Lombard Street   

Lombard and Hyde
San Francisco, CA 94109
415-391-2000

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The world's "crookedest" street is a set of tight switchbacks, eight in all, that wind past beautifully landscaped flower beds, million-dollar homes and unsurpassed views of the Bay (unless you're the one driving -- it's a challenge). The curves were carved in the early 1920s to afford horses and their cargo an easier climb up the hill. The road is one-way beginning at Lombard and Hyde streets, at the top of the hill. It curves one long block down to Leavenworth Street, and it's usually a slow descent owing to both vehicular and pedestrian traffic. Weekends are especially crowded: Cars inch up the steep west side of Lombard toward Hyde, tourists wander in the intersections and tripod-toting photographers set up camera shots from every nook and cranny. For this reason, the city is considering closing Lombard to motor traffic. Besides, you're better off on foot, since you can stop to admire the view. Try that driving and you'll have a line of cars honking at you. To avoid the crowd, head for a few alternate spots. A no-curves thrill lies just two blocks south on Filbert Street, one of the city's steepest hills (drive down, not up, if you have a stick shift). Or drive across town to Potrero Hill -- the neighborhood on the hill behind Pac Bell Park -- to Vermont Street. Starting from 20th Street, Vermont has only six switchbacks, but they're steeper and sharper, with an interesting view of the back of the city, though the street itself isn't as scenic. A final tip: Don't ask locals where Lombard Street is -- they're apt to point you further down toward the Marina District, where the street becomes a main traffic thoroughfare. -- The Editors