Lombard Street in San Francisco is globally recognized as one of the most famous streets, particularly on the West Coast. However, for many visitors, their knowledge barely scratches beyond its name. Common questions arise, such as, “What makes Lombard Street so famous?”, “Is driving down Lombard Street still allowed?”, and “Is there a fee to drive down Lombard Street?”. The answers are yes, it is still driveable, and no, it’s free! Before you plan a visit to experience this iconic zig-zag road for yourself, here’s everything you should know.
Where is Lombard Street and What Makes It So Famous?
Lombard Street stretches across the northern part of San Francisco from east to west, covering a distance of three miles from the Presidio to the Embarcadero waterfront. Much of the street is aesthetically pleasing, particularly as it winds through the charming Russian Hill neighborhood. Yet, a significant portion of it appears quite ordinary, blending seamlessly with numerous other picturesque streets in the city—until you reach a specific block. Nestled between Hyde and Leavenworth Streets, you’ll discover a single, short block that has earned the title “The Crookedest Street in the World,” achieving international fame. It’s worth noting, though, that Vermont Street in Potrero Hill is actually more crooked, technically holding the real title within San Francisco. Despite this, Lombard Street remains the iconic symbol. And to address the curiosity, yes, you can still drive down Lombard Street, but only in the downhill direction.
The Curvy Design: Why is Lombard Street So Crooked?
The steep slope that Lombard Street traverses presents a significant 27-degree incline. Back in the 1920s, when the street was originally designed, this steepness posed a considerable challenge for the cars of that era, making uphill climbs difficult and downhill descents potentially hazardous. To mitigate these issues, the serpentine design was implemented. This zig-zag route was ingeniously devised to make the street easier for early automobiles to navigate uphill and, more importantly, safer for both vehicles and pedestrians when traveling downhill. Since its redesign, this 600-foot block incorporates eight sharp, hairpin turns. Adding to its whimsical charm are the meticulously maintained shrubs and vibrant pastel hydrangeas that border the winding red-brick pavement, enhancing its fairytale-like ambiance. Daily, over a thousand visitors put their driving skills (and vehicle brakes) to the test by driving down this world-renowned block.
Getting to Lombard Street: Directions and Parking
To easily navigate to Lombard Street, input ‘1099 Lombard Street’ into your GPS. This address will guide you directly to the top of the famous block. Parking directly on Lombard Street is extremely limited and generally challenging to find. For those driving, the closest parking garage is situated approximately six blocks away at 721 Filbert Street.
For visitors using public transportation, accessing Lombard Street is convenient via the public bus system. Bus line 30 offers a direct route from Union Square to Columbus Avenue, placing you just a short walk from Lombard Street. If you prefer to experience San Francisco’s iconic cable cars, the Powell-Hyde line will drop you off precisely at the intersection of Hyde and Lombard, right at the top of the crooked section. Alternatively, the Powell-Mason line stops a few blocks away at the corner of Lombard and Columbus, still within easy walking distance to the famous block.
Experiencing Lombard Street: Driving, Walking, and Photography
There are several enjoyable ways to experience this unique San Francisco landmark. For the full Lombard Street experience, driving down in your own car is highly recommended. However, be prepared for potential wait times as vehicles often queue to navigate the switchbacks. As you reach the top of Lombard, get ready for a distinctive driving sensation – proceeding forward while your view of the immediate road ahead is obscured can feel surprisingly adventurous, almost like driving off a gentle cliff. While driving, try to steal glances at the stunning panoramic views of San Francisco Bay, Fisherman’s Wharf, and the Golden Gate Bridge, but always primarily focus on the road!
For pedestrians, walking along Lombard Street offers a different perspective. You can stroll down the sidewalks, perhaps cautiously close to the floral bushes, as a playful precaution against the occasional car slightly misjudging a turn. Public stairways are also available on both sides of the street, allowing you to ascend and descend alongside the crooked block at your own pace.
While the summit of the hill provides expansive cityscape vistas, the eastern end of the block is undoubtedly the most popular spot for photographs. Consider parking nearby to capture the quintessential photo of the whimsical road from a lower vantage point. Interestingly, this location also places you near a cinematic landmark: the fictional residence of Scottie from Alfred Hitchcock’s thriller Vertigo, located at 900 Lombard Street.
Optimal Times to Visit Lombard Street
The best time to visit Lombard Street is during off-peak hours to avoid heavy traffic. It’s advisable to steer clear of rush hour and weekend afternoons which are typically the busiest. A particularly enchanting option is to visit at night. The city lights stretching into the distance create a dramatic backdrop, and the street is usually less crowded during evening hours. When visiting, please remember that the grand mansions lining Lombard Street are private homes. Residents require access to their driveways and front doors, so being respectful is paramount.
Attractions Near Lombard Street: Exploring Russian Hill
Maximize your visit to the Russian Hill neighborhood by exploring the surrounding attractions. Polk Street offers a variety of boutiques and shops perfect for browsing. For more breathtaking city views, head to Ina Coolbrith Park and enjoy vistas that include Coit Tower. Book lovers should not miss City Lights Bookstore, a San Francisco cultural landmark since 1955.
Russian Hill is also a haven for food enthusiasts. Visit the original Swenson’s Ice Cream, a neighborhood favorite since 1948, or Cheese Plus, a renowned cheese and sandwich shop ideal for gourmet takeaway delights. For sit-down dining, options abound: Cocotte offers French cuisine, Frascati specializes in Italian dishes, and Elephant Sushi is perfect for sushi aficionados. If you need accommodation, the western section of Lombard Street, towards the Presidio and Van Ness Avenue, is dotted with numerous hotels, ranging from charming independent establishments to well-known chains, providing ample lodging choices.
