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Ghirardelli Square San Francisco (The Best Ghirardelli Chocolate Experience!)

Are you wondering what to do in Ghirardelli Square in San Francisco? Want the ultimate Ghirardelli chocolate experience?  

Awesome! Ghirardelli Square Chocolate Factory is one of my favorite places in San Francisco! In fact, when we visit San Fran, we usually go 2-3 times! We are a little obsessed! 

In this post, I am going to tell you all about Ghirardelli Square Chocolate Factory. Including Ghirardelli Square hours and Ghirardelli Square parking.

I will also tell you all about my favorite Ghirardelli Square shops, which include the Ghirardelli ice cream and chocolate shops.

Touring the Ghirardelli Chocolate Factory in San Fransico should be at the top of every San Francisco trip! 

Let's explore Ghirardelli Square SF and get ready for the ultimate Ghirardelli chocolate experience.

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This post may contain affiliate links (including Amazon) that will give me a commission at no additional charge to you.  

Where is Ghirardelli Square San Francisco?

The San Fransico Ghiradelli Factory is located at 900 North Point St. 

It is centrally located near most of the most popular San Francisco attractions such as Pier 39, Fishermans Wharf, and the historic Marina District.  

Ghirardelli Square Hours

Ghiradelli Chocolate Factory San Francisco is open from 11:00 am – 9:00pm.

There may be some individual restaurants that have different hours.  This isn't an activity you would plan in the morning, but a really great idea for your San Francisco night plans .

Ghiradelli Square Parking

Parking in San Francisco is crazy! Ghirardelli Square parking is no different. There is a parking lot at Ghirardelli Square. 

Ghirardelli Square Parking Prices

• 0-3 hours $18
• 3-4 hours $28′
• 4-5 hours $34
• 5-6 hours $40
• 6-12 hours $46
• 12-24 hours $52

Parking Near Ghirardelli Square

If you are lucky you may find parking along the street near Ghirardelli Square. 

Avoid Driving

We typically have stayed in hotels near Ghirardelli Square ( Holiday Inn and Marriott Pulse) and have walked over.  You can also jump on the Hop on Hop off the bus and get off at the Ghirardelli San Francisco stop. (Getting a GoCity pass might be a good option if you want to do a lot of activities in San Fran)

What to Do at Ghirardelli Square

There are so many things to do in Ghirardelli Square San Francisco! I am going to list some of the best Ghirardelli SF attractions!   

1. Ghirardelli Chocolate Factory San Francisco

The best and main draw to Ghirardelli Square is, of course, the Ghirardelli Square Chocolate Factory! This is where you will experience the ultimate Ghirardelli chocolate experience!

When we visit San Francisco, it is not uncommon for us to visit Ghirardelli sf 2 or 3 times during our trip! We love it! 

The historic San Francisco Ghirardelli Factory is located in San Francisco. The main factory is located in Leandro, California.

Ultimate Ghirardelli Chocolate Experience

Ghirardelli Square San Francisco recently went through some major design updates. It now has 3 amazing Ghirardelli chocolate shops as well as restaurants and entertainment areas.

If you are looking for an authentic Ghirardelli Factory tour this isn't what you will get in Ghirardelli Square in San Francisco.  But don't worry it is still an amazing place to add to your San Francisco itinerary!  

Original Ghirardelli Chocolate Factory San Francisco

Ghirardelli Square has three areas where you can get the famous ice cream and chocolate. Let's start with the original Ghirardelli San Francisco location! 

The original Ghirardelli chocolate shop is located at the entrance of Ghirardelli Square.  There is usually a long line to enter.  Don't be too worried it doesn't take long to place your order.  

The line takes you into a small gift shop where you can purchase chocolates.  You will also be given a complimentary Ghirardelli Chocolate Square. 

After you check out the store you can head to the ice cream shop to place your order. 

Ghirardelli Factory Tours

You will order your ice cream before you head to your table. 

