Ghirardelli Square

The Basics

Listed on the US National Register of Historic Places, Ghirardelli Square is home to a selection of upscale stores, restaurants, a brewery, and wine-tasting room. However, the staple of the square is the Original Ghirardelli Ice Cream and Chocolate Shop. On sunny days, the plaza bustles with people sprawled around the fountain and on benches, taking in the scene. Most hop-on hop-off San Francisco tours include a stop at or near Ghirardelli Square; a Segway tour is another popular way to see it.

Things to Know Before You Go

• The line at the ice cream and chocolate shop can be out the door, so be prepared to wait if you go on a busy day.

• If you’re driving, metered street parking is available in the neighborhood, or you can enter the parking garage from Larkin Street.

• Wear comfortable shoes, as there’s a good chance you’ll be walking several blocks or more to your car.

• Ghirardelli Square is accessible to wheelchair users; enter via Beach Street or Larkin Street, but beware the steep hills of the latter.

How to Get There

Ghirardelli Square is located between Polk, North Point, Beach, and Larkin streets, just a few blocks west of Fisherman’s Wharf. City buses 19, 30, and 47 stop next to the square, while the Powell–Hyde cable car turnaround at Hyde and Beach streets is one block away.

When to Get There

The square itself is open every day from late morning to late evening, though the hours of restaurants and shops vary. Festivals and outdoor movie screenings are held throughout the year; particularly popular is the annual Ghirardelli Chocolate Festival, which typically takes place the second weekend of September. If you’re visiting during the holidays, go at night to enjoy the lights of the Christmas tree.

Aquatic Park

Once you have your chocolate fix, don’t leave the area without popping across the street to explore Aquatic Park on the waterfront of San Francisco Bay. You can admire views of Alcatraz Island, watch bold locals swimming in the water, or visit the art deco Maritime Museum.

What is Ghirardelli Square?

San Francisco’s popular Ghirardelli Square is where the old Ghirardelli Chocolate Factory once thrived. Now the area is a retail square filled with shops and eateries, and many visitors come to see the large Ghirardelli sign and clock tower and visit the Original Ghirardelli Chocolate and Ice Cream Shop.

What are the operating hours of Ghirardelli Square?

Ghirardelli Square is open daily, typically from 9am until 10pm, but keep in mind that some of the shops or eateries may not be open during those hours every day. It’s best to check the opening hours of the shops you want to visit, so you don’t miss out.

What can you do at Ghirardelli Square?

You can do a lot of shopping at Ghirardelli Square, and the area also has a miniature golf course. The most popular thing to do at Ghirardelli Square is to visit the ice cream and chocolate shop to sample an ice-cream cone or to shop for chocolate to take home.

Is there parking available at Ghirardelli Square?

Yes, there’s parking available at San Francisco’s Ghirardelli Square. You can enter the main parking garage for Ghirardelli Square on Larkin Street between North Point and Beach Street or on Beach Street between Larkin and Polk streets. The parking garage is pricey; check the square’s website for discount parking offers.

Can you take a tour of the Ghirardelli Chocolate Factory?

No, you can’t take a tour of the Ghirardelli Chocolate Factory as the original building in San Francisco no longer houses a factory. However, you can grab chocolate and ice cream at the Original Ghirardelli Chocolate and Ice Cream Shop, which has been operating since 1966.

What are some nearby attractions to Ghirardelli Square?

The San Francisco Maritime National Historical Park is across Beach Street from Ghirardelli Square and features the Maritime Museum and historic ships at Hyde Street Pier. For more activities, visit Pier 39 and all of its attractions, such as the Aquarium of the Bay, about a 15-minute walk away.

Ways to explore

Listed on the US National Register of Historic Places, Ghirardelli Square is a popular stop on a variety of tours. Some visitors come here on self-guided bike or walking tours—using an app for navigation and historical context—while tours of Fisherman’s Wharf often include it too. Those looking to cover lots of highlights quickly may prefer tuk-tuk tours or hop-on, hop-off buses. Once at the square, there’s plenty to explore, including the staple Original Ghirardelli Ice Cream and Chocolate Shop.

Accessibility

There are ramped walkways and elevators at Ghiradelli Square, but some areas, such as Larkin Street, may be steep. The complex has accessible restrooms as well.

Age limits

None

What to pack

Camera, contactless payment method for shops, reusable water bottle

What to wear

Comfortable shoes, layered clothing

Not allowed

Littering, disruptive behavior, flying drones

Amenities

Cafés, restaurants, shops, restrooms

Address 

Ghirardelli Square is located between Polk, North Point, Beach, and Larkin Streets, just a few blocks west of Fisherman’s Wharf. You can arrive by car, cable car, rideshare, or bus, and many city sightseeing tours stop at the square too.

Driving

From the Civic Center in downtown San Francisco, head north on Van Ness Avenue toward Dr Tom Waddell Pl/Lech Walesa, then head for the Ghiradelli Square Parking Garage on Larkin Street.

Public transportation

City buses #19, #30, and #91 all stop next to the square, while the Powell–Hyde cable car stops at Hyde and Beach Streets, only a short walk away.

Best times to visit

Sidestep the big afternoon crowds and come to the square in the late morning instead, or close to sunset.

Best days to visit

Weekdays tend to be a lot calmer than the busy weekends.

Best months to visit

September and October are good months weatherwise, and they help you to skip the summer crowds.

Special events

The Ghirardelli Chocolate Festival usually takes place in September and draws a lot of visitors. The holiday season is also a popular time at the square.