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Historic street · San Francisco, California
Lombard Street
A block of Lombard Street in Russian Hill with eight sharp turns on a red-brick hill, bordered by flowerbeds. It's one of San Francisco’s most iconic images and can be driven down or walked via the side stairways.
Illustrative images. The pictures in this guide are illustrations based on the real place, not photographs, and may differ from it.
Discover
About Lombard Street
The winding section of Lombard Street occupies a single block in Russian Hill, between Hyde Street and Leavenworth Street. The natural slope had a 27% grade, too steep for most cars, and in 1922—at the suggestion of a property owner—the street was rebuilt with eight tight switchbacks that reduce the incline.
The street is paved with red bricks and is one-way, downhill, with a low speed limit. Between the turns there are planted beds with hydrangeas and other plants, maintained by residents, and the houses on both sides face the hill.
The block receives millions of visitors each year. On summer weekends the line of cars waiting to descend can be long. From the top, at Hyde Street where the Powell-Hyde cable car stops, the view reaches Coit Tower and the bay.
Before you go
Practical information
Cidade Turismo reviews its information regularly, but something may have changed. Check with the place before planning your trip.
How much time to set aside
20 minutes to 1 hour.
Best time
Early in the morning, before the line of cars and tour groups; in spring and summer the flowerbeds are usually in bloom.
How to get there
The Powell‑Hyde cable car stops at the top of the block on Hyde Street. By car, enter via Hyde Street to descend to Leavenworth.
Tip
Walk down via the side stairways instead of waiting in the car line, and photograph from the bottom on Leavenworth Street.
Get your questions answered
Frequently asked questions about Lombard Street
Where is the winding section of Lombard Street?
On a single block of Russian Hill, between Hyde Street and Leavenworth Street, in San Francisco.
Can you drive down Lombard Street?
Yes, one way and slowly; on summer weekends the line can be long.
How do you get to Lombard Street by cable car?
Take the Powell‑Hyde line, which stops at the top of the block on Hyde Street.