Once you enter you can pick any table.  Inside the store is a chocolate churner.  It is continually mixing the chocolate.  It is fun to take the time and watch it.  It is a great place for a picture as well! 

Ghiradelli Chocolate Flavors

It is good to be prepared and know what Ghirardelli Square flavors you want to try because you don't have too long to decide. If there is a line you can grab a menu while you wait.  If the line isn't too long you will want to know before you go! 

Ghirardelli is famous for its hot fudge sundaes. There are 14 different varieties of sundaes!  They are delicious! They also have shakes, single-serve ice cream flavors, chocolate treats, and beverages.

Our Favorite Ghirardelli Square Flavors

• Hot Fudge Sundae
• Crissy Fields
• Painted Ladies Mint Bliss
• Banana Split
• Cookies and Cream Shake

The Ghirardelli Chocolate Experience

The Ghirardelli Chocolate experience is an overflow for the Orginal Ghirardelli Chocolate Shop.  They serve the exact same menu items. 

There is still a line inside the Ghirardelli Chocolate experience but sometimes you will find that if the line at the original Ghirardelli Chocolate shop is long, there might not be a line at the Ghirardelli Chocolate experience location. 

Ghirardelli Chocolate Square SF

This new addition to San Francisco Ghirardelli Square is awesome! There are more areas to sit and more products to buy. You can watch the employees make your ice cream selections and have the ultimate Ghirardelli chocolate experience. 

There are also Ghirardelli chocolates available to purchase and other great Ghirardelli souvenirs. 

Pop UP Ghirardelli Location

There is another Ghirardelli Square walk-up counter service location. This only opens when it is really busy.  It wasn't opened when we went, but you could look inside and see what it had to offer. 

2. Ghirardelli Square Shops

During the Ghirardelli Square updates, nice shops were added around the square.  I am going to give you a fun list of Ghirardelli Square stores you can check out. 

Ghirardelli Square Shops

• Jackson + Polk
• gigi + rosie (kids)
• Lola (Best place to shop on a San Francisco Girls Trip )

The Ghirardelli Square shops are so cute.  This is a great area to enjoy an afternoon.  You can grab lunch, dessert, and shop! 

3. Ghirardelli Restaurants

If you are looking for more than just a sweet treat, there are a few Ghirardelli Square restaurants to check out! 

Ghirardelli Square Restaurants

• San Francisco Brewing (American)
• Barrio (Mexican)
• McCormick and Kuleto's (Seafood and Steak)
• Palette Tea House (Asian)
• Square Pie Guys (Pizza)
• Tea Square (Boba and Snacks)
• Broad Street Oyster (Seafood)

As you can see there are a lot of great options of Ghirardelli Square restaurant options. I love eating in San Francisco ! It is a foodie paradise! 

There are a few Ghirardelli Square SF activities you can do after you are done getting your ice cream! 

4. Ghirardelli Square Arcade 

If you have kids or you are a kid at heart, be sure to walk down to the lower level where you will find an arcade.

Our kids had a blast! It was a lot of fun playing the different games. You can actually buy a playing card and get your prizes all digitally! It is really nice.  

We stopped by twice because the kids loved it so much! 

5. Mini Golf Ghirardelli Square

There is a Subpar Miniature Golf location at Ghiradelli Square San Fransico.  A lot of it is indoors which is great if you are visiting when it is raining in San Fran or a cold time. 

Booking ahead is highly recommended.  The prices are very reasonable $14 per person for a standard 18-hole course or $16 for a glow-in-the-dark option. 

6. Ghirardelli Culinary Artista

Culinary Artista is located in Ghirardelli Square and offers a cooking experience.  There are lots of classes that cater to kids as well as corporate events. 

If you are traveling with at least 10 people you can book one of the fantastic experiences.  

7. San Francisco Ghiradelli Square Events

If you want to visit Ghirardelli Square during a certain time of the year, you might find fun Ghirardelli Square festivals and events going on. 

