If you are taking the ferry from Sausalito to San Francisco for the day or evening, don’t miss your opportunity to visit the sweet spot along the wharf area – stop in and see historic Ghirardelli Square and one of the most renowned chocolate manufacturers in the world!

One of the favorite spots to visit in San Francisco, Ghirardelli Square has a historic feel and ambiance and is also home to a wide variety of specialty shops nestled along the edges of the square itself. When you are coming in by ferry from Sausalito, you can’t help but notice the antiqued looking fixtures and shape along the top of this landmark, and almost without noticing it at first, you may find yourself drawn up the hill toward it.

A Historic Building for a Historic Brand

What we now know as Ghirardelli Square is the home of one of the country’s oldest continuously operating chocolate manufacturers and was purchased near the turn of the last century to become home to the then rapidly expanding and growing company. Founded in the early 1850’s by Domingo Ghirardelli, the “chocolate delicacy” manufacturer rose to prominence firsts selling sweets to the miners and prospectors during California’s Gold Rush years. In later years, Ghirardelli was among the first to realize the power of widespread advertising and soon became a household name throughout the country. The Ghirardelli Square building itself was sold and renovated to accommodate a variety of individual stores and smaller shops and has remained a San Francisco bay Area icon ever since.

Since 1982, Ghirardelli Square has been listed on the National Register of Historic Places and, as such, has achieved a protected status that will keep the building in its current state for many years to come.

Shop, Eat, and Enjoy

Ghirardelli Square is home to some of the more interesting and unique specialty shops in the Fishermans Wharf and pier areas. With merchants selling fine handmade wooden housewares, boutique fragrances, handmade dog accessories, children’s toys, and more you will find this is the perfect place to find yourself a unique and special souvenir or a gift for the loved ones back at home. Ghirardelli square is also home to tour companies, a children’s exploration and educational center, and historic markers and plaques to fill you in on the details of its 150 year history.

A “can’t miss” stop when you are at Ghirardelli Square is a visit to the chocolatier that started it all. The Ghirardelli Soda Fountain and Chocolate shop serves up delightfully delicious chocolates, unique specialty chocolate drinks, and their signature ice cream sundaes all day long. Take a break from your touring around and enjoy San Francisco’s real treat – chocolate from Ghirardelli.

The perfect reason to cross the bay from Sausalito, Ghirardelli Square is almost guaranteed fun for the whole family and will give you a glimpse into San Francisco’s storied past while keeping your modern-day sensibilities entertained as well.

Ghirardelli Square
900 North Point St.
San Francisco, CA 94109
(415)775-5500
www.ghirardellisq.com

Ghirardelli Chocolate Company
900 North Point St.
San Francisco, CA 94109
(415)474-3938
Su-Thurs: 9:00am-11:00pm
Fri-Sat: 9:00am-12:00am
www.ghirardelli.com