Lombard Street
Lombard Street is known for being the crookedest street in the world. I'm not trying to burst anyone's bubble but, in fact it's not even the crookedest street in San Francisco. Vermont Street between 20th and 22nd street is more crooked. But Lombard may be the prettiest crooked street in the world.
Lombard Street runs from the Presidio all the way to the Embarcadero. The famous crooked part is a 27% grade on Russian Hill with 8 switchbacks between Hyde Street and Leavenworth Street. This curvy part of Lombard is paved with brick and surrounded by beautiful landscaping and the 5 mph stretch of road takes you past some expensive homes.
Lombard Street
If you want to drive down this one block stretch yourself, you can but sometimes there can be a bit of a wait. If you just want a good look at it you can get there by cable car. The Powell - Hyde cable car line stops right at the top of Lombard Street. Of course you could also walk. From Ghirardelli Square it's just one block up Leavenworth Street although it's one very steep block and not an easy walk for some.
You can get some great pictures from the bottom of Lombard looking up but the view from the top is fantastic. You can get a great look at the city and on a clear day you can see treasure island, the Bay Bridge, and Coit Tower.
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S.F. Visitor Pages