Lombard Street in San Francisco, with its legendary hairpin turns and undeniable charm, is easily one of the city’s most photographed landmarks — and it’s not hard to see why! While many know it as the “Crookedest Street,” few realize you can actually drive down its eight sharp turns. In this article, we’ll explain how to experience this famous one-block stretch without any stress or hassle.
Set against the backdrop of Russian Hill’s prestigious homes and meticulously maintained gardens, this iconic street represents both the ingenuity and character that define San Francisco. While most visitors snap photos from the bottom of its red-brick switchbacks, we recommend experiencing our signature Lombard Leap—a guided drive down this engineering marvel that offers a completely different perspective on this quintessential San Francisco landmark.
Ready to learn more about what makes Lombard Street so special? Let’s dive in.
Why Is Lombard Street So Famous?
What began as a practical solution to an impossibly steep hill has become one of San Francisco’s most recognized landmarks. Lombard Street’s dramatic curves aren’t just for show—each hairpin turn serves a purpose, creating a zigzag pattern that’s visible from boats in the bay and planes in the sky. These eight sharp switchbacks, combined with the perfectly manicured flowerbeds and stellar city views, draw over two million visitors annually.
From movies and TV shows to countless Instagram posts, Lombard Street’s unique design has captured imaginations worldwide, earning it a permanent spot on San Francisco’s must-see list.
While you can admire the crookedest street in San Francisco from several vantage points, nothing compares to experiencing the Lombard Leap, where you’ll get to actually drive down from the top of Lombard Street (and go where the big tour buses can’t!).
Book The Lombard Leap here or add it to any of our best-selling group tours for only $10!
The History of Lombard Street San Francisco
The story of Lombard Street mirrors San Francisco’s own evolution from a Gold Rush boomtown to a global icon. While it shares its name with a street in Philadelphia, the “Crooked Street” in San Francisco stands alone among the city’s attractions. Originally a simple dirt path connecting Cow Hollow to Russian Hill, this steep thoroughfare would later become one of San Francisco’s most innovative urban solutions.
The transformation of Lombard Street began in 1922 when local property owner Carl Henry conceived an ingenious idea: a series of switchbacks that would tame the hill’s dangerous 27% grade. This creative solution did more than just solve a problem—it created an icon. The city embraced Henry’s vision, adding flowers and architectural details that transformed a tricky stretch of road into what is now one of the most popular San Francisco attractions.
Driving Down Lombard St in San Francisco
So… you want to drive down what many call the crookedest street in the world? Here’s what you need to know:
How to Drive Down the Crooked Street
While tourist buses crowd the bottom of Lombard Street for photos, the Lombard Leap brings you straight into the crooked section of Lombard Street without the hassle of navigation or parking. This unique adventure weaves through San Francisco’s most celebrated neighborhoods, starting with a thrilling drive down the “Crookedest Street” itself. Your journey continues through the vibrant streets of North Beach and Chinatown, showcases the striking Coit Tower perched on Telegraph Hill, and glides past the lively Fisherman’s Wharf.
Can anyone drive down Lombard Street?
While Lombard Street is open to public traffic, getting there can be a real challenge. During peak tourist season (which is nearly year-round in San Francisco), you might find yourself waiting in a long line of cars, sometimes stretching several blocks, just to access the crooked section. After all, Lombard Street is one of San Francisco’s most famous attractions! Street parking in the area is extremely limited, and the surrounding hills can be challenging even for experienced drivers. Add in the constant stream of pedestrians taking photos from both sides of the curvy part of Lombard street, and what seems like a simple drive can become quite an adventure!
If you want to take a drive down the world-famous windy street and visit top San Francisco attractions, the Lombard Leap is an affordable and accessible option.
How long does it take to drive down Lombard Street in San Francisco?
While the famous zigzag descent of Lombard Street may be brief—taking only a few minutes as you wind through eight hairpin turns at the required 5 mph—it’s an unforgettable San Francisco moment that’s been thrilling visitors for over a century.
Can you walk down Lombard Street in San Francisco?
You can walk or drive down Lombard Street at any time. Tourists flock to Lombard Street daily, with the steps along either side offering some of San Francisco’s most iconic photo opportunities. Pedestrian walkways run along both sides of the zigzag brick road, leading you past the street’s famous flowerbeds and offering spectacular views of the bay, Coit Tower, and the downtown skyline. The steep climb up can be challenging, but the stunning vistas make it worthwhile.
How long does it take to walk down Lombard Street?
One of the most popular ways to visit Lombard Street starts at the top of the street, where you can walk down the steps alongside the crooked part of Lombard. The descent takes about 10-15 minutes at a leisurely photo-taking pace, while climbing up the steps takes 15-20 minutes with scenic rest stops along the way.
How to Get To Lombard Street
The famous crooked section runs between Hyde and Leavenworth Streets. Hop on the Powell-Hyde Cable Car for a scenic ride to the top, or drive to Hyde and Lombard Streets—but expect limited parking and challenging hills. Want to skip the navigation? The Lombard Leap gets you straight to those famous curves and beyond.
