Lombard Street in San Francisco is more than just a street name; it’s a global icon, instantly recognizable and a must-see for anyone visiting the West Coast. While many know the name, the intrigue often stops there. Questions abound: “What makes Lombard Street so famous?” “Can you actually drive down Lombard Street?” (Yes!) and “Is there a fee to experience Lombard Street?” (It’s absolutely free!). Before you head to witness this unique zig-zag street in person, here’s everything you need to know to plan your visit to Lombard Street, San Francisco.
What Makes Lombard Street in San Francisco So Famous?
Lombard Street stretches across the northern part of San Francisco from east to west, covering three miles from the Presidio to the vibrant Embarcadero waterfront. Much of Lombard Street is a picturesque thoroughfare, blending seamlessly into the charming Russian Hill neighborhood. However, it’s a single block, nestled between Hyde and Leavenworth Streets, that catapults Lombard Street into international fame. This section, often dubbed “The Crookedest Street in the World,” is the star attraction. Interestingly, while Lombard Street holds this famous moniker, Vermont Street in San Francisco’s Potrero Hill neighborhood is actually even more crooked, a fun fact for street aficionados to note. And yes, for those wondering, you can still drive down Lombard Street, experiencing its unique twists and turns firsthand, albeit in a strictly downhill, one-way direction.
View of Lombard Street with cars driving down and houses on both sides
The History Behind the Crooks: Why is Lombard Street So Crooked?
The distinctive design of Lombard Street wasn’t born from mere aesthetics but out of necessity. The steep incline of Russian Hill, where Lombard Street is located, presents a significant 27-degree slope. Back in the 1920s, this incline posed a considerable challenge for early automobiles, making uphill climbs difficult and downhill descents potentially dangerous. To address this issue, city planners devised the serpentine layout. The zig-zagging road was engineered to reduce the street’s natural steepness, making it easier and safer for vehicles and pedestrians alike to navigate. Today, this 600-foot block features eight sharp hairpin turns, beautifully landscaped with meticulously maintained shrubs and vibrant pastel hydrangeas that line the red-brick pavement, enhancing its fairytale-like charm. Every day, thousands of visitors embrace the unique experience, testing their driving skills (and perhaps their brakes) as they navigate down this world-famous block of Lombard Street.
Getting to Lombard Street: Directions and Parking
To reach Lombard Street’s famous crooked section, set your GPS to 1099 Lombard Street. This address will guide you to the top of the iconic block, at the intersection of Lombard and Hyde Streets. Parking directly on Lombard Street is extremely limited and highly unlikely. Street parking in the surrounding Russian Hill neighborhood can also be challenging to find. The closest parking garage is located approximately six blocks away at 721 Filbert Street.
Sign indicating Lombard Street
Public transportation offers convenient alternatives. The 30 bus line provides direct access from Union Square to Columbus Avenue, placing you a few blocks from Lombard Street. For a classic San Francisco experience, take a cable car. The Powell-Hyde cable car line drops you off right at the top of the crooked block, at Hyde and Lombard. Alternatively, the Powell-Mason line stops three blocks away at Lombard and Columbus, still within easy walking distance.
Experiencing Lombard Street: Driving, Walking, and Photo Opportunities
There are several ways to appreciate the unique charm of this San Francisco windy road. For the quintessential Lombard Street experience, driving down is a must-do. Be prepared for a potential wait, especially during peak hours, as vehicles queue to navigate the switchbacks. As you reach the top of Lombard Street, take a deep breath and get ready for an unusual driving experience. The descent can feel surprisingly adventurous as the road ahead remains hidden until you’re already turning, creating a sensation of driving off a gentle cliff. While navigating the turns, try to steal glimpses of the stunning panoramic views of San Francisco Bay, Fisherman’s Wharf, and the majestic Golden Gate Bridge, but always keep your focus primarily on the road!
Tourists walking on the sidewalk of Lombard Street taking photos
If you prefer to explore on foot, you can walk alongside Lombard Street. Carefully walk along the sidewalks, perhaps keeping a slight distance from the curb as a safety precaution. Public stairways flank both sides of the crooked block, allowing you to ascend and descend while taking in different perspectives. While the top of Lombard Street offers impressive cityscape vistas, the eastern end of the block, at the bottom of the hill, is arguably the most iconic photo spot. Park your car (if you drove down) or walk to this vantage point to capture the quintessential photo of the whimsical, winding road stretching uphill. While there, you’ll also be near 900 Lombard Street, famously recognized as the fictional residence of Scottie from Alfred Hitchcock’s classic thriller, Vertigo.
Best Time to Visit Lombard Street
To maximize your enjoyment of Lombard Street and minimize potential crowds, the best times to visit are during off-peak hours. Avoid rush hour traffic and weekend afternoons, which tend to be the busiest. An excellent option is to visit Lombard Street at night. The city lights twinkling in the distance create a dramatic and magical backdrop, and you’ll likely encounter fewer tourists. When visiting, remember that the beautiful mansions lining Lombard Street are private residences. Please be respectful of the residents by keeping noise levels down and allowing them to access their homes without obstruction. For further guidance on considerate visits, you can find more information on respectful ways to visit Lombard Street on the San Francisco Travel website.
Things to Do Near Lombard Street
Enhance your visit to Lombard Street by exploring the surrounding Russian Hill neighborhood. Polk Street, known for its charming boutiques and shops, is just a short walk away. Enjoy breathtaking views of Coit Tower and the city skyline from Ina Coolbrith Park, a tranquil green space nearby. Book lovers and literary enthusiasts shouldn’t miss a visit to City Lights Bookstore, a San Francisco landmark since 1955. Russian Hill is also a culinary hotspot. Indulge in classic ice cream at Swenson’s Ice Cream, a local favorite since 1948, or grab gourmet cheeses and sandwiches at Cheese Plus. For a more formal dining experience, choose from diverse cuisines at restaurants like Cocotte (French), Frascati (Italian), or Elephant Sushi. If you’re looking for accommodation, the western stretch of Lombard Street, closer to the Presidio and Van Ness Avenue, offers numerous hotels, ranging from independent establishments to well-known chains, providing convenient lodging options for your San Francisco adventure.
