Supreme Court of the United States Tours and Tickets

There are plenty of ways to experience the Supreme Court of the United States. Looking at ratings and reviews previously given by customers, these are the best tours available right now:

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• 3-4 Hour Private DC City Moonlight Tour by Van

You can visit the Supreme Court of the United States building for free without tickets or reservations. Explore the public areas at your own pace with free PDF guides available to download from the Supreme Court website. To attend a hearing in the court, enter the online lottery system or wait in line outside the courthouse.

The Supreme Court does not offer guided tours, but you can book a private guide to cover the public areas of the Supreme Court building, though access is sometimes affected by the business of the court. The building’s exterior is always accessible and is the highlight of many Washington DC tours.

No, the Supreme Court of the United States building is closed while the court is in session. Check the online calendar to confirm that the building will be open on the date you plan to visit. The only visitors allowed inside the building on hearing days are those who have seats for the court’s session.

Yes, you can take photos of the public areas of the Supreme Court building on the ground and first floors and of the building’s exterior. Photography is not allowed inside the courtroom, even before the judges have entered and the hearing has started. Court officers strictly enforce the no photography rule.

Yes, all visitors must pass through a security check, even when the court is not in session, and certain items are not allowed. These include food and beverages (even if in closed packages or water); large bags and backpacks; weapons, including guns and knives; and spray cans.