• Ghirardelli Easter Jubilee (Spring)
• Ghirardelli Chocolate Festival (September)
• Ghirardelli Spooky Square (October)
• Ghirardelli Square Christmas (December)

8. Get a Ghiradelli Square Souvenir 

Ghiradelli Square is one of the best places where you can get a San Francisco souvenir ! There are lots of fun options!

Some of my favorite souvenirs are the ones I eat, like chocolate and ice cream, but it is nice to take a few items home.  I typically will buy Ghiradelli Chocolate Squares in different flavors. 

I also love the San Francisco Cable Car filled with Chocolate. I used my cable car as a Christmas ornament.  It is perfect! 

San Francisco Ghirardelli Square Things to Do

Hopefully, you now know all the fun things to do at San Francisco Ghirardelli Square Chocolate Factory. 

We love visiting Ghirardelli Square in San Francisco! The Ice cream is amazing! Plus, we have made a lot of memories here over the years.  I am so happy they have updated the square.  It is so nice now with fantastic Ghiradelli Square restaurants and entertainment options. 

Have so much fun visiting Ghirardelli Square San Francisco's historic Chocolate Factory! 

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20 Comments

I never knew that Ghirardelli is a place!! I’m addicted to their dark mint squares, and pretty much have one every single night after dinner. Now I’m thinking I need to plan a trip to San Francisco just so that I can have the ultimate Ghirardelli chocolate experience!

Yes, you need to go! You would love it!

Oh Yeah – Ghirardelli Square in San Francisco is addictive. I want all the chocolate!

I love the ice cream! Such a fun place!

Ghirardelli Chocolate is one of my favorites! I love their peppermint bark squares at Christmas time. When we go to San Francisco, we will spend a lot of time here. YUMMMMMM!

Those are my favorites too!

Yum!! I would love to have an Ghirardelli chocolate experience. You had me at chocolate. 🙂

I know right! Love chocolate!

Everything looks so decadent! We love visiting Ghirardelli Square in San Francisco! So much to do!

It is one of my favorite things in san fran!

Ghirardelli Square sounds like so much fun! I would love the arcade and mini golf. I’ll have to add this to our list of things to do in San Francisco!

It is such a fun place to visit!

I’d love to visit Ghirardelli Square Chocolate Factory in San Francisco! I adore their dark chocolates.

Yum, Yes! so good!

All these treats look so good! I’ve only been to San Francisco once, and we were only there for about 24 hours. I have a list of things I’d love to do when I return, and this is on there. How cute is that cable car chocolate packaging? And it looks delicious!

We have been a few times and love it!

Ghirardelli Square looks like the perfect place for me! I will have to visit if I ever make it to San Francisco.

It is worth a visit!

We never knew that there was a Ghiradelli Square in San Francisco. This will be going on our must-visit list. Thank you for sharing.

It is the best!

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• About Funcheap

Ghirardelli’s Annual Chocolate Warehouse Sale 2022

Ghirardelli’s Annual Warehouse Sale is Back starting December 9th through December 11th.

Make the Holidays a Bite Better and shop great deals on seasonal chocolate squares flavors including Peppermint Bark, Caramel, Mint Cookie, Peppermint Hot Cocoa. Stock up a variety of holiday gifts including our exclusive 80ct squares gift bags , bars, holiday gift baskets!

Save on all Ghirardelli baking mixes, chips and more. Plus get a free gift with $75 purchase (while supplies last).

Ghirardelli’s Annual Chocolate Warehouse Sale 2022 Friday – Sunday, December 9-11, 2022 | 9am – 5pm Ghirardelli Ice Cream & Chocolate Factory Outlet 1111 139th Ave, San Leandro, CA – Visit Santa December 9-10, 2022 from Noon to 4pm. – Free gift with $75 purchase (while supplies last) Exclusively at the Ghirardelli Ice Cream and Chocolate Factory Outlet in San Leandro.

