Eight hairpin turns, endless flowers, and a view straight out of a postcard — welcome to the ‘crookedest street in the world.’
Lombard Street’s famous one-block zigzag in Russian Hill was designed in 1922 to tame a steep 27% grade, and it became one of San Francisco’s most beloved sights almost by accident. Today the red-brick roadway curves through manicured gardens of hydrangeas, and from the top you get a stunning view down toward the bay, with Telegraph Hill and Coit Tower in the distance.
It’s ideal for photo lovers, walkers, and families looking for a quick, fun stop. Tip: walk down rather than drive — it’s free, you can take your time with photos, and you avoid the traffic jams. Visit on a weekday morning for the smallest crowds, and don’t miss the view from the top before you start descending.
Photo: Wikimedia Commons / Infrogmation
