The fascinating history of Lombard Street and how it became so crooked
Essential tips for driving or walking down Lombard Street
Explore Lombard Street on a small-group tour of San Francisco
Don't miss out on the beauty of Lombard Street on your next trip to San Francisco!
Welcome to Lombard Street, San Francisco, often called the "crookedest street in the world"! While it's actually the second crookedest street, San Francisco has the number one as well. Lombard Street became famous in the late 1950s when it was featured in a news article, and its pretty, postcard view has attracted visitors from around the world.
But how did Lombard Street become so crooked? In 1922, the homeowners on the 1000 block of Lombard Street decided that their street was too steep and created a plan to make it more manageable by adding eight sharp turns. Today, around one million cars drive down it every year. Originally, Lombard Street was a two-way street, but in 1939 it became one-way going down.
Is it better to drive or walk down Lombard Street? Driving is a unique experience, as the speed limit is only 5 miles per hour and the paving bricks can be slippery. The view of Coit Tower, the Bay Bridge, and the bay is stunning, but be sure to keep your eyes on the road! There are no tolls or reservations required to drive down Lombard Street.
No matter how you choose to experience it, a trip down Lombard Street is a must-do while visiting San Francisco. Enjoy the beautiful hydrangea bushes and the winding turns as you take in the sights and sounds of the city.