A tighter set of turns on Potrero Hill
The block usually cited as San Francisco’s sharper rival to Lombard Street is on Vermont Street, between 20th and 22nd streets. Its switchbacks—short, abrupt bends that zigzag down a steep slope—feel tighter than Lombard’s famous curves. Which street is “crookedest” depends on what you measure: the number of turns, their sharpness, or the overall shape of the road.
Why Lombard became the attraction
Lombard’s fame is not simply a matter of geometry. Its landscaped slope and distinctive brick roadway make the bends easy to see and memorable to photograph. The design also serves a practical purpose: a winding route gives vehicles a less direct way down a steep hill.
Vermont Street is less polished as a visitor spectacle. It runs through an ordinary residential area, where the turns are part of a working street rather than a staged attraction. That makes it easier to miss—and helps explain why a more abrupt-looking block draws far fewer crowds.
“Crookedest” depends on the eye
The comparison is a reminder that a famous superlative can hinge on its definition. Lombard offers a striking, landscaped sequence of bends; Vermont offers tighter switchbacks on a steep residential hill. The quieter street may look more sharply folded, but Lombard’s setting is what turned its curves into a destination.
