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Lombard Street
Eight Switchbacks, Flower Beds & One Very San Francisco Hill
Lombard Street San Francisco
Lombard Street’s famous crooked block is only one block long, but it has become one of San Francisco’s most photographed landmarks. Eight tight switchbacks descend Russian Hill between Hyde and Leavenworth streets, bordered by landscaped gardens and private homes.
The curves are the headline, but the setting is what makes the stop memorable: steep hills, cable cars, Bay views, North Beach below and Fisherman’s Wharf only a short distance away.
Why Lombard Street Is Crooked
The famous block was originally a straight, extremely steep street on Russian Hill. Its grade was roughly 27 percent, which created a serious problem for the automobiles of the early twentieth century.
In 1922, the block was redesigned with a series of switchbacks. City engineer Clyde Healy is closely associated with the project, which reduced the effective grade and made the street more manageable for cars. The result was the eight-turn pattern visitors know today.
The crooked section operated as a two-way street until 1939. It now carries one-way downhill traffic from Hyde Street to Leavenworth Street.
The street became famous quickly because the engineering solution was so visually unusual. What began as a practical response to a steep hill eventually became one of San Francisco’s signature landmarks.
Should You Walk or Drive Lombard Street?
Walking
Walking is usually better if your priority is photography. Stairways run beside the roadway and let you stop at different elevations without holding up traffic.
You can also appreciate the landscaping, brick paving and steepness of Russian Hill much more clearly on foot.
Driving
Driving the crooked block is fun for the novelty of actually navigating the eight switchbacks. The road is one-way downhill from Hyde Street toward Leavenworth Street.
Traffic can build quickly, so driving is not always the fastest way to experience the attraction. If congestion is heavy, viewing and walking the block can be more rewarding.
Private Sightseeing
Private sightseeing vehicles may include Lombard Street when traffic and access conditions allow. The advantage is flexibility: if the block is heavily backed up, your guide can adjust the route rather than wasting a large part of your sightseeing time in line.
Best Lombard Street Photo Spots
Leavenworth Street — The Classic View
The best-known photograph is taken from the bottom of the crooked block at Leavenworth Street looking uphill. From here, the switchbacks stack visually between houses, hedges and flower beds.
Along the Side Stairs
Walking the stairs gives you closer views of individual curves and landscaping. These angles are especially useful when the bottom viewpoint is crowded.
Hyde Street — The View Downhill
From the top near Hyde Street, look downhill toward North Beach, Coit Tower and San Francisco Bay.
Flowers & Landscaping
The colorful hydrangeas and other plantings have become almost as recognizable as the roadway itself. Because this is a living residential landscape, bloom intensity changes through the seasons.
Plan Your Lombard Street Visit
Admission
Free.
Time Needed
15–30 minutes for most visitors.
Best Photo
Leavenworth Street looking uphill.
Driving Direction
One-way downhill, Hyde to Leavenworth.
Parking
Limited street parking; transit or a tour is often easier.
Terrain
Very steep; side stairs require comfortable shoes.
Best Time to Visit
Earlier visits are often calmer than peak sightseeing periods, though crowd levels vary with season, weather and local events.
Weather & Clothing
Russian Hill can be breezy, and the nearby waterfront is often cooler than inland parts of San Francisco. Layers and comfortable walking shoes are the safest choice.
Neighborhood Etiquette
The crooked block is a residential street. Stay on public sidewalks and stairways, keep clear of driveways and entrances, and do not step onto private gardens or staircases for photographs.
Lombard Street Is Part of Russian Hill
Lombard Street makes much more sense when you see it as part of Russian Hill rather than as an isolated tourist stop.
The neighborhood is defined by steep grades, historic homes, Bay views and cable-car routes. The Hyde Street end of the crooked block sits directly on the Powell-Hyde cable-car line, making the Hyde Street Cable Car one of the best ways to combine transportation with sightseeing.
From here, it is easy to continue downhill toward Ghirardelli Square and Fisherman’s Wharf or east toward North Beach.
What to See Near Lombard Street
- Russian Hill — the surrounding neighborhood.
- Hyde Street Cable Car & Turnaround — iconic transit and an easy downhill connection.
- Ghirardelli Square — historic waterfront complex below Russian Hill.
- Fisherman’s Wharf — maritime attractions, food and waterfront views.
- North Beach & Little Italy — cafés, Italian heritage and Beat history.
