of the White House, Capitol, and Mall.
1.7 mi awayMore like this