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Lombard Street is one of those San Francisco places you recognize instantly — even if you’ve never been here before. Known worldwide as “the crookedest street,” this short but unforgettable stretch twists its way down Russian Hill through eight dramatic hairpin turns, colorful gardens, and postcard-perfect city views.
Originally redesigned in 1922 to make a dangerously steep 27% grade drivable, Lombard Street has evolved from a practical engineering fix into one of the city’s most iconic sights — and a must-see stop on any San Francisco itinerary.
Most people come for the curves, but Lombard Street’s story includes clever engineering, Hollywood cameos, photo strategy, and even a local haunted-house legend.
The Montandon House at 1000 Lombard once belonged to 1960s socialite Pat Montandon, known for lavish parties and a local TV show. According to legend, a tarot-reader curse led to a string of tragedies and supernatural activity — eventually prompting an exorcism. While things are said to be calm now, the eerie backstory adds a layer of mystery to an otherwise charming street.
Lombard Street attracts roughly 2 million visitors a year. During peak travel seasons, crowd management has become such a challenge that the city has discussed reservation systems and access fees. Knowing how popular it is helps visitors plan smarter — and avoid the busiest times.
The hill’s natural 27% grade was simply too steep for early automobiles. Local property owner Carl Henry proposed the zigzag design in 1922, transforming the slope into a manageable one-way descent. The red bricks, 5-mph speed limit, and lush landscaping came later — turning a practical fix into a global icon.
At peak times, cars can wait 20–30 minutes just to enter the crooked section, with lines sometimes stretching toward Van Ness Avenue. Many visitors decide the wait is part of the experience — while others opt to walk the street instead and enjoy it without the traffic.
Walking Lombard Street is often the easiest option. The Powell-Hyde cable car stops right at the top, making it simple to stroll down through the curves, stop for photos, and enjoy the gardens without worrying about parking.
Lombard Street has appeared in films like What’s Up, Doc?, Magnum Force, Ant-Man and the Wasp, and even Pixar’s Inside Out. Movie fans often recognize it instantly — making a visit feel like stepping onto a familiar film set.
Pro Tip: Seeing Lombard Street as part of a Private San Francisco Jeep City Tour lets you skip the line and enjoy the ride stress-free.
San Francisco’s first surveyor, Jasper O’Farrell, named Lombard Street after a street in Philadelphia — though historians aren’t entirely sure why. It’s a small reminder of the city’s early East Coast influences.
The most iconic shot is taken from the bottom of the hill on Leavenworth Street, looking upward. Early morning and late afternoon offer the best light — and fewer people in your frame.
Seeing Lombard Street from a private open-air Jeep
The townhomes lining Lombard Street are among the most expensive in San Francisco. Their manicured gardens, wrought-iron gates, and unbeatable location make it clear why this street is both a tourist attraction and a prestigious place to live.
Despite the nickname, Lombard Street isn’t technically the most crooked street. That title often goes to Vermont Street in San Francisco — or Snake Alley in Iowa. Still, Lombard’s dramatic setting and central location have made it the most famous.
Today, Lombard Street remains one of San Francisco’s most photographed landmarks. Visitors can walk the brick-lined switchbacks, ride the cable car to the top, or drive through the curves if traffic allows.
Because of its popularity, the best times to visit are early morning, late afternoon, or evening. Many travelers pair Lombard Street with nearby highlights like Russian Hill, North Beach, or a broader city sightseeing route.
Lombard Street sits in the heart of one of San Francisco’s most scenic neighborhoods, which means you’re just steps away from several other classic sights. Many visitors combine Lombard Street with these nearby highlights to turn a quick stop into a memorable mini-adventure.
Home to Lombard Street’s famous curves, Russian Hill offers steep streets, elegant homes, and some of the city’s best hidden viewpoints. A short walk uphill rewards you with sweeping views of the Bay, Alcatraz, and the downtown skyline.
The Powell-Hyde cable car line stops right at the top of Lombard Street, making it one of the easiest — and most iconic — ways to arrive. Riding the cable car here combines two classic San Francisco experiences in one stop.
Just downhill from Lombard Street, North Beach is packed with Italian cafés, historic bars, and lively street life. It’s a perfect place to grab an espresso, enjoy a meal, or continue exploring on foot.
A short drive or scenic walk away, Coit Tower offers panoramic views and historic murals, while Telegraph Hill is famous for its stairways, gardens, and resident parrots.
Continue downhill toward the waterfront to reach Fisherman’s Wharf, home to sea lions, historic ships, and classic San Francisco food spots — all within easy reach of Lombard Street.
Many private sightseeing tours naturally link these spots together, making Lombard Street part of a smooth, stress-free route through San Francisco’s most iconic neighborhoods.
Lombard Street is one of San Francisco’s most photographed landmarks—and there’s more to it than just the curves. Here’s what makes this famous block so unique and how to experience it best.
Function came first—beauty followed.
The tight switchbacks were added in the 1920s to reduce the hill’s steep natural grade, making it safer for early automobiles and pedestrians. The landscaped curves, colorful flowers, and brick paving came later, transforming a practical solution into one of San Francisco’s most recognizable sights.
Famous, yes—most crooked, not quite.
Vermont Street in San Francisco actually has more turns over a shorter distance. Lombard Street earns its fame from its dramatic hillside setting, manicured gardens, classic homes, bay views, and central location in the Russian Hill neighborhood.
Both options are popular.
Visitors can walk down the crooked section at their own pace, stopping for photos along the way, or drive through the curves if traffic allows. Many people choose to walk so they can enjoy the gardens and views without waiting in line.
Yes—no stress, all fun.
The Private San Francisco City Sightseeing Tour by Convertible Jeep includes a drive down Lombard Street so you can enjoy the curves, take photos, and hear the history without worrying about traffic or parking.
Often, when timing allows.
On the San Francisco Sunset or City Lights Private Group Jeep Tour, your guide may include Lombard Street for a dramatic nighttime or twilight descent with glowing city and hillside views.
Yes—during the city portion.
On the Full Day – City Tour Plus Giant Redwoods and Sausalito, the afternoon city loop can be customized to include Lombard Street, nearby Russian Hill viewpoints, and even a pass through North Beach.
Timing makes a big difference.
Lombard Street is busiest around midday. Early morning, late afternoon, or evening visits tend to be smoother, less crowded, and more photogenic — whether you’re walking the street or driving through it.
