Visitor Info

Ghirardelli Square is located at 900 North Point Street at the corner of Beach and Larkin Streets. It is on the West side of Fisherman’s Wharf, two blocks east of Van Ness Avenue and one block west of the Cable Car turnaround at Beach and Hyde Streets.

Ghirardelli Square, considered the first successful adaptive reuse project in the country, has a history that spans more than a century and covers three continents. This specialty retail and dining complex, housing shops and restaurants, was originally a chocolate factory established by Domenico “Domingo” Ghirardelli.

Born in 1817 in Rapallo, Italy, Ghirardelli served as a Genoa confectioner’s apprentice and at a young age developed a strong interest in the business. He left for Uruguay when he was 20 years old, then sailed around Cape Horn to Peru where he became a coffee and chocolate merchant.

James Lick—Ghirardelli’s neighbor in Lima—left for San Francisco in January 1848 taking 600 pounds of Ghirardelli’s chocolate with him. He arrived just thirteen days before the first shiploads of gold-rush pioneers. Lured by his friend’s tales of the gold rush, Ghirardelli joined Lick a year later and opened a general store supplying mustard, coffee, spices and, of course, chocolate.

Between 1852 and 1895, Ghirardelli’s Chocolate Factory was located at four different sites before the Ghirardelli Chocolate Company took over the Pioneer Woolen Mills on North Point Street—today’s site of the Ghirardelli Chocolate Manufactory & Soda Fountain and Ghirardelli Square.

In the 1960s the chocolate manufacturing operation was sold and transferred to San Leandro. A group of San Franciscans, fearing Ghirardelli Square might be demolished, purchased the property. Unique shops and restaurants were created within the old factory, combining the latest in retailing and fine cuisine with the flavor of old San Francisco. The project officially opened on November 29, 1964.

Today, Ghirardelli delights visitors with its lively retail mix, while maintaining Ghirardelli’s tradition as a trendsetter for the rest of the world. In 1982 the owners applied for and were granted National Historic Register status, a move that ensured the preservation of Ghirardelli Square for future generations.
Always on the cutting edge of retailing in the United States, Ghirardelli Square continues to serve as a model for restoration complexes throughout the country such as Faneuil Hall Marketplace in Boston and Baltimore’s Harborplace.

Enter parking garage on Beach Street between Larkin & Polk Streets.

Garage Hours:
6:00 am – 2:00am, 7 days a week.

Rates:
First hour: $6.00
1 hour - 1 hour 20 min: $10.00
$2.50 every additional 20 minutes

Maximum: $33.00

*Parking validation with a purchase at stores and restaurants

Q: Is there a tour of the Ghirardelli Chocolate Factory?

A: No, the Ghirardelli Chocolate Factory has moved to San Leandro, CA and is not open for public tours. Inside the Ghirardelli Ice Cream Shop at Ghirardelli Square you can see the original chocolate-making equipment in operation.

There is a free guided history tour of Ghirardelli Square every Friday, Saturday & Monday mornings at 10:00am.  Meet at the concierge booth in the center of the Square.

Q: I have a question about specific chocolate products, who should I contact? A: You can contact Ghirardelli Chocolate Company through their website: ghirardelli.com/about/contact/

Q: Who owns Ghirardelli Square?

A: Ghirardelli Square’s parking and retail complex is owned by Ghirardelli Acquisition Company, LLC and managed by CB Richard Ellis. Learn more about CB Richard Ellis at CBRE.com.

Visit the Concierge in the Plaza for answers to all your questions. The knowledgeable staff will assist you with restaurant recommendations, public transportation, maps, directions and much more.

Purchase gift cards and Ghirardelli Square swag from the Concierge.

There is a free guided walking history tour of Ghirardelli Square every Friday, Saturday & Monday morning at 10:00am. Meet at the concierge booth in the center of the Square.

The Ghirardelli Chocolate Factory is no longer at Ghirardelli Square, therefore there are no factory tours.

There is a free guided walking history tour of Ghirardelli Square every Friday, Saturday & Monday morning at 10:00am. Meet at the concierge booth in the center of the Square.

Ghirardelli Square Gift Cards are the perfect gift! Gift Cards are avail- able at the Concierge at Ghirardelli Square for any denomination from $5.00-$500.00. Gift Cards can be used at any Ghirardelli Square store or restaurant. There is a $2.00 activation fee at the time of purchase. Credit cards accepted for purchase. For more information call 415- 775-5500.

Two of San Francisco’s most recognized icons, Ghirardelli Square and Fairmont Hotels & Resorts, have partnered to create the city’s most distinctive and exciting new luxury accommodations, Fairmont Heritage Place, Ghirardelli Square.

Enjoy an array of unparalleled personalized service and extraordinary amenities. From our dedicated Concierges who will strive to anticipate your every need to our attentive Butlers who will attend to your every request.

For more information, reservations and special packages visit:

Fairmont Website

Book the Ghirardelli Getaway Package for a great room rate and a $100 Ghirardelli Square Gift Card!

View Virtual Tour

Ghirardelli Square Management Office
900 North Point Street, Suite E100, San Francisco, CA 94109
Tel: 415.775.5500 | Fax: 415.775.0912
Jane Echlin, Property Manager | Tel: 415.775.5500 | jane.echlin@cbre.com
Nick Cattaneo, Marketing & Events Manager | Tel: 415.321.1537 | nick.cattaneo@cbre.com

Leasing Information
CBRE | 101 California Street, 44th Floor, San Francisco, CA 94111
Ben Lazzareschi, Vice President | Tel: 415.772.0335 | ben.lazzareschi@cbre.com
Laura Sagues, Associate | Tel: 415.772.0122 | laura.sagues@cbre.com

Media Inquiries
Cinch PR & Branding Group
632 Commercial Street, Second Floor, San Francisco, CA 94108
Tel: 415.392.2230 | info@cinchpr.com