Few San Francisco streets are as recognizable as Lombard Street. The famous one-block stretch in Russian Hill packs eight tight turns into a steep, red-brick roadway lined with gardens and homes. And unlike many famous landmarks, this is one you can actually drive through.

If driving down Lombard Street is on your San Francisco itinerary, there are a few things worth knowing first. Traffic can back up during busy periods, parking nearby can be tricky, and approaching from the correct direction matters.

Here’s how to visit Lombard Street by car, on foot, or as part of a larger San Francisco sightseeing route. Click here to learn more.

Lombard Street Visitor Information at a Glance

Can You Drive Down Lombard Street?

Yes. The famous crooked section of Lombard Street is still an active public road, and visitors can drive down it.

There is one important rule to understand before navigating there: traffic only travels downhill, from Hyde Street toward Leavenworth Street. You cannot enter at Leavenworth and drive uphill through the curves.

The crooked block itself is short, stretching roughly 600 feet. Once you're actually on it, the drive only takes a few minutes. Getting to the entrance can take considerably longer when traffic backs up.

Drivers should also remember that Lombard Street is more than a tourist attraction. People live in the homes lining the block, pedestrians are frequently nearby, and the turns are genuinely tight. Follow posted traffic signs, drive slowly, and leave the photography to your passengers.

What Is It Like to Drive Down Lombard Street?

Driving Lombard Street is less about speed and more about navigating the switchbacks.

The eight hairpin turns were created in the 1920s to make the naturally steep hill easier for vehicles to navigate. Today, you'll slowly wind your way through the landscaped curves with views opening toward Coit Tower, Telegraph Hill and San Francisco Bay as you descend.

If you're expecting a long scenic drive, you may be surprised by how quickly it's over. Lombard's crooked section is only one block.

That's part of why it makes sense to include Lombard Street within a larger sightseeing route rather than treating it as a standalone driving destination.

How Long Is the Wait to Drive Down Lombard Street?

On a quiet morning, you may reach the top and drive down with little delay. During busy weekends and peak visitor periods, however, cars can queue along Lombard Street before reaching the crooked section.

Historically, San Francisco transportation studies have documented waits exceeding 20 minutes during particularly busy periods, with queues extending several blocks. That shouldn't be treated as the standard wait every day, but it gives you an idea of how congested this small residential block can become.

Traffic is generally more of a consideration during San Francisco's busiest visitor months, roughly April through October, as well as weekends and holidays.

If Lombard Street is one stop on a packed itinerary, leave yourself some flexibility rather than assuming you'll be able to drive straight through.

When Is the Best Time to Visit Lombard Street?

For fewer crowds and less vehicle traffic, earlier in the morning is generally your best bet.

Late morning through the afternoon tends to bring more sightseeing traffic, particularly on sunny weekends and during the busier spring and summer travel months.

The right time can also depend on how you want to experience Lombard Street:

• Driving: Try earlier in the day to reduce the likelihood of a long vehicle queue.
• Photography: Morning can make it easier to find room at the popular viewpoints.
• Walking: Cooler mornings can make the steep Russian Hill streets more comfortable.
• Seeing the gardens: Spring and summer generally bring more color to the landscaped curves.

There's no admission gate or attraction entrance to plan around. Lombard Street is a public street, so your visit is primarily about working around traffic, crowds and San Francisco weather.

Should You Drive or Walk Lombard Street?

They're surprisingly different experiences, and there's a good argument for doing both.

Driving Lombard Street

Driving lets you experience the curves themselves. You'll enter from the Hyde Street side and slowly work your way through all eight switchbacks before exiting onto Leavenworth.

The downside is that your attention needs to stay on the road. The driver isn't going to get the same opportunity to admire the landscaping or stop for photos.

Walking Lombard Street

Pedestrian stairs run alongside the crooked roadway, allowing you to see the block at a slower pace.

Starting at the top at Hyde Street means walking downhill. Starting at Leavenworth Street gives you the classic view looking uphill at the switchbacks, but you'll have a steep climb if you want to reach the top.

If you have time, driving through first and then finding a legal place to park elsewhere before returning on foot gives you both perspectives.

Where to Park Near Lombard Street

Here's the first thing to know: don't plan on simply parking on the crooked block itself.

