Lombard and Vermont Are World’s Most Twisted Streets

by Petr Novák, ? This article’s information was last verified on this date. If you notice any errors, let us know in the comments. Thank you! :-) Updated 01/20/2025 California, Fun Facts, San Francisco, Tips for Trips

The most expensive street in the world is Causeway Bay in Hong Kong, the widest street in the world is 9 de Julio Avenue in Buenos Aires, and the longest was until recently considered to be Canada’s Yonge Street at 1,178 mi. San Francisco has two unique streets, named Lombard Street and Vermont Street. Among the most winding streets in the world, they have become well-known city attractions alongside Alcatraz and the Golden Gate Bridge.

1. Table of Contents

   1. Lombard Street in San Francisco – 8 Turns and a 40° Incline
   2. Vermont Street – Fewer Turns, but Sharper

   Lombard Street in San Francisco – 8 Turns and a 40° Incline

   📍 Where Lombard Street Is Located

   Lombard Street is situated in the northeastern part of the city. Its most famous section, with a 40° incline and a total of eight curves, lies between Leavenworth Street and Hyde Street in the Russian Hill neighborhood. The street was built in 1922, and it has been challenging to drive on since the beginning. Today, around two million tourists visit it annually.

   • Map of Lombard Street in San Francisco

   🚗 How to Visit

   You can reach Lombard Street by cable car; get off at the Hyde St & Lombard St stop.

   If you’d like to drive along the street, it’s best to arrive directly via Lombard Street and continue straight. The speed limit is 5 mph. Turning right from Hyde Street is not allowed during the day due to passing cable cars. You may need to wait in line. A car rental service would surely thrive at the top of the hill.

   You can also check out a video tour of Lombard Street.

   📷 Best Photo Spots for Lombard Street

   The best photos can be taken from the top of the winding section of Lombard Street (with Coit Tower in the background) or from the bottom (photograph cars passing through greenery). In the afternoon, the street is entirely in the shade, so it’s recommended to visit in the morning or early afternoon.

   Aerial views of Lombard Street can be enjoyed from Coit Tower in the Telegraph Hill neighborhood. The walk is about 4,265 ft, giving you a chance to experience the steepness of San Francisco streets on foot.

   💡 Fun Facts About Lombard Street

   Lombard Street has been featured in several films, the most famous being Vertigo from 1958. The main character in Alfred Hitchcock’s film lived in house number 900. The street also appeared in The Simpsons (Season 12, Episode 4: Lisa the Tree Hugger), the TV shows Monk and American Dad, and the reality show The Real World: San Francisco. Lombard Street is also part of the video game GTA: San Andreas.

2. 

   Vermont Street – Fewer Turns, but Sharper

   Vermont Street is less crowded compared to Lombard Street, although its turns are significantly sharper. Vermont Street is considered the most winding street in the world.

   📍 Where Vermont Street Is Located

   Vermont Street is located in the Potrero Hill neighborhood, between 20th and 22nd streets, near McKinley Square. It is 3 mi away from Lombard Street and about a 20-minute drive.

   • Map of Vermont Street in San Francisco

   🚗 How to Visit

   The winding section is 492 ft long and lined with trees on both sides. Compared to Lombard Street, it’s less photogenic and therefore less popular. Vermont Street is a one-way street, and you can only drive down it from top to bottom.

   📷 Best Photo Spots for Vermont Street

   Vermont Street is harder to photograph because trees and bushes block the view of the entire stretch. The best photos can be taken by walking along the sidewalk next to the houses.

   💡 Fun Facts About Vermont Street

   Vermont Street has had fewer appearances in films and television. Its most famous feature is a car chase in the 1973 movie Magnum Force, starring Clint Eastwood.

   An interesting event takes place on Vermont Street during Easter when racers descend it on tricycles. If you’re daring, you can sign up for the BYOBW (Bring Your Own Big Wheel) race.