Lombard Street (Crooked Street)
The famously crooked one-block switchback descent lined with hydrangeas.
The call
Worth it if you care about the visual experience.
Short answer
Is Lombard Street (Crooked Street) worth it?
Lombard Street (Crooked Street) is a specialist choice, not a default stop. Go early or reserve ahead. Crowds are part of the cost.
The answer depends on your budget, time and travel style; the breakdown below shows who gets the most value.
Why
- 01
A genuinely charming, flower-bordered zigzag down a steep hill — fun to walk down once.
- 02
The catch: it's a five-minute photo stop that's mobbed in summer, the line of cars waiting to drive it is long, and residents are visibly over the crowds.
Is it a fit?
Go if
This is your first trip to San Francisco
Shoot from the bottom at Leavenworth, walk up the side stairs, go early — then drop into North Beach below.
You care about the visual experience
Lombard Street (Crooked Street) rewards a trip built around beauty & photography.
Think twice if
You're watching the budget
Lombard Street (Crooked Street) can strain a tight budget. Go only when it is a priority.
You only have one day
Keep Lombard Street (Crooked Street) only when it outranks a half-day elsewhere.
You're traveling with kids
With kids, Lombard Street (Crooked Street) needs the right timing and tolerance.
You're traveling as a couple
As a couple, Lombard Street (Crooked Street) needs the right timing and tolerance.
Plan it well
- Cost
- Free
- Timing
- Early morning to beat the crowds and car queue.
- Allow
- 20–30 min
- Accessibility
- Pedestrian stairs flank the curves; the steep grade is hard for wheelchairs and strollers.
- Getting there
- Top of Russian Hill; the Powell-Hyde cable car stops at the crest, or walk up from North Beach.