What is Lombard Street known for?

Lombard Street is one of San Francisco's most popular landmarks and is known as the "Crookedest Street in the World."

Yes, Lombard Street is a public road that is open at all times without any fee.

Where is the famous crooked section located?

The famous crooked portion of the street is located between Leavenworth and Hyde streets.

Why does the street have switchbacks?

The switchbacks were built in the 1920s to make the street safer for pedestrians and drivers because the natural steep grade was considered too dangerous.

How do I get there using public transit?

You can take Muni bus 30, the Powell-Hyde cable car (which drops you at the top of the crooked block), or the Powell-Mason cable car (which stops at Lombard and Columbus).

What should I check before going?

Use Gyde for context, then check official sources for current hours, tickets, construction, and closures.

Lombard Street in San Francisco

Lombard Street

Known as the Crookedest Street in the World, this iconic San Francisco landmark features eight sharp hairpin turns and lush greenery, offering a scenic drive or walk down a steep residential hill.

Open prototype

Get directions

What to know

Lombard Street is one of San Francisco's most popular landmarks, famously known as the “Crookedest Street in the World.” While the entire road spans three miles from the Presidio to the Embarcadero waterfront, the primary tourist draw is a single, one-block curved section located between Hyde and Leavenworth streets. This redbrick road features eight sharp hairpin turns that wind downhill from Hyde Street to Leavenworth Street, creating a scenic vista of the city. The design was not merely for aesthetic appeal; the switchbacks were built in the 1920s after a property owner suggested the design to make the street safer for pedestrians and vehicles. The natural steep grade of the hill has a daunting incline of 27 degrees, which was thought to be too dangerous for a straight path. By creating these curves, the city managed to reduce the slope's danger while adding to the neighborhood's charm. Today, the crooked block is both a residential neighborhood and a major tourist destination, attracting millions of visitors each year. Because of the potential danger of the steep incline, the maximum speed limit for vehicles driving down the block is strictly limited to 5 mph. Visitors can explore the street by walking the stairs and sidewalks up or down the hill, or by driving slowly through the the redbrick turns. As you explore the area, you will find that North Beach, Chinatown, and Fisherman’s Wharf are all within walking distance, making it a perfect addition to a walking tour of the Russian Hill neighborhood.

Visitor tips

Use the Powell-Hyde cable car to be dropped off right at the top of the crooked block at Hyde Street.
Set your navigation to 1099 Lombard Street to reach the top of the hill for the best starting view.
Allow extra time for traffic if you plan to drive down, as the 5 mph speed limit and tourist crowds are significant.

Nearby context

Lombard Street is situated in the Russian Hill neighborhood, providing a convenient walking path to other major attractions like North Beach, Chinatown, and Fisherman’s Wharf.