Lombard Street: San Francisco's Most Delightfully Detour-y Detour
San Francisco prides itself on being a city that's anything but straight and narrow. From its iconic cable cars clinging to impossibly steep hills to its residents who march to the beat of their own drum (sometimes literally, during a Blue Devils performance), the city embraces the quirky and the unconventional. And there's perhaps no better example of this quirky charm than Lombard Street, also affectionately known as "The Crookedest Street in the World".
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| What is The Curvy Street In San Francisco |
Yes, You Read That Right: Crookedest Street. In. The. World.
Now, before you start picturing a road that looks like a pretzel dipped in Silly Putty, let's manage expectations a touch. Lombard Street's claim to fame isn't a series of stomach-churning spirals or a never-ending helix. Instead, it's a one-block stretch in the Russian Hill neighborhood that features a series of eight delightful hairpin turns.
QuickTip: Pause after each section to reflect.
Imagine a lazy river that suddenly decided it absolutely must get to the bottom of the hill as quickly yet gracefully as possible. That's the vibe. Think less "wacky cartoon roadrunner chase" and more "sophisticated switchbacks designed by a flower-loving landscape architect with a serious case of the zoomies."
QuickTip: Read with curiosity — ask ‘why’ often.
The Why and the How of the Curves
But why all the twists and turns? Blame it on gravity! San Francisco, as previously mentioned, is a city of epic hills. Lombard Street, in its original incarnation, was just another one of these heart-stopping inclines. The problem? It was a whopping 27% grade, which is a fancy way of saying "most cars would become instant downhill derby champions if they dared to attempt it."
Tip: Review key points when done.
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Enter Carl Henry, a brilliant (and possibly slightly car-sick) property owner, who, in 1922, dreamt up the ingenious solution of transforming the street into a series of switchbacks. And voila! Lombard Street, the internet's favorite selfie spot, was born.
QuickTip: Stop scrolling if you find value.
Cruising Down Lombard Street: A Tourist's Delight (and a Local's Secret Weapon)
So, you're itching to experience this marvel of modern engineering (and landscaping)? Here's the deal:
- The one-way, downhill route is a tourist favorite, so expect crowds, especially during peak season.
- The speed limit is a leisurely 5 mph, so don't even think about reenacting your childhood Hot Wheels fantasies.
- For the best views and photo ops, park at the top and walk down.
- Pro Tip: While Lombard Street hogs the tourist spotlight, there's a rumor that Vermont Street between 20th and 22nd Streets on Potrero Hill might actually be a contender for the title of "curviest street." Just sayin'.
Lombard Street FAQs: Your Guide to Conquering the Curves
- How to get to Lombard Street? Most navigation apps will take you right there.
- How much time should I spend there? Honestly, 15-20 minutes is plenty to walk down, snap some photos, and soak up the atmosphere.
- How to avoid the crowds? Early mornings or evenings are your best bet.
- How much does it cost to drive down Lombard Street? There's no charge, but be prepared for some slow-going traffic.
- How can I make my Lombard Street experience even more epic? Rent a brightly colored flower crown and a vintage camera for maximum touristy fun (don't worry, we won't judge).
So there you have it, folks! The complete lowdown on Lombard Street, San Francisco's curviest, cutest, and most Instagrammable claim to fame. Now get out there and make some crooked memories!
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