Welcome to Lombard Street, famously known as the “Crookedest Street in the World”! With its eight sharp switchbacks, flower-filled landscape, and iconic views of San Francisco Bay, this short stretch of road is one of the city’s most beloved photo ops and must-visit attractions.
Whether you walk, drive, or join a guided tour, here’s everything you need to know to plan the perfect Lombard Street visit or tour.
📍 Where Is Lombard Street Located?
📍 The famous crooked block is between Hyde St and Leavenworth St, in Russian Hill, San Francisco.
🛣️ Important: Only this one-block section is crooked—the rest of Lombard Street is straight!
🗺️ How to Get There
🚶 Walking: From Fisherman’s Wharf, it’s a 10–15 minute uphill walk
🚋 Cable Car: Take the Powell-Hyde line, get off at Lombard & Hyde—you’re right at the top!
🚗 Driving: You can drive down Lombard Street, but be prepared for long lines and traffic.
🚲 Bike or Scooter: Not recommended to ride down—too steep and curvy!
📌 Tip: Visit on foot for the best photo ops and views!
🧭 Tour Options for Lombard Street
1️⃣ Self-Guided Walking Visit (FREE)
🕒 Time: ~30 minutes
💰 Price: FREE
⭐ Includes:
- Walk down the curvy brick road
- Take photos of the views and gardens
- Visit nearby Russian Hill & North Beach
📌 Tip: Start at the top (Hyde St) and walk down for the easiest route and best views!
2️⃣ Cable Car Tour Stop
🕒 Time: Add ~30 minutes to your route
💰 Price: $8–$13 (MUNI fare or day pass)
⭐ Take the Powell-Hyde Cable Car and hop off at Lombard Street
📌 Tip: Combine with other stops like Ghirardelli Square, Fisherman’s Wharf, and Union Square for a classic SF ride.
3️⃣ City Sightseeing Bus Tour (Hop-On, Hop-Off)
🕒 Time: Full day pass
💰 Price: $50–$70
⭐ Includes:
- Stop at Lombard Street & North Beach
- Audio commentary with fun facts
- Combine with Golden Gate Bridge, Chinatown, Pier 39, and more
📌 Tip: Great for first-time visitors looking to hit multiple top spots in one day.
4️⃣ Walking Tours with Local Guides
🕒 Time: 1–2 hours
💰 Price: $25–$40
⭐ Learn the history of Russian Hill, local legends, and secret alleys nearby
📌 Recommended Tours:
✔ Wild SF Walking Tours
✔ SF City Guides (Donation-Based)
📸 Best Photo Spots at Lombard Street
📍 Top of the street (Hyde & Lombard) – Best view of the curves with Coit Tower in the background
📍 Bottom of the street (Leavenworth & Lombard) – Great for wide shots looking up
📍 Steps alongside the curves – Perfect for mid-way flower & curve photos
📍 At night – For light trails from car headlights!
🌺 Fun Facts About Lombard Street
- 🔁 8 hairpin turns in just one block
- 🏗️ Built in 1922 to reduce the hill’s original 27% grade
- 🎥 Featured in movies like Vertigo, Inside Out, and Herbie
- 🌸 The curves are lined with hydrangeas, making it a top spot in spring/summer
🕒 Best Time to Visit Lombard Street
| Time of Day | What to Expect |
|---|---|
| Morning (8–10 AM) | Peaceful, great for photos with fewer people |
| Afternoon (12–4 PM) | Busy, lots of tourists and cars |
| Evening (6–8 PM) | Quieter, great light for sunset views |
📌 Tip: Weekdays are less crowded than weekends!
❓ Lombard Street Tour – FAQ
1️⃣ Can I walk down Lombard Street?
✅ Yes! There are sidewalks with stairs on both sides of the curves.
2️⃣ Is it free to visit Lombard Street?
✅ Yes! Walking or driving through the crooked section is completely free.
3️⃣ Can I drive down Lombard Street?
✅ Yes—but expect a line of cars (especially mid-day).
🚗 One-way only, going downhill from Hyde to Leavenworth.
4️⃣ Is it safe to visit at night?
