Lombard Street, Curved road in Russian Hill, San Francisco, US

Lombard Street is a sloping road featuring eight hairpin turns that zigzag down between mansions and flower gardens in Russian Hill. The paved one-way street spans a single block and guides vehicles through tight curves bordered by hydrangeas and other blooms.

A resident proposed the switchback design in 1922 to ease the natural 27 percent grade that was too steep for vehicles. The city approved the redesign, and the curves were built to make the downhill drive safer and prevent accidents.

Photographers from around the world gather at the top and bottom of the street to capture the winding curves. Local homeowners maintain the flower gardens along the switchbacks, which bloom in different colors throughout the year and contribute to the visual identity of the city.

Visitors can explore the site on foot from the top or drive slowly through the curves while enjoying views of the bay. The best time to visit is early morning or weekdays when fewer cars and pedestrians are present.

The street permits only downhill one-way traffic, so drivers must reach the top via a neighboring street. Pedestrians use staircases on either side that offer views of vehicles winding through the tight turns.