Description

Essentials about Ghirardelli Square in brief

Ghirardelli Square in Fisherman’s Wharf is one of the most beautiful squares in San Francisco and, above all, the number one place to go for chocolate addicts. The history of the square is closely linked to chocolate.

The history of Ghirardelli Square

In 1849, Italian coffee and chocolate merchant Domenico Ghirardelli was on his way to San Francisco when he heard a story from a friend about California’s beginning gold rush. He opened a store selling coffee, spices and, of course, produced and sold chocolate. By 1895, Ghirardelli’s chocolate factories were still scattered around the city in four different locations, so he took over the North Point Street site as his new production facility. Incidentally, Ghirardelli is the second oldest chocolate factory in the U.S., and over time it developed into the largest independent chocolate brand in the United States.

In the 1960s, the chocolate factory was sold and production in San Francisco ceased. A group of wealthy San Franciscans purchased the site out of fear that otherwise the historic Ghirardelli Square would be demolished. A unique mix of restaurants and stores was established in the old chocolate factory, which still attracts thousands of tourists every day. And of course, you can still buy delicious chocolate on Ghirardelli Square.

Website

ghirardellisq.com

Opening hours

Admission fees

None.

Address

Getting there

By public transport:

Bus line 19: Stops Beach St & Polk St and Larkin St & Beach St

Bus lines 19, 30, 47 and 91: Stops North Point St & Polk St and North Point St & Larkin St

By car:

There is a parking garage on site.