Photographing San Francisco: Digital Field Guide

Chapter 14. Lombard Street

A view of Lombard Street taken from Hyde Street just after sunrise on a clear summer morning. Taken at ISO 100, f/8, 1/250 second with a 14–24mm lens.

Why It's Worth a Photograph

Lombard Street is best known for the one-way section on Russian Hill between Hyde and Leavenworth Streets. This section of roadway has eight sharp turns that have earned the street the distinction of being "the crookedest in the world." The switchback design was created out of necessity to reduce the hill's natural 30-percent grade, which was too steep for vehicles and pedestrians to climb. The crooked sections are ¼-mile long and are reserved for one-way traffic traveling downhill. Lombard Street's curves and turns are world famous, and it has appeared in numerous movies, television shows, and printed materials. Despite all the publicity, you still must see it.

Where Can I Get the Best Shot?

The best locations to capture this unique landmark are Lombard Street at Hyde Street, Coit Tower at Lombard Street and Grant Street, and Lombard Street at Leavenworth Street (see A, B, and C on the map).

The best locations from which to photograph Lombard Street: (A) Lombard Street at Hyde Street, (B) Coit Tower at Lombard Street and Grant Street, (C) Lombard Street at Leavenworth Street. Other photo ...