Visit Santa and get a festive family photo on Friday & Saturday from Noon -4pm.  Lastly, enjoy a Ghirardelli World Famous Hot Fudge sundae made decadent handmade hot fudge or warm up with a delicious Ghirardelli classic hot cocoa.

Don’t miss out on this 3 day only Ghirardelli Chocolate Warehouse Sale Event!

Free / Learn More

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Ghirardelli Square

The history of ghirardelli square.

Ghirardelli Square, considered the first successful adaptive reuse project in the country, has a history that spans more than a century and covers three continents.  This specialty retail and dining complex, housing shops and restaurants, was originally a chocolate factory established by Domenico “Domingo” Ghirardelli.Born in 1817 in Rapallo, Italy, Ghirardelli served as a Genoa confectioner’s apprentice and at a young age developed a strong interest in the business. He left for Uruguay when he was 20 years old, then sailed around Cape Horn to Peru where he became a coffee and chocolate merchant.James Lick—Ghirardelli’s neighbor in Lima—left for San Francisco in January 1848 taking 600 pounds of Ghirardelli’s chocolate with him. He arrived just thirteen days before the first shiploads of gold-rush pioneers. Lured by his friend’s tales of the gold rush, Ghirardelli joined Lick a year later and opened a general store supplying mustard, coffee, spices and, of course, chocolate.

Between 1852 and 1895, Ghirardelli’s Chocolate Factory was located at four different sites before the Ghirardelli Chocolate Company took over the Pioneer Woolen Mills on North Point Street—today’s site of the Ghirardelli Chocolate Manufactory & Soda Fountain and Ghirardelli Square.

In the 1960s the chocolate manufacturing operation was sold and transferred to San Leandro. A group of San Franciscans, fearing Ghirardelli Square might be demolished, purchased the property. Unique shops and restaurants were created within the old factory, combining the latest in retailing and fine cuisine with the flavor of old San Francisco. The project officially opened on November 29, 1964.

Today, Ghirardelli delights visitors with its lively retail mix, while maintaining Ghirardelli’s tradition as a trendsetter for the rest of the world. In 1982 the owners applied for and were granted National Historic Register status, a move that ensured the preservation of Ghirardelli Square for future generations.

Always on the cutting edge of retailing in the United States, Ghirardelli Square continues to serve as a model for restoration complexes throughout the country such as Faneuil Hall Marketplace in Boston and Baltimore’s Harborplace.

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Ghirardelli Ice Cream and Chocolate Factory Outlet

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• (12.17 km) Best Western Plus Bayside Hotel
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• (4.96 km) Holiday Inn Express & Suites Oakland-Airport An IHG Hotel
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Complete Chocolate Lover’s Guide for the San Francisco Bay Area

Ghirardelli Chocolate Outlet – San Leandro

A local chocolate institution founded during the Gold Rush in SF. This is also corporate headquarters.

1111 139th Ave, San Leandro

Outer East Bay DIY Tour

Local chocolate institution

Ghirardelli Chocolate started by Domenico Ghirardelli during the Gold Rush in SF is one of two local chocolate pioneers (the other being  Guittard )  still in business today. Ghirardelli was bought by Swiss chocolate manufacturer, Lindt , in 1998, but continues to be a separate brand headquartered in SFBA (this location).

They make chocolate bars, tiles, barks, molded chocolates, drinking chocolate, and baking chocolate. Their chocolates are available in stores nationwide, on their site, and at Ghirardelli Square in North Beach.

In addition to being at corporate headquarters, this site has fountain service and is an outlet selling discounted chocolate.

Other SFBA Ghirardelli locations:

• Ghirardelli Square, North Beach, SF
• 2 New Montgomery Street, SF
• Livermore outlet – closed
• Lathrop outlet & ice cream shop
• Tracy outlet
• Milpitas outlet
• Monterey store & fountain

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Ghirardelli Ice Cream and Chocolate Factory Outlet

Top ways to experience nearby attractions

Most Recent: Reviews ordered by most recent publish date in descending order.

