We take the Blue, Orange, or Silver line to Capitol South Station. Walk 3 blocks north up 1st St SE to reach the US Capitol 11 minute walk.
Route on Google Maps
8:30 AM – 10:30 AM: US Capitol (tour at 9:30)
8:30 AM – 10:30 AM: US Capitol (tour at 9:30)
- Visit: It begins with a 13-minute orientation film, followed by a 45-minute guided walking tour. You should plan to arrive at least 60 minutes prior to your scheduled time to get through security. All tours start at the Capitol Visitor Center, which is located underground on the east side of the Capitol.
- Logistics: Descend into the underground U.S. Capitol Visitor Center entrance on the east plaza for your guided tour.
10:45 AM – 12:15 PM: Library of Congress (Thomas Jefferson Building)
- Logistics: Option 1: The Underground Tunnel (Recommended)
- Location: Go to the upper level of the Capitol Visitor Center (near the House Appointment Desk).
- Route: Follow the indoor signs for the Library of Congress Tunnel.
- Details: This indoor walkway connects the Capitol Visitor Center directly to the historic Thomas Jefferson Building. It keeps you out of the weather, though you must pass through security at whichever building you enter first.
- Food: You will find a Dunkin Donuts and a Subway in the tunnel if you have time for a quick bite.
Option 2: Walking Outside (4 minutes)- Route link to Google Map: Exit the U.S. Capitol and head east toward First Street SE.
- Distance: Cross First Street SE toward Independence Avenue SE. The Thomas Jefferson Building is located at 10 First Street SE, just a short 0.2-mile walk across the plaza.
12:15 PM - Arrive at the Supreme Court. Lecture begins at 12:30.
Because lectures take place inside the Courtroom, they are subject to cancellation due to Court business and are subject to volunteer docent availability. For the most-up-to-date information about the lecture schedule, please refer to the rolling calendar.
The lecture line forms in the Great Hall, directly outside the Courtroom, on the first floor. Particularly in the spring and summer months, we recommend joining the line at least 15 minutes prior to the lecture’s start time. Please be on time, as late entries are disruptive to both the presenter and audience and cannot be accommodated.
2:30 PM - 3:15 PM: Lunch
3:30 PM – 04:45 PM: National Archives Museum
5:00 PM – 05:45 PM: Return Transition Suggestion 05:45 PM – 06:45 PM: Sunset Drinks at The Betsy 06:45 PM onward: Indoor Dinner on Barracks Row
Transit: Board the Metro at Eastern Market Station and take any line west to Archives-Navy Memorial Station.
Activity: View the original U.S. Constitution and Declaration of Independence.
- Transit: Catch the Metro back from Archives Station straight to Eastern Market Station, then walk 2 blocks south down 8th St SE (Barracks Row).
- Activity: Settle into the rooftop gin garden by 5:45 PM. Sip pre-dinner cocktails as the sun sets at 6:21 PM and twilight blankets Capitol Hill.
- Option A (Belga Café): Simply head down the stairs. The Betsy sits directly above Belga Café, a highly-rated neighborhood staple famous for authentic Belgian draft beers, ribeye steaks, and classic pots of mussels with fries.
- Option B (Ambar Capitol Hill): Walk just a few doors down to Ambar Restaurant. It is celebrated for its warm, rustic interior and its signature "unlimited" small-plates dining experience featuring traditional Balkan dishes like slow-cooked lamb, cheese pies, and regional spirits.