Ghirardelli Square

Ghirardelli Square is a historic waterfront shopping and dining complex at 900 North Point Street, on the edge of Fisherman's Wharf in San Francisco, California. The brick buildings were originally a chocolate and spice factory founded by the Ghirardelli family, and in the 1960s they were converted into one of the country's earliest adaptive-reuse retail centers. The red neon Ghirardelli sign above the square is a city landmark. Goods sold include chocolate from the Ghirardelli Chocolate Marketplace and an ice cream and chocolate shop, as well as souvenir stores, clothing boutiques, gift shops, a few local galleries, and restaurants. The chocolate is genuine and widely sold, though it is also available in supermarkets across the United States, so visitors buying it here pay partly for the setting; souvenir shops sell the typical San Francisco gift goods, which are largely generic. Prices range from a few dollars for a chocolate square to higher amounts for gift boxes and sundaes. Bargaining does not apply; prices are fixed. Cards are accepted everywhere. California sales tax is added at the register, and there is no tourist refund. The atmosphere is busy and family oriented, with strong tourist traffic, particularly in summer and at weekends, and long lines for sundaes during peak hours. Food options include the chocolate marketplace, ice cream counters, cafes, bakeries and full-service restaurants with views across the bay toward Alcatraz and the Golden Gate Bridge. The terraced plaza and fountain courtyard provide seating, and a small hill climb leads up from the waterfront. The square can be reached by the Powell-Hyde cable car, whose turnaround is a short walk away, and by the F-line historic streetcar along the Embarcadero. Most shops are open about 10:00 AM to 9:00 PM, and the website lists seasonal hours.