Lombard Street Guide: The "Crookedest Street" in San Francisco

TLDR: Lombard Street is famous as the "crookedest street in the world" due to its eight sharp hairpin turns on Russian Hill. It is a public street, so it is free to visit 24/7. You can walk down the side stairs or drive down (one-way eastbound only). The best view is from the bottom at Leavenworth Street looking up.

Famous for its red brick paving, manicured hydrangeas, and steep switchbacks, Lombard Street is one of San Francisco's most photographed landmarks. While it draws millions of visitors, it is also a residential street with strict traffic rules.

This guide covers how to drive the crooked block, where to get the best photo, and how to reach the top via cable car.

Why is Lombard Street crooked?

The crooked block sits on Russian Hill between Hyde and Leavenworth. In 1922, residents added eight sharp turns to tame a brutally steep grade for cars and pedestrians. Brick paving and tight landscaping followed, and the block became a postcard favourite. 

I always pause at the top to watch cars inch down and to grab that classic bay view.

Where is Lombard Street and how do you get there?

Aim for Hyde and Lombard at the top, or Leavenworth and Lombard at the bottom. I usually arrive by the Powell-Hyde cable car, then walk down the sidewalk steps for the best angles. 

Parking is scarce and enforcement is real, so keep it simple with transit or rideshare.

• Powell-Hyde cable car to Hyde and Lombard
• Muni 30 or 45 to nearby stops, then walk uphill
• Rideshare drop at Hyde Street is easiest for the top

When is the best time to visit Lombard Street?

Early morning is peaceful, with softer light and fewer cars. Late afternoon can be lovely too, though shadows creep from the hill and crowds swell. Summer brings fog and wind, so bring a layer, while spring and early summer flowers brighten the curves. 

Keep momentum after your photos and follow StoryHunt’s audiowalk toward the waterfront highlights. 

Is Lombard Street really the "Crookedest Street"??

It is one of the most crooked, famous for eight tight hairpins in a single block. Locals will point out Vermont Street at 20th in Potrero Hill as a rival, with its own sharp turns. 

For visitors, Lombard wins on views and atmosphere. I lean into the scenery rather than the title debate, then keep moving before the tour buses regroup.

Can you drive down Lombard Street?

Yes, you can drive down the famous crooked block, but there are strict rules. It is one-way only (downhill). You must enter from Hyde Street. Be prepared for a queue, as cars move slowly.

It is free to drive, but parking at the bottom is extremely difficult, so plan to drive through and continue on.

Rules for driving Lombard Street:

• Direction: One-way only (Downhill/Eastbound) from Hyde St. to Leavenworth St.
• Speed Limit: 5 mph (8 km/h).
• Traffic: Expect a wait of 20-30 minutes to enter the block on weekends.
• Respect: Do not honk or play loud music; people live here!

How long do you need at Lombard Street?

Plan 20 to 30 minutes. I spend five at the top for views, ten walking down the steps, and a few more at the bottom for the classic uphill shot. Add extra time if you are filming or waiting for a gap in traffic. 

If you’re ready to link it into a fuller route, turn on StoryHunt’s audio walk and keep rolling toward the bay.

How to I take the best photos at Lombard Street?

I shoot from three spots, the top corner at Hyde, midway on the sidewalk steps, and the bottom on Leavenworth for the stacked-switchback frame. Overcast days make colours pop, golden hour warms the brick, and night shots pick up car light trails. 

Keep gear light and stay out of driveways. A slight telephoto compresses the curves nicely.

Best Photo Spots:

• The Bottom (Leavenworth & Lombard): The classic shot looking up at the cars winding down the hill.
• The Top (Hyde & Lombard): Great for views of Coit Tower and the Bay Bridge in the distance.
• Mid-way Stairs: Stop halfway down the pedestrian stairs to capture the flowers close-up.

How to get to Lombard Street?

It's pretty easy to get to Lombard Street in San Francisco.

• ‍Cable Car: Take the Powell-Hyde line to the top (Hyde & Lombard). This saves you the steep uphill walk.
• Walking: If you are at Fisherman's Wharf, walk up Leavenworth Street to reach the bottom of the crooked section. Warning: It is a steep climb!
• Bus: The 30 Stockton bus stops nearby in North Beach (walk up from Columbus Ave).

What are safety and etiquette at Lombard Street?

Sidewalk steps are narrow, so share space and let residents pass. Do not climb into gardens, they are private and carefully tended. Watch for cars turning sharply near crosswalks. 

If you are with kids, hold hands on the steep sections. I keep valuables zipped and my bag in front in crowded moments. Good manners here keep the neighbourhood welcoming.

Is it worth seeing Lombard Street?

Yes, with expectations set. It is brief, crowded at peak times, and heavily photographed, yet the views and design are undeniably fun. I treat it as a scenic interlude on a bigger loop rather than a destination by itself. 

For a richer experience that knits history, neighbourhoods, and hidden detours, walk with StoryHunt’s immersive audiowalk of San Francisco.

What else is nearby Lombard Street?

You can connect Lombard Street to several main attractions in San Francisco in minutes. 

• Ghirardelli Square sits downhill for chocolate and bay views
• Fisherman’s Wharf adds sea lions and ships
  
• The Cable Car Museum hums with the city’s moving cables
• Grace Cathedral crowns Nob Hill with stained glass and a quiet labyrinth. 

To stitch these together smoothly, follow StoryHunt’s immersive audiowalk on your next visit.