Lombard Street’s one-block section between Hyde and Leavenworth on Russian Hill is the most crooked paved road in the United States, dropping 27 feet in eight switchbacks through hydrangea-lined brickwork. The postcard shot is taken from the base looking up, or from the top looking down at the city and Coit Tower beyond. Getting either empty of tourist vehicles requires planning.
Best Time to Shoot
Sunrise on weekday mornings is the best window for an empty street. Traffic starts by 9 a.m. on weekends. Morning marine fog often descends on Russian Hill from the west, adding atmosphere. Summer evenings with post-sunset sky work from the base looking up, especially with car headlights as light trails. For practitioners, see our breakdown of ISO for wildlife at dusk. For practitioners, see our breakdown of shutter for action macro. For practitioners, see our breakdown of national park rules.
How to Get There
The street is on Lombard at Hyde, in the Russian Hill neighborhood. Take the Powell-Hyde cable car to the top, or walk up from Fisherman’s Wharf. No permits or fees. Parking on the block itself is prohibited; park on surrounding streets or use public transit.
Camera Settings
From the top (Hyde Street level): 50-85mm to compress the switchbacks and show the city skyline behind. From the base: 35-50mm, f/8, tripod for long exposure car-light trails at dusk. Night shots: ISO 400-800, f/8, 20-30 seconds to accumulate headlight streaks.
Recommended Gear for This Spot
Common Mistakes
- Arriving in the afternoon expecting an empty street — you will wait for hours.
- Shooting at f/2.8 from the top: the switchbacks extend too deep to stay in focus wide open.
- Composing without the city skyline in the background: the context is what makes the top-angle shot work.
- Not scouting the base angle: most visitors only shoot from above, missing the strong upward perspective.
A San Francisco sunrise photography tour covers Lombard Street, Coit Tower, and the Embarcadero before the city wakes up. Browse Lombard Street photography tours to find options that fit your schedule.
For more location guides like this, see the Travel Photography Guide on Shut Your Aperture. Browse all spots on the USA CA photo spots hub.
What to Pack
Urban photography rewards a small, fast, flexible kit. Here is what travels well to Lombard Street — links go to B&H Photo Video (our primary supplier) and Amazon for accessories.
| What & Why | B&H | Amazon |
|---|---|---|
Standard zoom (24-70mm) The single best urban walkaround lens. Wide enough for streets, tight enough for portraits and details. | Shop B&H → | Shop Amazon → |
Fast prime (35mm or 50mm) For low-light blue-hour streetwork and cafe interiors where a tripod is not welcome. | Shop B&H → | Shop Amazon → |
Compact travel tripod For blue-hour skylines and long exposures from bridges and rooftops. | Shop B&H → | Shop Amazon → |
Variable ND filter Cuts daytime light for slow-shutter motion in busy urban scenes. | Shop B&H → | Shop Amazon → |
Extra batteries (3 minimum) A full day of street shooting drains two batteries minimum. Carry three. | Shop B&H → | Shop Amazon → |
Lens cleaning kit Fingerprints and urban grime appear fast. Clean between every coffee stop. | Shop B&H → | Shop Amazon → |
Anti-theft camera strap Quick-release plus security cable. Worth the investment in any major city. | Shop B&H → | Shop Amazon → |
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