San Francisco’s Famous “Crooked Street” (And Why It’s Totally Worth the Stop)

Eight hairpin turns, lush hydrangeas, and ridiculously good photo angles—yep, this is that Lombard Street.

Lombard Street’s iconic zigzag block on Russian Hill is one of those “can’t believe this is real” San Francisco moments. You can watch cars carefully corkscrew downhill, walk the stairways for postcard views, and snap photos that basically scream “I’m in SF.”

It’s also a super-easy highlight to include on a Private Tuk Tuk Tour—your route is flexible, stops are customized, and you can grab photo stops without dealing with the parking chaos.

Quick Overview: Lombard Street

• Nickname: Often called the “Crookedest Street in the World” (for the famous curvy block).
• Where to go: The classic switchbacks are on Lombard Street between Hyde & Leavenworth.
• Why it’s famous: A steep hill redesigned with eight tight turns + gorgeous landscaping.
• Best views: From the top looking down the curves (or from the sidewalks/stairs as you descend).
• Best way to experience: Watch, walk, photograph—or roll it into a private tour route for a smooth stop.
• Good to know: It’s one-way downhill (eastward) on the famous curvy section.
• Time needed: 15–30 minutes for photos; longer if you walk the stairs or linger for views.
• Photo tip: Morning light + fewer crowds usually makes the “postcard shot” easier.

Explore This Page: Intro | Quick Overview | History | Fun Facts | In Popular Media | Why Visit | Highlights / Don’t Miss | Why a Private Tuk Tuk Tour Works Here | Plan Your Visit | FAQ | Related Guides | Nearby Points of Interest

History of Lombard Street

Lombard Street’s dramatic design wasn’t always part of the plan. Originally, the street was a straight, incredibly steep incline with a 27% gradient—so steep that it posed serious challenges for early automobiles and pedestrians.

To make the street safer and more accessible, city planners redesigned Lombard Street in 1922, adding eight sharp switchback turns. This transformation reduced the gradient to 16%, making it manageable for vehicles while also enhancing the street’s visual appeal. Over the years, Lombard Street has evolved into a symbol of San Francisco’s innovative urban planning and continues to attract millions of visitors annually.

• Early days: Lombard was originally a straight hill with a 27% grade.
• 1922 redesign: The curvy block was created with eight switchbacks to improve safety and usability.
• Grade reduced: The steepness dropped to a more manageable 16%.

Fun Facts About Lombard Street

• Not actually the most crooked street in San Francisco – Vermont Street in Potrero Hill has steeper switchbacks!
• The first cars to navigate Lombard’s curves were 1920s-era Ford Model Ts.
• In 1939, it became a one-way street (eastward, downhill) to help with traffic flow.
• More than two million visitors come to see and drive down Lombard Street each year.
• Hydrangeas were added in the 1950s, turning the street into a floral masterpiece.
• The street appears in famous movies, including Vertigo and Ant-Man and the Wasp.
• It has 250 stairs on each side, perfect for pedestrians who want to walk down the scenic route.

In Popular Media

Lombard Street became a pop culture sensation in the 1960s, appearing on countless postcards and eventually making its way into TV shows, video games, and blockbuster films.

Some of the most famous media featuring Lombard Street include:

• Movies: Vertigo (1958), Dr. Dolittle 2 (2001), Ant-Man and the Wasp (2018)
• Video Games: Grand Theft Auto: San Andreas (a fictionalized version)
• TV Shows: Featured in episodes of The Streets of San Francisco and Full House

Its distinctive, curvy design makes it one of the most recognizable streets in the world, and it continues to capture the imagination of filmmakers and travelers alike.

Why Visit / What You’ll Do

This is one of those classic San Francisco “only here” scenes: a real city street transformed into a landscaped ribbon of switchbacks that snakes down Russian Hill. You’ll see cars carefully navigate the turns, hear the camera shutters going off, and watch people post up for that perfect shot looking straight down the brick roadway.

Most visitors do one (or all) of these: stand at the top for the iconic view, walk the stairways alongside the curves, take photos of the hydrangeas and the zigzag pattern, and soak in the skyline-and-bay peeks you get from the hill.

Highlights / Don’t Miss

• Drive or ride down the famous curvy block: It’s a slow, careful roll through tight turns—equal parts “whee!” and “how is this a real street?” If you’re visiting by vehicle, expect lines during peak times.
• Walk the stairways: The 250 stairs on each side let you enjoy the scenery without being in the car queue—and you can stop whenever you want for photos.
• Take in the views from the top: On clear days, you’ll spot Coit Tower, North Beach, and the Bay Bridge—a very San Francisco skyline moment.
• Photograph the hydrangeas + brick roadway: The landscaping is the secret sauce here. Those blooms plus the winding brick pattern create the “yep, that’s Lombard” shot.
• Explore Russian Hill nearby: The neighborhood around Lombard Street is packed with charming streets, historic architecture, and little cafes—great for a wander before or after your stop.

Why a Private Tuk Tuk Tour Works Here

• Convenience on a hill-heavy route: Lombard Street is iconic, but the approach roads can be busy—especially when everyone has the same idea at the same time.
• Flexible, custom routing: On a private tour, your guide can time the stop based on traffic and your priorities (photos, views, quick pass, or a longer look).
• Photo stops built in: Want that “top looking down” shot, then another angle from the side? Easy—your guide can help you grab the best views.
• Local guide value: You’ll get the backstory (like the steep original grade and the 1922 redesign) plus extra neighborhood context as you cruise.
• Always a private group: It’s just your crew—no strangers—so the pace stays comfortable and totally yours.

If Lombard Street is on your must-do list, it pairs perfectly with other classic SF viewpoints on a Private Tuk Tuk Tour—easy, fun, and photo-friendly.

Plan Your Visit

Location: Lombard Street (between Hyde and Leavenworth Streets), San Francisco, CA

Hours: Varies (it’s a public street—best enjoyed in daylight for photos).

Best time to visit:

• Morning (Before 10 AM): Fewer crowds, great for photography.
• Afternoon (Noon to 3 PM): The street is vibrant and lively, with plenty of activity.
• Evening (After 6 PM): Catch a sunset view from the top of the hill for an unforgettable experience.

Getting there:

• Cable Car: The Hyde Street Cable Car drops you off right at the top of Lombard Street.
• Bus: Muni routes 30, 45, and 91 stop nearby.
• Walking: A scenic walk from North Beach or Fisherman’s Wharf.
• Private tour option: Private Tuk Tuk Tour is a fun way to fit Lombard into a flexible route without the stress of navigating the hills.

Logistics note: Parking near Lombard Street is extremely limited, and the famous curvy block gets congested—availability of this stop depends on traffic conditions.

Lombard Street FAQ

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• Guest Reviews
• Tuk Tuk Types and Names From Around the World

Nearby Points of Interest

• Fisherman’s Wharf: Less than a mile north—seafood, classic waterfront vibes, and nonstop people-watching.
• PIER 39 & Sea Lions: About a mile away—shops, views, and the city’s loudest (and funniest) residents.
• San Francisco Cable Cars: Classic SF riding—especially convenient for reaching the top of Lombard Street.
• Coit Tower & Telegraph Hill: Big panoramic views and a perfect “next stop” if you’re already in the neighborhood.
• North Beach & Little Italy: Cafes, focaccia, and an easy stroll vibe—great for pairing with a Lombard stop.

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