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• (0.40 mi) Chicago Pizza

San Francisco's Historic Ghirardelli Square Is The Modern-Day Chocolate Factory We All Deserve

If you're a chocolate fan, odds are you've heard of Ghirardelli. It's the chocolate brand from San Francisco whose decadent 1-inch chocolate squares come wrapped in bright colors and a variety of flavors from classic milk to gingerbread or hot cocoa. But the company is so much more than its single-serving squares. It also produces baking bars, chocolate chips , fudge and caramel sauces, as well as cocoa powder .

While Ghirardelli's chocolate is a delicious indulgence that makes any dessert or treat extra special, the flagship store and square in San Francisco is a wonderland of excitement, history, and of course chocolate. Situated in the Marina on the San Francisco Bay, this tourist spot isn't just for the devoted chocolate fan. It's a place to enjoy a quiet cup of cocoa with a friend, play games with your children, relish a nice dinner, or satisfy that chocolate craving with a rich hot fudge sundae. It's the place to visit when you don't just want to eat chocolate, you want to experience it.

On a recent visit to San Francisco, I got the chance to visit the square, enjoy some of that famous hot chocolate, a sundae or two, and even sample some of Ghirardelli's most popular chocolate squares. Read on to discover everything you need to know about the chocolate giant and its original location.

The Ghirardelli Chocolate Company started after a couple of false starts

Ghirardelli Square wasn't always the chocolate factory it is today. It actually started when Domenico "Domingo" Ghirardelli came to California after hearing his friend, James Lick, tell tales of pioneers making their fortunes overnight thanks to the Gold Rush. So, Ghirardelli came and tried his luck at prospecting. While he failed to make his own fortune in gold, he knew he could make a living selling his chocolate. He set up a general store in Stockton that supplied the 49ers with mustard, coffee, spices, and, you guessed it, chocolate.

After trying out four other locations that were never the right fit, Ghirardelli found the Pioneer Woolen Mills on North Point Street in San Francisco. He bought the mill, and set up shop, and the chocolate company has been there ever since. But then fear struck die-hard chocolate lovers when the shop was sold in the 1960s.

That fear didn't last long, thanks to a small group of San Franciscans who got together, bought the property and ensured the chocolate company would remain on the Bay's shores for many years. To further seal the deal, Ghirardelli Square received National Historic Register status in 1982, guaranteeing it would continue to be a beacon of chocolate for millions of future generations of chocolate lovers.

Guests can sample chocolate in a factory that dates back to the Civil War

Stepping through the doors of the Woolen Mill is like stepping into Willy Wonka's chocolate factory. Everywhere you look there's chocolate, from the largest Pick & Mix island holding every Ghirardelli flavor you can think of to the stunning hot fudge sundae painted on the brick wall. But the real excitement takes hold as you make your way to the Chocolate Experience counter. Behind tall panes of glass, dark and milk chocolate gushes from spigots, ready to be turned into giant chocolate bars laced with almonds.

You'd never know that the brick building where strawberries and handmade waffle bowls are hand-dipped in dark chocolate is the same place where seamstresses toiled their days away sewing uniforms for Civil War soldiers. Thanks to a recent remodel in 2020, the stunning shop whose walls are made of burgundy brick and white marble isn't just the place where you pick your favorite Ghirardelli squares to take home, it's where you can enjoy one of 15 signature sundaes including Ghirardelli's World Famous Hot Fudge Sundae while staring across the bay at one of San Francisco's most iconic tourist attractions: Alcatraz. And if you want to enjoy the full "chocolate experience" just sidle up to the bar and receive a sampling of Ghirardelli's most iconic flavored squares while employees turn freshly made waffles into stunning ice cream bowls and drizzle white chocolate over freshly dipped strawberries.

