Lombard Street San Francisco
San Francisco's iconic 'crookedest street' with eight hairpin turns, lined with beautiful gardens and charming homes.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Fewer crowds, better photos
Lombard Street San Francisco
Best Time
Fewer crowds, better photos
Highlights
Must-see attractions
San Francisco's iconic 'crookedest street' with eight hairpin turns, lined with beautiful gardens and charming homes.
"A must-see San Francisco landmark, Lombard Street offers a unique visual spectacle and charming neighborhood feel."
🚶 Walk the Stairs
Skip the car queue and enjoy the views by walking down the pedestrian stairs.
🚗 Driving is Slow
If you drive, expect very slow speeds (max 5 km/h) and potential queues.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
The Famous Hairpin Turns
The one-block section between Hyde and Leavenworth Streets
Experience the iconic eight hairpin turns of the 'crookedest street in the world.'
Charming Victorian Homes
Along the crooked section of Lombard Street
Admire the beautifully manicured gardens and picturesque Victorian mansions lining the street.
Panoramic City Views
Top of Lombard Street (near Hyde Street)
Enjoy stunning views of the San Francisco skyline and Alcatraz Island from the top of the hill.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Beat the Crowds on Lombard Street
Navigating the Curves
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🚶 Walk the Stairs
Skip the car queue and enjoy the views by walking down the pedestrian stairs.
🚗 Driving is Slow
If you drive, expect very slow speeds (max 5 km/h) and potential queues.
📸 Photography Tricks
Tilt your camera to make the houses appear sideways for a fun illusion!
🅿️ Parking Challenges
Parking is extremely difficult. Consider public transport or ride-sharing.
Tips
from all over the internet
🚶 Walk the Stairs
Skip the car queue and enjoy the views by walking down the pedestrian stairs.
🚗 Driving is Slow
If you drive, expect very slow speeds (max 5 km/h) and potential queues.
📸 Photography Tricks
Tilt your camera to make the houses appear sideways for a fun illusion!
🅿️ Parking Challenges
Parking is extremely difficult. Consider public transport or ride-sharing.
🌸 Garden Beauty
The hydrangeas and other flowers are stunning, especially in spring and summer.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors consistently praise Lombard Street for its unique charm and iconic status, often describing it as a must-see San Francisco attraction. The picturesque gardens and quirky design are major highlights. However, many note the significant crowds and parking difficulties, suggesting that visiting during off-peak hours or opting to walk is the best way to enjoy the experience.
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Public transport is a great option! Take the Powell-Hyde cable car line to the top of Lombard Street, or use Muni buses like the 30 or 76. Many visitors find it easier to park further away and walk or take a ride-share.
Driving down is a unique experience with eight hairpin turns, but it's strictly one-way and very slow (max 5 km/h). Expect queues, especially during peak times.
Parking is notoriously difficult and often metered. Street parking is limited, and garages can be expensive. Many recommend parking in a nearby neighborhood and walking.
Yes, it's a moderate uphill walk of about 20-30 minutes from Fisherman's Wharf. It's a scenic route, but be prepared for hills.
Visit early in the morning on a weekday for the fewest people.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
No, Lombard Street is a public street and is free to visit and walk down.
Lombard Street is accessible 24/7 as it's a public road. However, the best experience is during daylight hours.
There is no admission fee to experience Lombard Street. It's a free public attraction.
While driving, stopping is not recommended due to traffic flow. However, you can safely stop and take photos from the pedestrian walkways and sidewalks.
Yes, several tour companies offer guided tours that include Lombard Street, often with historical insights.
📸 📸 Photography
For the classic shot, stand at the bottom of the crooked section (near Leavenworth Street) and look up. You can also get great shots from the top looking down.
Try tilting your camera to align with the bottom of the frame; this can create a fun illusion where the houses appear sideways.
Early morning offers softer light and fewer people.
Drone usage in San Francisco is restricted in many areas, including near popular attractions. Always check local regulations before flying.
The bottom of the crooked section, the pedestrian staircases, and the viewpoints at the top offer the most iconic photo opportunities.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
While the crooked section is primarily residential, there are dining options nearby. ILCHA SF, known for Korean fried chicken, is located on Lombard Street.
The surrounding Russian Hill and Cow Hollow neighborhoods offer a diverse range of cuisines, from casual cafes to upscale dining.
Yes, there are several cafes and small eateries in the vicinity, perfect for a quick bite or a coffee break.
ILCHA SF is a popular spot on Lombard Street, celebrated for its Korean fried chicken and other Korean dishes.
Explore nearby neighborhoods like Russian Hill for highly-rated options, including Italian, American, and Asian cuisines.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
🚗 Car Enthusiasts & Drivers
Remember the strict 5 mph speed limit. 📸 Photographers & Content Creators
Experiment with different angles, including standing at the bottom looking up or using the pedestrian stairs for elevated shots. For a unique perspective, try the photography trick of tilting your camera to make the houses appear sideways. Early mornings and late afternoons offer the best light and fewer people for unobstructed shots. Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The History and Engineering of Lombard Street
In the early 1920s, residents proposed a solution: a series of sharp hairpin turns to reduce the gradient. This engineering feat not only made the street safer for vehicles but also created a unique visual spectacle. The one-block section between Hyde and Leavenworth Streets features eight sharp turns, each lined with beautiful landscaping and charming homes.
The street's design is a testament to creative problem-solving and has become a beloved landmark, often compared to video game levels due to its distinctive layout. Today, Lombard Street is a major tourist attraction, drawing visitors from around the globe. While driving down it is a novelty, many prefer to walk the pedestrian paths to fully appreciate the architecture and gardens.
The street's fame has even inspired pop culture references, from movies like 'The Princess Diaries' to its appearance in various video games. Experiencing Lombard Street: Driving vs. Walking
Walking down the pedestrian staircases alongside the crooked section provides a more relaxed and immersive experience.
You can stop at your leisure to admire the meticulously maintained gardens, snap photos from various angles, and appreciate the charming Victorian homes that line the street. This method allows you to truly soak in the atmosphere without the stress of traffic. Many visitors find this the most enjoyable way to experience Lombard Street's unique character. For those who want to drive, arriving very early in the morning or on a weekday is highly recommended to minimize wait times.
Alternatively, consider parking in a nearby neighborhood and walking up or down the street to enjoy its beauty without the driving hassle.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit