Lombard Street | San Francisco

Information

Landmark: Lombard Street
City: San Francisco
Country: USA California
Continent: North America

Lombard Street, San Francisco, USA California, North America

Lombard Street is a one-way street in San Francisco, California, recognized for its steep, winding section. This segment is located between Hyde Street and Leavenworth Street.

Visual Characteristics

The notable section of Lombard Street features eight sharp, hairpin turns. It is characterized by a steep grade, approximately 27% or 15 degrees. The street is lined with manicured gardens, primarily consisting of hydrangeas and roses, and features brick retaining walls along its curves. The road surface is paved with red brick. The total length of this crooked section is approximately 600 feet (180 meters).

Location & Access Logistics

Lombard Street is situated in the Russian Hill neighborhood of San Francisco. The crooked section is between Hyde Street and Leavenworth Street. It is approximately 1.5 miles (2.4 km) northeast of Union Square. Access by car is via Hyde Street (from the top) or Leavenworth Street (from the bottom). Parking is limited and metered on surrounding streets. Public transport options include the 30 Stockton bus line, which stops at the intersection of Lombard and Columbus Avenue, a short walk from the crooked section. The Powell-Hyde cable car line stops at the top of the crooked section at Hyde Street.

Historical & Ecological Origin

The original Lombard Street was a straight, steep street laid out in 1839. The current winding design was implemented in 1922 by property owner Carl Henry. The purpose was to reduce the hill's natural 27% grade to a more manageable 15%, making it safer for vehicles. The landscaping was added later by residents.

Key Highlights & Activities

Visitors can walk down the pedestrian sidewalks on either side of the crooked section. Driving down the street is permitted, but traffic can be slow due to the turns and pedestrian activity. Photography of the street's design and surrounding gardens is a common activity. Observation points are available at the top and bottom of the crooked section.

Infrastructure & Amenities

Restrooms are not directly on the crooked section but are available in nearby parks and businesses. Shade is provided by trees and the surrounding buildings. Cell phone signal (4G/5G) is generally available. Food vendors are not present on the street itself, but numerous restaurants and cafes are located within a few blocks in the Russian Hill and North Beach neighborhoods.

Best Time to Visit

For photography, early morning (7:00 AM - 9:00 AM) offers softer light and fewer crowds. Mid-day can be very crowded. The best months for viewing the gardens in bloom are typically May through September, when hydrangeas are most prominent. There are no tide requirements for visiting this street.

Facts & Legends

The street is often referred to as "the most crooked street in the world," though this is a misnomer; other streets, such as Vermont Street in San Francisco, have more turns. The speed limit on the crooked section is 5 miles per hour.