Supreme Court of the United States ⚖️

Hey there, history and law enthusiasts! Visiting the Supreme Court of the United States is a must if you’re in D.C. Ready to stand where landmark decisions have been made and soak in the grandeur of the highest court in the land? Here’s your ultimate guide packed with insider tips, hidden gems, and everything you need to know to make your visit memorable!

(1) Google Maps Link:

📍 Find the Supreme Court of the United States on Google Maps

(2) Nearest Subway Station: 🚇

The closest Metro stop is Capitol South (Blue, Orange, Silver lines). From there, it’s about a 7-minute walk to the Supreme Court. You can also use Union Station (Red line), which is about a 10-minute walk.

(3) Good Places to Eat, Drink, or Grab Coffee Nearby:

Worked up an appetite after exploring the Court? Here are some great spots nearby:

• We, The Pizza 🍕 (10 minutes away): A fun and casual spot serving up delicious New York-style pizza and refreshing homemade sodas.
• Good Stuff Eatery 🍔 (10 minutes away): Craving a burger? This spot is famous for its juicy burgers, hand-cut fries, and milkshakes!
• Tortilla Coast 🌮 (8 minutes away): A great place for Tex-Mex food, with tasty tacos and margaritas—perfect for a quick lunch!
• Capitol Hill Books ☕ (12 minutes away): Not exactly a café, but this quirky second-hand bookstore is perfect for grabbing a coffee nearby and leafing through some interesting reads.
• Ebenezers Coffeehouse ☕ (12 minutes away): A cozy coffee shop near Union Station with great espresso and community vibes.

(4) Best Photo Spots 📸

You’ll definitely want to capture the iconic beauty of the Supreme Court building. Here are the best photo spots:

• The Front Steps: The most iconic spot for a photo. Stand on the steps with the imposing columns and the inscription “Equal Justice Under Law” in the background.
• The Great Hall (inside): If you’re lucky enough to get inside, the Great Hall is stunning—lined with marble columns and busts of former Chief Justices.
• The West Lawn: A great place to snap a wide shot of the entire building, especially in the morning when the sun is rising behind the Capitol.
• Capitol Building Views: Since the Supreme Court is right next to the U.S. Capitol, you can grab a two-for-one shot with both iconic buildings in view!

(5) Opening Times: 🕒

The Supreme Court is open to the public Monday through Friday, 9:00 AM to 4:30 PM. It’s closed on federal holidays. Court sessions are open to the public, but seating is limited and on a first-come, first-served basis. Oral arguments are held from October through April, typically on Mondays, Tuesdays, and Wednesdays.

(6) Additional Insider Tips: 💡

• Attend an Oral Argument: Want to see the Court in action? You can attend oral arguments, but you’ll need to arrive early—often before 7:00 AM—to secure a spot in the courtroom.
• Courtroom Lectures: Even if you can’t attend a session, you can still enjoy a free 30-minute lecture about the building’s history and the judicial process. These are offered every hour on the half-hour when the Court is not in session.
• Security: Since the Supreme Court is a high-security building, expect to go through metal detectors, and large bags are not allowed inside.
• Supreme Court Gift Shop: Don’t leave without grabbing something from the gift shop on the ground floor! They have some unique legal-themed souvenirs and books.

(7) Hidden Gem 💎

The John Marshall Statue located in the basement level is often overlooked by visitors. John Marshall was the influential Chief Justice who helped define the role of the Supreme Court in American government. The statue is an impressive tribute to his legacy and a great quiet spot for reflection away from the main crowds.

(8) Public Bathrooms Nearby 🚻

• Supreme Court Building: There are public restrooms available on the lower level of the building.
• Library of Congress (across the street): If you’re heading next door, the Library of Congress also has clean public restrooms, perfect for a quick stop.