Ghirardelli Square Shopping & Dining District in San Francisco, CA
Ghirardelli Square is one of the most famous landmarks in San Francisco, CA. What began as a small chocolate factory is now a city block offering high end shopping, fine dining restaurants, food markets and a luxury spa. Domingo Ghirardelli opened his chocolate factory in 1856 where it flourished for forty years. In 1889, Domingo turned over ownership of the chocolate factory to his sons. The business had grown so large that his sons decided to purchase the entire city block surrounding the factory. The Chocolate Building was finished in 1899, followed by the Cocoa Building in 1900, the Clock Tower in 1911 and the Power House in 1915. The business remained there until it was purchased in the 1960's by The Golden Grain Macaroni Company. The new owners relocated it to a more modern facility across the bay. The Square was then purchased and turned into a courtyard of shops and restaurants. It is considered the first successful adaptive reuse project in the US. It was given National Landmark status in 1982. It has recently undergone a renovation adding more upscale shopping and dining experiences. The Square is opened daily. There is parking available at Ghirardelli Square for a fee. They do offer parking validation with any purchase made at the shops or restaurants. Although the chocolate factory is no longer located at the site, visitors to the Ghirardelli Ice Cream Shop can see the original chocolate making equipment in operation. The staff at the Concierge in the Plaza is able to assist visitors with restaurants recommendations, maps and directions and more.
Experience San Francisco at your leisure by hopping on and off trolleys or stay on board and enjoy the whole tour in approximately one hour with the convenient San Francisco Hop On/Hop Off Trolley Tour.
We also offer a detail of most tour stops, drive bys and visits with our Tour Connections page.
