Lombard Street in San Francisco is best known for its steep, winding block on Russian Hill, where eight sharp turns thread through landscaped gardens. From La Casa Inn, a motel on Lombard Street, you can walk there in about 13 minutes or take the Powell/Hyde Cable Car to the Hyde Street and Lombard Street stop.
- Where: The crooked block is on Lombard Street between Hyde and Leavenworth streets.
- Transit: The Powell/Hyde Cable Car stops at Hyde Street and Lombard Street.
- Route note: SFMTA advises riders to prepay with MuniMobile or a Clipper card to avoid long lines.
Where to see the crooked block
The famous crooked section of Lombard Street is the block between Hyde and Leavenworth streets on Russian Hill. Its eight turns descend a steep slope, with planted beds alongside the one-way roadway.
For a clear view, head to the public sidewalk at the top or bottom of the block. From above, the curves are easy to make out against the surrounding hillside; from below, the slope and switchbacks fill the view. The cable car stop at Hyde Street and Lombard Street puts you right beside the upper end.
Lombard Street itself is a residential street, so keep to public sidewalks and leave driveways and entrances clear. The roadway is designed for vehicles, while the sidewalks give you a place to look at the curves without entering the street.
Walking from La Casa Inn
The uphill streets around Russian Hill make comfortable shoes useful for the walk to the crooked block.
Once you reach Hyde Street, follow it to its intersection with Lombard Street, where the cable car stop and the upper end of the crooked block meet.
You can see the switchbacks from the sidewalk, then continue along the public paths to view the street from below. If you want to extend the outing, the route fits naturally with a Russian Hill and Nob Hill walking route.
Getting there by cable car or transit
The Powell/Hyde Cable Car stops at Hyde Street and Lombard Street, making it a direct transit option for the crooked block. SFMTA identifies the line as PH on its Official Muni Map.
The outbound cable car travels along Powell, Jackson and Hyde streets to Beach Street at Victorian Park. The inbound route runs from Hyde and Beach streets via Hyde, Washington and Powell streets to Market Street. You can use the Hyde and Lombard stop in either direction; the inbound stop ID is 15078 and the outbound stop ID is 15077.
SFMTA recommends paying ahead with MuniMobile or a Clipper card to avoid long lines. The cable car operates daily from 7 a.m. to 11 p.m.; its schedule and stop locations can change, so check the official site before you go.
For a broader route overview, a guide to riding San Francisco cable cars from Russian Hill explains the Powell/Hyde line.
Best viewpoints and photo etiquette
The public sidewalks at either end of Lombard Street offer the main viewpoints, with the upper end showing the bends from above and the lower end looking up the slope. You can walk between those viewpoints along the block’s sidewalks.
Keep photos and stops to public sidewalks, and avoid stepping into the roadway or blocking residents’ access. SFMTA’s safety work on the street has included signal-timing adjustments, intersection daylighting and enhanced crosswalk and intersection striping.
FAQs
Where is the crooked part of Lombard Street?
It is on Russian Hill, on the block between Hyde and Leavenworth streets in San Francisco.
Does the Powell/Hyde Cable Car stop at Lombard Street?
Yes. The Powell/Hyde line stops at Hyde Street and Lombard Street, in both directions.
How long does it take to walk to Lombard Street?
The walk from the motel takes about 13 minutes.
When does the Powell/Hyde Cable Car run?
It operates daily from 7 a.m. to 11 p.m. Check the official site before you go for current service details.