Indulge in the sweet history and iconic sundaes at Ghirardelli Square, a San Francisco landmark since 1852.

Must-see attractions
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Fewer crowds, more relaxed
Fewer crowds, more relaxed

Must-see attractions
Indulge in the sweet history and iconic sundaes at Ghirardelli Square, a San Francisco landmark since 1852.
"WOW Chocolate heaven. I could become addicted to this if I lived nearer as touring SF and California."
The ice cream itself is often Dreyer's, but the Ghirardelli hot fudge makes the sundaes legendary!
Walgreens or CVS often have Ghirardelli squares cheaper than the main shop.
4.5 · 29,631 reviews
Chocolate Shop
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Ghirardelli Chocolate Experience Store
Indulge in the iconic, rich hot fudge sundae that's a San Francisco classic. A truly decadent treat!

Ghirardelli Chocolate Experience Store
Explore a vast array of Ghirardelli chocolates, from classic squares to specialty bars. Samples are often available!

Ghirardelli Square
Soak in the history of America's oldest chocolate factory and enjoy the charming waterfront views.
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The ice cream itself is often Dreyer's, but the Ghirardelli hot fudge makes the sundaes legendary!
Walgreens or CVS often have Ghirardelli squares cheaper than the main shop.
For a quicker ice cream fix, try smaller Ghirardelli shops if the main square is swamped.
Enjoy beautiful Bay views while you indulge in your sweet treats.
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The ice cream itself is often Dreyer's, but the Ghirardelli hot fudge makes the sundaes legendary!
Walgreens or CVS often have Ghirardelli squares cheaper than the main shop.
For a quicker ice cream fix, try smaller Ghirardelli shops if the main square is swamped.
Enjoy beautiful Bay views while you indulge in your sweet treats.
Be mindful of temperature when traveling with chocolate; it can react to heat.
Ghirardelli Square is a beloved San Francisco landmark, celebrated for its iconic chocolate sundaes and historic charm. Visitors rave about the delicious treats and the immersive chocolate experience, though some note that the ice cream base is not house-made and prices can be high. Despite potential crowds and costs, it's considered a must-visit for chocolate lovers seeking a sweet memory.
"The Ghirardelli Chocolate Experience at Ghirardelli Square is a delightful stop for anyone visiting San Francisco. We visited as a family and were impressed by the immersive setup—chocolate-making displays, samples, and a rich variety of treats from classic squares to handcrafted sundaes.
The atmosphere is warm and inviting, and everything smells amazing. Tip: The line can be long at peak hours, so go early or late in the day for a better experience. While prices are high, the quality and nostalgic charm make it worth it. A must-visit for chocolate lovers looking for a true San Francisco treat!"
Pezhman Raeisian
"I remember coming here back in high school and things looked so different then. We used to stock up on their mini square chocolates, but this time, we skipped the retail shop and headed straight to the café for ice cream and drinks.
The line exploded as we were leaving (massive swarm of summer camp kids), so if you're just here for the ice cream or drinks, I’d recommend visiting one of their smaller outposts in the city instead.
World Famous Sundae – A classic and indulgent sundae. Impossible to finish solo tho. The “famous” chocolate topping was basically their peanut butter square, but their chocolate syrup was really good.
Frozen Mocha – The perfect companion to the sundae. After a few bites of all that chocolate and peanut butter, this was an ideal palate cleanser (it’s probably sweet on its own, but relatively more refreshing)."
Jea Kim
"I visited Ghirardelli in California last year with my family, and we had such a delightful time! The variety of ice creams and sundaes was amazing rich, creamy, and full of flavor. Each one was beautifully presented, and the portions were generous. The ambiance had that classic Ghirardelli charm, and the staff were friendly and helpful. A sweet treat and a sweet memory definitely worth a visit if you’re in the area."
Anita purandare
Ghirardelli Square is easily accessible via public transportation. The historic F Market & Wharves streetcar line stops right at the square. Several Muni bus lines also serve the Fisherman's Wharf area. If driving, there are parking garages nearby, but they can be expensive. Many visitors arrive on foot after exploring Fisherman's Wharf.
Yes, Ghirardelli Square is located at the western end of Fisherman's Wharf, making it a convenient stop when exploring the popular waterfront area.
Depending on your starting point, walking is possible but can be a significant distance. It's a pleasant walk along the waterfront from Pier 39, but consider public transport or ride-sharing for longer distances.
The F Market streetcar is a fun and scenic option for families. It offers great views and is an adventure in itself.
Yes, there are parking garages available near Ghirardelli Square, but they can be quite costly. Street parking is very limited.
No, Ghirardelli Square is a public area and does not require an entrance ticket. You can wander freely.
The shops and cafes within Ghirardelli Square typically have hours that vary, but most are open daily from morning until evening. The Ghirardelli Chocolate Experience Store usually opens around 10 AM and closes around 9 PM. It's best to check their specific hours online before your visit.
There is no admission fee to enter the Ghirardelli Chocolate Experience Store. You only pay for any chocolates or treats you wish to purchase.
Yes, Ghirardelli offers a wide selection of chocolates for purchase on their official website, including custom boxes and gifts.
While there isn't a formal factory tour anymore, the Ghirardelli Chocolate Experience Store offers an immersive experience with chocolate-making displays and samples.
It's a vibrant store filled with the aroma of chocolate. You can find a vast selection of Ghirardelli products, from individual squares to gift baskets, and enjoy their famous ice cream sundaes.
Many visitors find the sundaes delicious due to the famous hot fudge, though some reviews mention they use Dreyer's ice cream as a base. It's considered a classic San Francisco treat.
The World Famous Hot Fudge Sundae is a top pick. Ghirardelli chocolate squares, especially varieties like Peppermint Bark and Sea Salt Caramel, are also very popular.
Yes, Ghirardelli offers a Non-Dairy Hot Fudge Sundae featuring non-dairy fudge, coconut ice cream, and almond milk whipped topping.
Ghirardelli Square also features unique local shops selling stationery, San Francisco-inspired gifts, and body care products. You can also enjoy views of the Bay.
The main culinary draw is the Ghirardelli Chocolate Experience Store, offering ice cream sundaes, hot chocolate, and other chocolate-based treats. The historic McCormick and Kuleto's restaurant is also located here, offering dining with bay views.
Yes, the sundaes are quite generous and often described as impossible to finish solo. They are a substantial dessert.
The 'World Famous Sundae' and 'Gold Rush' are highly recommended. The 'Lands End' sundae is also praised for its flavor combinations.
Prices for sundaes and treats are considered high, reflecting the tourist location and brand name. However, many feel the quality and experience justify the cost.
Yes, the Ghirardelli Chocolate Experience Store offers various drinks, including frozen mochas, which can be a refreshing accompaniment to a rich sundae.
Capture the iconic Ghirardelli sign, the historic buildings, and the beautiful views of the San Francisco Bay. The waterfront promenade offers great photo opportunities.
Yes, the waterfront location provides lovely sunset views over the bay, making it a picturesque spot for evening photography.
Yes, you can take photos inside the store, but be mindful of other visitors and avoid obstructing staff or the flow of customers.
A standard camera or smartphone is sufficient. For wider Bay views, a wide-angle lens can be useful. For close-ups of chocolates, a macro lens can be fun.
Consider capturing the contrast between the historic architecture and the modern city skyline, or the vibrant colors of the ice cream sundaes.

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