I actually live on Lombard, about two blocks west of the crooked part, near Polk. Every single weekend (and some summer weekdays), I see cars start backing up, oftentimes all the way to Van Ness. I am here to tell you it isn't worth it!
If you want to just see it, take the advice of others and do the Hyde Street cable car, or drive up to it from the east, parking somewhere on Leavenworth and walk to it. OR, park on the west side of it, but don't take Lombard. Go past Lombard, take a right on Francisco and hang to the right when it curves. That will put you on Larkin, find a place to park and walk.
If you MUST drive it (and I can understand that, but not if you must wait more than 10 minutes), plan to come anytime before 1pm. If you come before 10AM, you will have it all to yourself. If you come after 3PM, you will wait forever.
I hope this helps and breaks up the congestion every evening.
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