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Vermont Street: San Francisco's Serpentine Secret

Discover San Francisco's real crookedest street on Potrero Hill, offering tighter turns and a steeper grade than famous Lombard Street.

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Vermont Street, located in the Potrero Hill neighborhood, is often called the "crookedest street in the world". While less famous than Lombard Street, Vermont Street boasts tighter turns and a steeper grade, offering a unique and authentic San Francisco experience.

A brief summary to Vermont St (The real “Crookedest Street in the World.”)

  • 807 Vermont St, San Francisco, Potrero Hill, California, 94107, US
  • Monday 12 am-12 am
  • Tuesday 12 am-12 am
  • Wednesday 12 am-12 am
  • Thursday 12 am-12 am
  • Friday 12 am-12 am
  • Saturday 12 am-12 am
  • Sunday 12 am-12 am

Local tips

  • Visit during the annual 'Bring Your Own Big Wheel' race for a fun and quirky spectacle.
  • Walk or drive down the street for a unique perspective and a thrilling experience.
  • Bring your camera to capture the unique curves and urban landscape.
  • Explore the surrounding Potrero Hill neighborhood for local shops and restaurants.
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Getting There

  • Public Transport

    From downtown San Francisco, take the Muni bus lines 9, 9R, 19, 292, or 48 to the Rhode Island St & 23rd St stop. From there, it is a short walk to Vermont Street. A single ride on Muni costs $3.00, payable via the MuniMobile app or Clipper card.

  • Taxi/Ride-Share

    A taxi or ride-share from downtown San Francisco to Vermont Street will cost approximately $11-$25, depending on traffic and the specific location within downtown. The ride typically takes 4-20 minutes.

  • Driving

    From Highway 101, exit at Cesar Chavez Street and head east. Turn left onto Vermont Street. Parking near Vermont Street can be challenging. Several parking lots are located nearby, such as the lot at 48 Vermont St, with rates around $15-$22 for a few hours. Be aware of street parking restrictions.

  • Walking

    From the 22nd Street Caltrain station, walk east on 22nd Street, then turn right onto Vermont Street. Continue walking south for approximately 0.6 miles until you reach the crooked section of Vermont Street between 20th and 22nd Streets. This walk is moderately steep.

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Discover more about Vermont St (The real “Crookedest Street in the World.”)

Vermont Street, often overshadowed by its more famous counterpart Lombard Street, is a testament to San Francisco's quirky charm and challenging topography. Located in the residential neighborhood of Potrero Hill, it lays claim to the title of the 'crookedest street in the world,' a distinction supported by its tighter turns and steeper grade compared to Lombard Street. While Lombard Street attracts hordes of tourists, Vermont Street offers a more intimate and authentic experience, appealing to those seeking a less-traveled path. The history of Vermont Street is intertwined with the development of Potrero Hill. Originally a straight, unpaved road, the need for switchbacks arose in the early 20th century to make the steep incline accessible to automobiles. The curves were introduced around 1928, transforming the street into the serpentine wonder it is today. Contrary to some accounts, it wasn't a Works Progress Administration (WPA) project, as historical records and photographs predate the WPA's existence. The debate over which street is truly the 'crookedest' has persisted for decades. In 2014, the Travel Channel show 'Fact or Fiction?' attempted to settle the matter by measuring the sinuosity of both streets. Vermont Street emerged victorious, boasting a sinuosity of 1.56 compared to Lombard Street's 1.2. Despite this scientific validation, Lombard Street's fame endures, largely due to its picturesque setting and prominent location. Driving or walking down Vermont Street is an adventure in itself. The street features seven sharp turns within a short span, demanding careful maneuvering for drivers and offering a unique perspective for pedestrians. Unlike Lombard Street, which is paved with red brick and adorned with colorful flowerbeds, Vermont Street is paved with concrete and offers a more rugged, urban aesthetic. Houses line only the east side of the street, while the west side provides views of Highway 101 and the Zuckerberg San Francisco General Hospital. One of the highlights of Vermont Street is the annual 'Bring Your Own Big Wheel' race, held every spring. Participants of all ages race down the crooked street on oversized plastic tricycles, often dressed in costumes. The event, which originated on Lombard Street, moved to Vermont Street due to complaints from residents, adding to the street's unique character. While Vermont Street may not have the same level of polish as Lombard Street, it possesses a raw charm and authenticity that appeals to those seeking a more genuine San Francisco experience.

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