Known as the "Crookedest Street in the World," Lombard Street is one of San Francisco's most popular landmarks. Every year, millions of visitors walk or drive down its eight sharp hairpin turns. The tourist board has dubbed it 'the world's crookedest street,' which is factually incorrect: Vermont St in Potrero Hill deserves that award.

However, Lombard is much more scenic, with its red-brick pavement and lovingly tended flowerbeds. It is especially during spring and summer when the flowers blossom and frame the Victorian homes.

Located between Hyde and Leavenworth streets, the one-block portion of Lombard Street contains eight hairpin turns was created to reduce the hill’s natural steep slope. The speed limit in this section is a mere 5 mph. The name Lombard actually has no link to San Francisco history.

Why is it Crooked? It may look treacherous, but Lombard Street’s switchbacks were actually built to increase the safety of the street. The natural steep grade was thought to be too dangerous. In the 1920s, a property owner suggested creating a series of switchbacks which not only added to the street's scenic appeal but made it safer for pedestrians.