Lombard Street sits in a dense residential neighborhood, and street parking around Russian Hill can be limited. Restrictions, residential permits, loading zones and time limits vary by block, so always check the posted signs before leaving your vehicle.

If you're looking for street parking, expanding your search several blocks away from the attraction can improve your chances. Just remember that this is Russian Hill. A parking space that looks close on a map may involve a surprisingly steep walk.

A few parking tips:

• Read all posted parking and curb signs carefully.

• Don't block driveways or residential garages.

• Don't stop or double-park to take photos.

• Give yourself extra time to look for a legal space.

• Never leave luggage, bags, electronics or other valuables visible inside a parked vehicle.

If Lombard is just one stop during a day of sightseeing, you may find it easier to visit without parking at all.

How to Get to Lombard Street

By Car

Navigate toward Lombard Street and Hyde Street, which is the top of the crooked section. Because the crooked block is one way, approaching the correct entrance is important. Follow current signs and navigation instructions as you get closer rather than navigating to a generic "Lombard Street" address.

By Cable Car

The Powell-Hyde cable car is one of the most memorable ways to arrive at Lombard Street. The route stops at Hyde and Lombard, putting you right at the top of the famous crooked block.

From there, you can walk down the stairs alongside the roadway toward Leavenworth Street. Before heading out, check the official SFMTA Powell-Hyde cable car route and current service information for stops, schedules and any service updates.

On Foot

Lombard Street isn't far from Fisherman's Wharf, but San Francisco's hills can make distances deceiving. If you're coming from the waterfront, expect a significant uphill walk to reach Russian Hill. Comfortable shoes are a good idea.

Where Is the Best Place to Take Pictures of Lombard Street?

For the classic Lombard Street photo, head to Leavenworth Street at the bottom of the crooked section and look uphill.

From there, you can see the switchbacks stacked above one another, along with the landscaped curves and homes lining the block. The top at Hyde Street offers a different perspective, including views out toward the city and bay.

Just remember that Lombard is both an active road and a residential neighborhood. Stay on sidewalks and designated pedestrian areas rather than stepping into traffic for a photo, and be respectful of the people who live there.

Drive Lombard Street as Part of a GoCar San Francisco Tour

Lombard Street makes a lot more sense when you see where it fits into San Francisco.

Rather than navigating directly to the crooked block, driving down it, and then figuring out where to go next, you can make it part of a larger sightseeing loop through the city.

Several GoCar San Francisco tours travel through Russian Hill and include or offer a route through Lombard Street. GoCar's GPS-guided routes can connect the crooked street with other San Francisco landmarks, including Fisherman's Wharf, the Marina, Palace of Fine Arts, the Presidio and Golden Gate Bridge.

The Golden Gate Bridge & Back Loop specifically finishes by winding through Russian Hill and driving down Lombard Street.

That also happens to be the drive shown in the video at the top of this page.

What Else Is Near Lombard Street?

Lombard Street doesn't require half a day by itself, which makes it easy to pair with other attractions around northern San Francisco.

Fisherman's Wharf: One of San Francisco's busiest visitor areas, with restaurants, waterfront attractions and access to PIER 39.

Ghirardelli Square: A convenient stop near the waterfront with shops, restaurants and, of course, chocolate.

North Beach: San Francisco's historic Italian neighborhood is a good option for grabbing lunch or exploring cafés and shops.

Coit Tower: Located on Telegraph Hill, Coit Tower offers another classic San Francisco viewpoint and is visible from portions of the Lombard Street area.

The Marina and Palace of Fine Arts: Continue west toward the Marina for waterfront scenery and one of the city's most photographed architectural landmarks.

If you're driving, Lombard can easily become one stop on a route connecting Fisherman's Wharf with the Marina, Presidio and Golden Gate Bridge rather than an out-and-back trip just to see one street.

Is Lombard Street Worth Visiting?

Lombard Street is famous for a reason. Eight brick-paved switchbacks squeezed into a steep Russian Hill block aren't something you encounter in many cities.

But you don't need to build your entire day around it.

Give yourself enough time to see the block from the bottom, walk alongside the curves or drive through them, and then continue exploring the surrounding neighborhoods. Whether you arrive by cable car, on foot, in your own vehicle or as part of a GoCar tour of San Francisco, Lombard Street fits naturally into a day spent seeing the city's waterfront and northern neighborhoods.