Let’s get one thing straight—Lombard Street is anything but. Nicknamed the crookedest street in the world, this charming stretch in San Francisco’s Russian Hill neighborhood is famous for its dramatic eight switchbacks, steep slope, and beautifully landscaped flowerbeds. Whether you’re cruising down its curves in a private Jeep or strolling alongside its steps, Lombard Street is a can’t-miss stop on any San Francisco private tour.
Back in the 1920s, the slope of Lombard Street was no joke—27% to be exact. That kind of incline was far too treacherous for early automobiles, so something had to be done. Enter Clyde Healy, a forward-thinking city engineer who proposed adding switchbacks to tame the grade. By 1922, the iconic zigzag design was complete, reducing the hill’s pitch to 16% and transforming the block between Hyde and Leavenworth into a masterpiece of urban design.
Lombard Street isn’t actually the most crooked street in San Francisco. That title goes to Vermont Street in Potrero Hill.
It used to be a two-way road until 1939, when increasing traffic made it a one-way (downhill only) street.
The hydrangeas that make the street so photogenic? They’re planted and maintained by local residents.
Want to experience Lombard Street without the parking nightmare or bumper-to-bumper descent? Hop into one of our open-air Jeeps for a small group sightseeing tour of San Francisco that includes a visit to this twisty treasure. Our expert guides handle the curves while you relax, enjoy the views, and get the inside scoop on the street’s quirky history.
You’ll not only see Lombard Street—you’ll understand it.
The absolute best spot to capture Lombard Street’s winding beauty is from the bottom at Leavenworth and Lombard. From here, the switchbacks line up perfectly for a dramatic shot that includes city views in the background. It’s an Instagram classic.
Flanking the street on both sides are 250 pedestrian steps, offering a quieter, more scenic way to explore. Walking gives you a close-up view of the Victorian homes, lush landscaping, and resident-tended gardens that line the crooked block.
Lombard Street sits in the heart of Russian Hill, one of San Francisco’s most exclusive and scenic neighborhoods. It’s just minutes from several other top attractions, which means your custom San Francisco tour can easily include:
Fisherman’s Wharf – A lively waterfront packed with seafood, sea lions, and souvenir shopping.
Ghirardelli Square – Chocolate lovers, rejoice. Don’t miss this historic factory-turned-shopping destination.
North Beach – San Francisco’s Italian district, filled with old-school delis, bakeries, and Beat-era history.
Coit Tower – An art-deco tower perched atop Telegraph Hill with panoramic views of the bay.
Want to include more stops? Just let your local Jeep tour guide know—we customize every route.
By far, a private San Francisco Jeep tour is the most fun and stress-free way to see Lombard. No need to navigate hairpin turns, hunt for parking, or miss the photo ops—our guides handle everything.
Nope. That honor technically belongs to Vermont Street in Potrero Hill. But Lombard is by far the most famous, thanks to its beauty and history.
Absolutely. The stairs are open to pedestrians 24/7. It’s a fun and scenic workout, especially if you’re into urban hiking.
Just a few minutes—but the photo stops and storytelling on a guided tour make it much more memorable.
Yes, but during peak summer days and weekends, traffic is backed up for 45 minutes, Luckily, small tour vehicles like ours can take you there.
Lombard Street represents what San Francisco is all about: creative problem-solving, community pride, and beauty in the unexpected. Whether you’re snapping photos from below, walking the garden steps, or cruising down in a Jeep with the wind in your hair, it’s an unforgettable part of the San Francisco sightseeing experience.
Location: Lombard St, San Francisco, CA 94109
(Located between Hyde St and Leavenworth St)
Skip the stress and explore Lombard Street in style on a private Jeep sightseeing tour. With expert narration, scenic stops, and full customization, it’s the most fun and flexible way to experience the crookedest street in San Francisco.
Book your private San Francisco Jeep tour today.
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