Located on Russian Hill, Lombard Street is known to be San Francisco’s “crookedest street.” However, truth be told, it actually isn’t.
The actual "crookedest" street would be Vermont Street in Potrero Hill. Yet, Lombard Street is prettily landscaped for photos and year-round, drivers line up for blocks for a chance to navigate the garden-bordered zigzag.
Lombard Street also represents aspects of the city in short order: San Francisco's topography, greenery, and handsome homes.
The Details:
* Located between Hyde Street and Leavenworth Street.
* Comprised of eight curves, the speed limit is 5 mph.
* While an attraction all year-long, Lombard Street is perhaps best experienced in the spring. The hydrangea bushes outlining the zigzag are in full pink, purple, and white bloom.
* Added in the 1920s, the landscaped "street" enabled drivers to finally descend the hill.
* At 27 degrees, it’s one steep hill. Though the zigzag did finally permit cars, drivers are still only allowed to descend, not ascend.
* The stairs on either side of the street welcome pedestrians for a closer look at Lombard. (It’s actually the best way to experience it.)
* A popular photo opportunity, peak hours for “traffic” are during the day. Early morning (on a weekday) is a great time to visit for a clear shot (minus the crowds). From the foot of the street, looking up, you’ll find a postcard come to life.
What's Nearby:
The oldest art school on the west coast, the San Francisco Art Institute, is only a few blocks away. Continue down Lombard and you’ll eventually come back to North Beach. In fact, you could easily add Lombard Street to a tour of North Beach and nearby Coit Tower.
On a walking tour of Lombard Street, you might also want to visit:
Coit Tower
Telegraph Hill
Union Square
North Beach
Chinatown
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