Why is Lombard Street in San Francisco so famous?
Lombard Street is located in San Francisco, in the US state of California. It's famous for having a steep, one-block section that consists of eight tight hairpin turns, making it one of the crookedest streets in the world.
Why is Lombard Street famous?
The drive is definitely worth it, with many excellent photo opportunities. World-famous for forcing travelers to slow down and enjoy its narrow complexity, the street reminds drivers to indulge in the novelty of the mundane. Cars venturing down this one-way street become participants in this obstacle course of a road as spectators watch on with fascination. And upon completion, drivers will be sure to breathe a sigh of relief, having achieved the thrill of that suburban challenge. Lombard Street is a unique attraction that will make you smile, whether you are driving down the winding street or watching others do so from below. With eight hairpin turns down a seriously steep slope, the scenic switchbacks of Lombard Street flow past beautiful Victorian mansions, flower boxes, and great views.
Where is Lombard Street in San Francisco?
The street is in Russian Hill on the northern part of San Francisco. The most iconic part runs west-east from Hyde Street to Leavenworth Street.
How to drive Lombard Street in San Francisco?
A traffic caution sign at the top of switchbacks recommends a top speed of 5 miles per hour (8.0 km/h). The angle is steep, so much so that the road has to zig-zag back and forth to make descending it possible. Still, Lombard Street is fun to go down. If you drive, take the curves slowly and in low gear. If you’re walking, take staircases (without curves) up or down on either side of the street. Bring a camera, not only for picturesque views from the top but also for views looking up from the bottom.
Why is Lombard Street so curvy?
The steep, hilly street goes one way (down) past a bevy of gorgeous Victorian mansions. The drive is usually bumper-to-bumper, and in the summertime, there is almost always a line of cars waiting to take the drive down. This picturesque stretch of Lombard Street has eight tight turns along a single block, making for very slow going if you are in a car. The road was built in 1922 to reduce the hill's natural 27% grade, which was too steep for most vehicles. Lombard Street's switchbacks were actually built to increase the safety of the street as the natural steep grade was thought to be too dangerous. The street is best known for the one-way section in which the roadway has eight sharp turns that have earned the street the distinction of being "the crookedest street in the world." Arguably, some sources claim Vermont Street, also in San Francisco, as the crookedest street in the world.
Where was Alfred Hitchcock's ‘Vertigo’ filmed?
The street has been featured in several films, including Alfred Hitchcock's ‘Vertigo’ (1958), Bill Cosby’s ‘Driving in San Francisco’, The Simpsons episode ‘Lisa the Tree Hugger’ (2000), Monk episode ‘Mr. Monk and the Garbage Strike’... Remember if you are in the city during peak driving times in the tourist-filled summer months of the year then expect to wait in line for a while to be able to take your turn in a car.
Pic: http://sanfranciscohomedecor.net/sf-tours/lombard-street-one-of-the-most-beautiful-streets-in-the-world/