- Coit Tower & Telegraph Hill — a natural eastbound continuation.
- Marina Green — broad Bay views farther west.
10 Fun Facts About Lombard Street
- The famous crooked section is only one block long.
- The block runs between Hyde and Leavenworth streets.
- It has eight tight switchbacks.
- The original straight street had an approximately 27 percent grade.
- The crooked redesign dates to 1922.
- The block was two-way until 1939.
- Traffic now runs one-way downhill.
- The crooked block is in Russian Hill.
- It is famous as the “crookedest street,” even though that nickname is not literally accurate.
- The landscaped hydrangeas and residential gardens are a major part of its postcard appearance.
See It on a Private Tour
Private Sightseeing & Lombard Street
Lombard Street is an ideal short stop on a private route through northern San Francisco. When traffic and access allow, your guide can include the crooked block and then continue toward Fisherman’s Wharf, North Beach, the Marina, Presidio or Golden Gate Bridge.
San Francisco Jeep Tours
Explore in a private open-top Jeep with flexible routing, frequent photo stops and Lombard Street included when conditions allow.
Lucky Tuk Tuk Private City Tour
See San Francisco in a private electric Tuk Tuk with your own guide. The compact vehicle is a natural fit for hills and neighborhood sightseeing, with Lombard Street included when route conditions allow.
Frequently Asked Questions About Lombard Street
Where is the famous crooked part of Lombard Street?
The famous one-block crooked section runs between Hyde Street and Leavenworth Street on Russian Hill.
Why is Lombard Street so crooked?
The block was redesigned in the 1920s because its original steep grade was difficult for early automobiles. Eight switchbacks reduced the effective grade and made the descent easier to navigate.
How many turns are on the crooked block?
The famous block has eight tight switchbacks.
Can you still drive down Lombard Street?
Yes. The crooked block is a one-way downhill residential street from Hyde Street toward Leavenworth Street. Drivers should follow current signs and traffic controls.
Can you walk down Lombard Street?
Yes. Sidewalks and stairways run beside the crooked roadway, and walking is often the best way to stop for photographs.
What is the best place to photograph Lombard Street?
The classic postcard view is from the Leavenworth Street end looking uphill at the stacked switchbacks, landscaped beds and houses.
What can you see from the top of Lombard Street?
From the Hyde Street end, visitors can look downhill toward North Beach, Coit Tower and portions of San Francisco Bay.
Is Lombard Street really the crookedest street in the world?
No. It is famous by that nickname, but it is not literally the street with the most curves. Vermont Street in San Francisco is often cited as more crooked by some measurements.
How long do you need at Lombard Street?
Most visitors need about 15 to 30 minutes for photos and a short walk. Allow more time if you are exploring Russian Hill or using the nearby cable car.
Is Lombard Street free to visit?
Yes. There is no admission fee to walk or view the street.
Is Lombard Street part of Russian Hill?
Yes. The famous crooked block is in the Russian Hill neighborhood.
Is there parking near Lombard Street?
Street parking on Russian Hill is limited and can be difficult. Transit, walking, rideshare or a private sightseeing tour is often easier.
Can tour buses drive down the crooked block?
Large tour buses are not permitted on the famous crooked block.
Is Lombard Street good for families?
Yes, as a short sightseeing stop. The stairs are steep, so families with strollers may prefer viewing from the top and bottom rather than walking every stair section.
Is Lombard Street accessible for visitors with limited mobility?
The steep grade and stairs can be challenging. Visitors with limited mobility may prefer viewing from the Hyde or Leavenworth ends rather than walking the entire block.
When is the best time to visit?
Earlier in the day is often calmer than peak sightseeing periods, but crowd levels vary by season, weather and events.
When do the flowers look best?
Landscaping changes through the year, with hydrangeas and other plantings often looking especially colorful in warmer months.
What attractions are near Lombard Street?
Russian Hill, the Hyde Street cable car, Ghirardelli Square, Fisherman’s Wharf, North Beach and Marina Green are all easy nearby additions.
Can private tours include Lombard Street?
Yes. Private Jeep and Tuk Tuk city tours can include the Lombard Street area and may travel the crooked block when traffic and access conditions allow.
Should I walk or drive Lombard Street?
Walking is better for photos and seeing the landscaping. Driving is fun for the novelty, but traffic can make it slower. Many visitors enjoy viewing it on foot and letting a private guide handle the route.
