Viewing Points

Overview

Lombard Street in San Francisco, United States, is world-renowned for its incredibly crooked section, a single block featuring eight sharp hairpin turns. Located within the scenic Russian Hill neighborhood, this distinctive stretch of road, paved with red bricks and adorned with vibrant flowers, draws millions of visitors annually. It has become a quintessential San Francisco landmark, offering unique viewing points that showcase both its engineering marvel and picturesque beauty.

This iconic block, stretching between Hyde and Leavenworth Streets, is famous for its steep descent, which required a creative solution to make it traversable for early automobiles. Whether you choose to drive its winding path at a cautious 5 mph or admire its serpentine curves from above or below, Lombard Street provides a memorable visual experience.

History & Cultural Background

The famed crooked design of Lombard Street was not merely for aesthetic appeal; it was a practical engineering solution born out of necessity. Originally, this section of Lombard Street had a formidable 27 percent grade, which proved too steep and dangerous for vehicles and pedestrians alike in the early 20th century.

In 1922, property owner Carl Henry proposed an innovative idea to reduce this perilous incline: a series of switchbacks. The city embraced this vision, and architect Clyde Healy implemented the design, transforming the treacherous grade into a more manageable 16 percent. The construction was completed by 1923, making it safer and more accessible. It became a one-way street, specifically downhill, in 1939 to help manage traffic flow. While named after a street in Philadelphia, Lombard Street in San Francisco forged its own identity, evolving into an icon in the 1960s, particularly after the addition of the beautiful hydrangeas that now line its curves.

What Makes It Special

The undeniable charm of Lombard Street lies in its unique, zigzagging architecture and its beautifully maintained surroundings. The eight tight curves, set against the backdrop of stately Victorian and Edwardian mansions, create a stunning visual spectacle.

Adding to its allure are the lush, meticulously manicured flowerbeds, brimming with hydrangeas and other colorful blooms that flourish for much of the year. This vibrant flora enhances the street's photogenic quality, making it a favorite subject for photographers and artists. The red brick pavement not only contributes to its distinctive appearance but also helps provide traction on the steep grade.

Despite its popular moniker as 'the crookedest street in the world,' Lombard Street is not actually the one with the most curves in San Francisco; that distinction technically belongs to Vermont Street on Potrero Hill. However, Lombard Street's dramatic hillside setting, combined with its elegant landscaping and sweeping views of the San Francisco Bay, Coit Tower, and the Bay Bridge, solidifies its status as a must-visit landmark.

Stories, Fun Facts & Local Details

• Not the Crookedest: While often called 'the crookedest street in the world,' Lombard Street holds this title by fame, not by technicality. Vermont Street in San Francisco, and even Snake Alley in Burlington, Iowa, have more or sharper turns.
• Slow and Steady: To ensure safety, the speed limit on the crooked section of Lombard Street is a mere 5 mph (8 km/h), making for a slow, scenic descent.
• Hollywood Star: Lombard Street has graced the silver screen numerous times, appearing in classic films like Alfred Hitchcock's 'Vertigo' (where 900 Lombard Street was featured) and even animated blockbusters such as Pixar's 'Inside Out'.
• Big Wheel Race: For a touch of playful local culture, Lombard Street was once the starting point for the annual 'Bring Your Own Big Wheel Race' on Easter Sunday, before it moved to Vermont Street.
• Expensive Real Estate: The homes lining Lombard Street, particularly in the Russian Hill neighborhood, are among San Francisco's most desirable and valuable properties.

Visitor Perspective

Experiencing Lombard Street offers various viewing points and modes of exploration. For those seeking the thrill of navigating its curves, driving down the one-way, downhill section from Hyde Street to Leavenworth Street is a popular choice, though be prepared for potential queues.

Alternatively, walking offers a more leisurely way to appreciate the details. Pedestrian staircases flank both sides of the street, allowing visitors to pause, take photographs, and immerse themselves in the vibrant floral displays. The best photo opportunities often present themselves from the bottom of the street, looking up at the iconic zigzags and cascading flowers. From the top, breathtaking panoramic views of the city skyline, the San Francisco Bay, Alcatraz, the Bay Bridge, and Coit Tower await. The Powell-Hyde cable car line stops conveniently at the top of Lombard Street, offering an exciting ride and easy access.

To avoid crowds and enjoy softer lighting, visiting in the early morning is often recommended. When exploring, visitors are encouraged to be mindful that Lombard Street is a residential area, respecting the privacy of its residents and maintaining the beauty of this unique San Francisco treasure.