✅ Yes. The area is residential and safe, though quieter at night. Bring a friend if you’re exploring solo.
5️⃣ Are there bathrooms or places to eat nearby?
🧻 No public restrooms on the street itself.
🍽️ Walk 5–10 minutes to North Beach or Ghirardelli Square for cafés, restaurants, and facilities.
🎟️ Want to Include Lombard Street in a City Tour?
I can help you plan the perfect walking, cable car, or hop-on-hop-off tour that includes Lombard Street, Fisherman’s Wharf, Alcatraz, and more. Just let me know! 🌁🌸✨
🌺 Lombard Street Tour – FAQ
Visiting the iconic Lombard Street in San Francisco? Here are the most frequently asked questions to help you plan your trip to “The Crookedest Street in the World” — a must-see for first-time visitors, photographers, and city explorers!
1️⃣ What is Lombard Street famous for?
Lombard Street is best known for its one-block section with 8 sharp turns, beautifully landscaped with hydrangeas and brick pavement. It was designed in the 1920s to make the steep hill safer for cars.
2️⃣ Where is Lombard Street located?
📍 The famous curvy portion is between Hyde Street and Leavenworth Street in the Russian Hill neighborhood of San Francisco.
🎯 Look for the top of the street at Hyde & Lombard for the best starting point and views.
3️⃣ Is it free to visit Lombard Street?
✅ Yes! Visiting Lombard Street is completely free, whether you walk, drive, or take photos.
4️⃣ Can I walk down Lombard Street?
✅ Yes! There are sidewalks with steps on both sides of the curves.
📌 Tip: Start at the top (Hyde Street) and walk downhill for the best experience and views.
5️⃣ Can I drive down Lombard Street?
✅ Yes, you can drive down — but be aware:
🚗 It’s one-way only (downhill, from Hyde to Leavenworth)
🚦 Expect traffic — especially mid-day or on weekends
🅿️ Limited parking nearby, especially at the top
📌 Tip: Locals recommend walking it instead of driving, especially during peak times.
6️⃣ What’s the best time to visit Lombard Street?
| Time of Day | Why It’s Great |
|---|---|
| Morning (8–10 AM) | Fewer crowds, good light for photos |
| Midday (12–3 PM) | Bright flowers, more energy—but crowded |
| Evening (6–8 PM) | Great for sunset views, fewer people |
📆 Best Season: Spring and summer for full blooming flowers 🌸
7️⃣ How long should I spend at Lombard Street?
⏳ About 30 minutes is plenty to walk down, take photos, and enjoy the views.
8️⃣ Is Lombard Street part of a tour?
Yes! Lombard Street is featured in many San Francisco tours:
- 🚶 Walking Tours
- 🚋 Cable Car Rides (Powell-Hyde line stops at the top)
- 🚌 Hop-On, Hop-Off Bus Tours
- 🚴 Bike Tours (best to walk your bike here)
📌 Tip: Combine it with North Beach, Coit Tower, or Fisherman’s Wharf for a full day of sightseeing.
9️⃣ Are there bathrooms, food, or shops nearby?
🧻 No public restrooms on the street itself.
🍽️ Walk 5–10 minutes to North Beach or Ghirardelli Square for food, snacks, and facilities.
🔟 Where are the best photo spots?
📸 Top of the hill (Hyde & Lombard) – For the famous winding street shot
📸 Bottom of the hill (Leavenworth & Lombard) – For an upward view of the curves
📸 Midway along the sidewalks – Close-ups of flowers and architecture
📸 At night – Try long exposure for car light trails
✅ Bonus Tips
- 👟 Wear comfy shoes – It’s steep!
- 📷 Bring a wide-angle lens or phone with panorama mode for best shots
- 🚋 Take the Powell-Hyde Cable Car for a classic San Francisco experience
- 🌺 Visit in spring/summer to see the flowers at their best
🎟 Want to include Lombard Street in a guided city tour?
Let me know! I can help you plan a route that includes Lombard Street, Chinatown, Alcatraz, and more — by foot, bike, bus, or cable car. 🌁✨
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