famous crooked street

Lombard Street, one the most famous and picturesque in San Francisco, winds tortuously down on the Russian Hill Section between Leavenworth and Hyde Streets. The street affords a magnificent view of the city from the top, and a thrilling descent by auto or foot. The street earned its nickname because of the eight sharp turns (or switchbacks) that are incorporated into its design. The switchbacks design was instituted in 1922 and born of necessity in order to reduce the downhill grade (27%) which was considered too steep for most vehicles and a serious hazard to pedestrians.