Lombard St, Fay Park and the Cable Car

Come with me on this three part mini adventure in San Francisco. I’ve include an audio version of the story here as well as a video plus photos.

Lombard Street in San Francisco is a fascinating destination, known for its unique 180-metre road segment paved with red bricks and featuring eight sharp turns. This section of the street, which sees around 250 vehicles per hour, attracts many visitors due to its distinctive switchbacks.

During a recent trip, I had the unique experience of driving down Lombard Street in a go-car on a quiet weekday, which allowed me to appreciate its charm without the usual traffic.

The street’s popularity is evident from the increase in traffic, with up to 2,630 vehicles passing through in a single day in 2013. Walking up Lombard Street also offers a different perspective, revealing its beauty and the impressive views from the top, including Coit Tower and the Hyde Powell Cable Car.

On my way to Lombard Street, I discovered Fay Park, a small, serene park designed by the famous landscape architect Thomas Church. This park, gifted by Mary Fay Berrigan, is the only residential Thomas Church garden open to the public. The journey to Lombard Street is as interesting as the destination itself, with unexpected finds like Fay Park adding to the experience.

At the top of Lombard Street, the views are breathtaking, and the Hyde Powell Cable Car ride down to Fisherman’s Wharf offers a scenic journey with sights of Alcatraz Island and Fort Mason’s Hostel International. The street’s charm is further highlighted by its beautiful floral gardens and its appearances in several films, including “Ant-Man and The Wasp.”