Lombard Street (2024)

FAQs

Why is Lombard Street so famous? ›

Lombard Street is known for the one-way block on Russian Hill between Hyde and Leavenworth Streets, where eight sharp turns are said to make it the most crooked street in the world.

Car: Note that the curvy portion of Lombard Street only runs one way, towards the east. To drive, you'll want to come to this street from Van Ness Ave., turning east on Lombard St. Experienced drivers only! And be sure to Park Smart if you're getting out and exploring the neighborhood.

Lombard Street (/ˈlɒmbərd, -bɑːrd/) is a street notable for its connections with the City of London's merchant, banking and insurance industries, stretching back to medieval times.

The hill that this section of Lombard Street is on has a natural 27% grade, which was too steep for vehicles back in 1922. So property owner Carl Henry suggested the hairpin turn design to make it easier for cars to drive down. Later, it became a one-way street paved with red bricks.

Lombard Street stars in other chase scenes, including the 1972 comedy, "What's Up, Doc?" starring Barbra Streisand, and "Foul Play," a 1978 comedy starring Goldie Hawn and Chevy Chase. In the 1968 film "The Love Bug," Herbie, the VW Beetle takes on the turns, and the 1972 sci-fi comedy "Dr.

Introduction. The “crooked” section of Lombard Street is both a residential neighborhood and one of the most popular tourist destinations in San Francisco, drawing approximately 2 million visitors each year.

Lombard Street is definitely worth a visit whilst in San Francisco. We drove down the 8 curvy hairpins whilst on a private Mini Convertible tour (see other review) and then later that day went back there and walked up the 200 + steps from the bottom to the top of it.

This depends on if you're walking or riding. If you're walking, plan around half an hour to head down and take all the pictures you want. You can allow a bit longer if you're driving and there's a wait to get onto the street.

Driving or Walking Down Lombard Street: Experience the thrill of navigating the famous eight hairpin turns, either by car or on foot via the 250 stairs on either side.

It's often referred to as the "crookedest street in the world." In truth, it's the second-crookedest (the crookedest is Vermont Street, also in San Francisco), but that hasn't dulled Lombard Street's fame.

What is the history of 1 Lombard Street? ›

1 Lombard Street - A Gem Among London's Lunch Restaurants

This place is steeped in history, dating back to the late 18th century when it was originally a banking hall. Today, the building retains its grandeur and charm, providing an elegant backdrop to your lunch escapades.

In an episode of Fact or Fiction on the Travel Channel, Jayms Ramirez measured the sinuosity of Lombard and Vermont streets and found that Vermont is indeed more crooked (with a sinuosity of 1.56 versus 1.2 for Lombard Street).

Even though Lombard Street is billed as the crookedest street in the world, it is not even the most crooked or steepest street in San Francisco.

The main access road was Lombard, the very flat, straight part of the “crookedest street in the world.” This was also the prime access to the Presidio military property guarding the Golden Gate, so had value for housing visitors.

Lombard Street's famous curves were not deigned for tourism purposes, but for safety. The street was hazardous to pass through because of its naturally steep grade. In the 1920s, a resident suggested adding switchbacks to make pedestrians safer and offer aesthetic appeal. The 'crooked' design came about in 1922.

Back in the 1920s, the residents of the area got together and suggested adding some sharp turns to this section of the road to increase pedestrian safety, make the grade more manageable for the not so technologically-advanced vehicles of the time, and add some well-deserved aesthetic appeal to the area.

Lombard Street is definitely worth a visit whilst in San Francisco. We drove down the 8 curvy hairpins whilst on a private Mini Convertible tour (see other review) and then later that day went back there and walked up the 200 + steps from the bottom to the top of it.