My City By The Bay

Photo courtesy of www.wikipedia.com

When people think of San Francisco many sightseeing attractions come to mind including what is known as the “crookedest” street in the world as being Lombard street.  Hundreds of tourists and locals drive down the one way zig zag hill, cameras in hand experiencing the thrill of navigating this brick maze.  It is a 1/4 mile steep grade, one block long between Hyde and Leavenworth streets consisting of eight sharp turns.   It is located in the Russian Hill district near Fisherman’s Wharf.

Photo courtesy of www.wikipedia.com

However statistically speaking Lombard Street is not the most crooked street in the world or in San Francisco.  Vermont street which is located in the Potrero hill district of San Francisco between 20th and 22nd streets is in fact the most crooked.  It houses 6 sharp turns on a steeper grade in a shorter distance.  The sinuosity - Vermont 1.56 to Lombard 1.2.

The Vermont street area is very dangerous as it does not employ the brick dividers between the street and homes.  There have been a few major accidents along Vermont Street over the past few years by people driving to fast around the sharp turns and running into houses.  For people living there who are accustomed to driving in that area it is completely safe.  However for tourists not familiar with the street I would say stick to Lombard street with it’s flair and fancy hype.

For sightseeing purposes and the excitement of driving or walking along the “crookedest” street in the world, visit Lombard street and let’s keep the statistics and Vermont street our zig zag secret.

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