Things to See & Do Near Lombard Street San Francisco
Here’s what to explore on and around Lombard Street:
Picturesque Gardens and Scenic Views Along Lombard Street
Even though Lombard Street is famous for its twists and turns, don’t sleep on the gardens and views! Rows of hydrangeas and agapanthus line the red-brick roadway, while each hairpin turn reveals a new view of San Francisco. From the top, you’ll catch some of the city’s best photo opportunities—spanning from downtown’s skyscrapers to the bay, and even the Golden Gate Bridge on clear days. No tour of San Francisco is complete without the visit.
Architectural Marvels Found on Lombard Street San Francisco
The stretch of Lombard Street showcases some of San Francisco’s finest architecture. Historic mansions line both sides of the street, from classic Victorians to elegant Edwardians, each with its own distinctive style. These meticulously preserved homes, with their detailed facades and classic San Francisco bay windows, are just as photographed as the street’s famous switchbacks—creating one of the city’s most charming residential displays.
Exploring the Hidden Gems and Points of Interest Near Lombard Street
While tours in San Francisco often focus on Lombard Street’s famous curves, the surrounding Russian Hill neighborhood rewards those who venture further. Just steps away, you’ll discover local favorites that many San Francisco travel guides miss—historic staircases offering hidden views of the bay, intimate cafes tucked into century-old buildings, and quiet alleys lined with secret gardens.
Lesser-known Attractions and Historical Landmarks Nearby
Just steps from the famous curves, Russian Hill reveals some of San Francisco’s finest hidden gems. Duck into the Cable Car Museum to discover the mechanical marvels powering the city’s most famous transport, or tour the Haas-Lilienthal House, a stunning Queen Anne Victorian that’s survived since 1886. The neighborhood also hides some of San Francisco’s most peaceful green spaces—like the hidden Ina Coolbrith Park with its stunning bay views. These nearby attractions transform a quick photo stop into an authentic San Francisco afternoon.
Tips When Visiting Lombard Street
Visit early morning (before 9am) or on weekdays for the best experience at Lombard Street. Morning light creates perfect photo opportunities, and you’ll find shorter lines for driving down the curves. Plus, during these quieter hours, you can actually hear the birds in the garden beds and catch locals tending to the street’s famous flowerbeds—offering a glimpse of the real San Francisco that most tourists miss.
Of course, for the ultimate way to experience Lombard Street, don’t miss The Lombard Leap!
Recommended Vantage Points and Photography Tips
The bottom of Lombard Street (at Leavenworth) captures the famous zigzag pattern in all its glory, especially in the warm morning light. For a unique angle, head to Hyde Street at the top—you’ll get stunning shots of the curves framed against the bay and downtown skyline. Pro tip: visit during golden hour (just after sunrise or before sunset) when the red brick road glows and the shadows create perfect definition in the turns.
Fun Facts About Lombard Street, Called the Crookedest Street
Is Lombard Street actually the most crooked road in San Francisco?
Did you know this world-famous zigzag isn’t actually San Francisco’s most crooked street? That title belongs to Vermont Street between 20th and 22nd—but Lombard’s elegant design and spectacular setting have made it the star! From its perfectly calculated 27% grade to the whopping 250 gallons of water the gardens drink daily, every detail of Lombard Street tells a fascinating story. And here’s a fun one: those eight hairpin turns? They were inspired by a mountain switchback in Switzerland!
What movies are filmed on Lombard aka Crooked Street?
Hollywood simply can’t resist Lombard Street’s cinematic charm! The street’s dramatic curves have starred in countless films—from vertigo-inducing chase scenes in “What’s Up, Doc?” (1972) to romantic moments in “The Love Bug” (1968). More recently, the street’s photogenic turns appeared in “Inside Out” (2015), where even animated characters couldn’t resist the thrill of San Francisco’s most famous curves. Each hairpin turn has its own close-up in film history!
San Francisco Iconic Attractions
Beyond Lombard Street, San Francisco’s signature sights create an unforgettable cityscape. The Golden Gate Bridge’s towering spans, Alcatraz’s mysterious silhouette, and the clanging cable cars make up the city’s greatest hits. The Painted Ladies showcase classic Victorian architecture, while Fisherman’s Wharf serves up fresh seafood and playful sea lions. At Chinatown’s Dragon’s Gate, you’ll find yourself stepping into the largest Chinese community outside Asia, while the Ferry Building’s clock tower stands guard over a gourmet marketplace that’s been feeding San Francisco since 1898.
Want to experience all these San Francisco sights and more? Browse our award-winning San Francisco tours.
Streets of San Francisco
From Market Street’s downtown bustle to Twin Peaks Boulevard’s stunning vistas, San Francisco’s famous streets offer something special. Catch the Hyde Street Cable Car for classic city views, or discover the steep Vermont Street in the Potrero Hill—technically even more crooked than Lombard! While Grant Avenue weaves through America’s oldest Chinatown, each street adds its own chapter to the city’s vibrant story.
Visit Lombard Street San Francisco and Discover Its Wonders
Lombard Street showcases San Francisco at its finest—where a daunting hill became the world’s most photographed street through pure innovation. While thousands crowd the bottom for photos each day, the Lombard Leap puts you right in the action.
Skip the 30-minute wait times and impossible parking. On the Lombard Leap, you’ll glide down those famous eight hairpin turns, then set off to explore San Francisco’s most iconic sights.
3,800+ 