See the original 19-foot G from the marquee inside the Original Ghirardelli Chocolate & Ice Cream Shop

As soon as you enter the Original Ghirardelli Chocolate & Ice Cream Shop just a few hundred feet from Ghirardelli's Chocolate Experience, you see the two items that remind you just how old the iconic company is. Past the counters where you can order your favorite Ghirardelli desserts and drinks stands the giant "G" that used to be located atop the square before it was replaced with an LED version. While the "G" is pretty amazing to see in person, the antique chocolate machine to the right got me excited. To witness the machines Ghirardelli and his team originally used to make chocolate really instilled in me that today's chocolatiers take as much care with their chocolate-making as they did when Ghirardelli created the shop all those years ago.

While you can savor the same rich sundaes covered with all that luscious fudge and caramel at the Original Ice Cream Shop that you can get at the Chocolate Experience, patrons can also enjoy cookies, brownies, and milkshakes inside this location. I was elated to see that I could pick out my favorite chocolate squares here, too, but soon discovered that the Chocolate Experience had a wider variety of flavors from which to choose.

If you're in a rush, you can still get your favorite chocolate at Ghirardelli On-The-Go

Situated right on the corner of the square, Ghirardelli-On-The-Go is the place to visit when you want to grab a quick sundae, cup of coffee, or hot chocolate, but simply don't have the time to sample chocolate or watch the magic happen. As the name of this shop suggests, it's the place to hit when you want to take your chocolate to go.

Located on the ground level, this small shop is hard to miss if you're walking along the shore from Fisherman's Warf. Its bright blue awnings and small outside tables alert each visitor to the excitement hiding inside. While you can't pick your favorite flavors from a Pick & Mix island like you can inside the other two shops, patrons can still grab their favorite chocolate squares, cocoa powder, or full-sized bars to take home or enjoy across the street at the beach. And even though I couldn't get enough of that giant glass goblet filled with creamy ice cream and the richest fudge and homemade whipped cream, those goblets are hard to take with you. So, Ghirardelli has started making mini versions. They're half the size, come in the cutest little plastic to-go cups, and are also available inside the smallest of the three shops.

There's more than just chocolate at Ghirardelli Square

While hot cocoa and hot fudge sundaes are enough of a reason for us to go anywhere, it's not all Ghirardelli Square has to offer. Turns out, there's enough to do to make a day out of it. If you're in the mood for tacos, steak, or seafood, there are several restaurants where you could have a nice meal. Then once you're done, go shopping for a stunning new piece of jewelry or pick out some high-end olive oil  and vinegar for a home-cooked meal. There's even an arcade and miniature golf course in case the kids get bored.

Unsure when to visit the famous square? Time your chocolate tasting with the holidays as the Square always has something fun going on, from flower popups for Valentine's Day to lion dancing for the Lunar New Year. It recently hosted a "Black Makers Popup" in honor of Black History Month. With so much to do, it's no surprise Ghirardelli Square is still a hot spot after all these years. But it's the recent renovations that elevate the whole experience. After all, who wouldn't want to indulge in some freshly made hot fudge while picking out their favorite chocolates and enjoying the ocean breeze? I know I'd be first in line.

• San Leandro, California /
• Ghirardelli Ice Cream & Chocolate Factory Outlet

Ghirardelli Ice Cream & Chocolate Factory Outlet

The recipe for success of Ghirardelli Ice Cream & Chocolate Factory Outlet is its good gat , suppli and bun cha . A number of guests say that you can order tasty ice cream sundaes , chocolate delice and chocolate custard here. This place is famous for great chocolate frappe or delicious hot chocolate .

This place is well known for its great service and friendly staff, that is always ready to help you. This spot provides meals at adequate prices. As for the Google rating, Ghirardelli Ice Cream & Chocolate Factory Outlet received 4.6.

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