Ghirardelli Square
An old red brick building, a city-block large, was the site of the Ghirardelli chocolate factory in the late 1890s. The company flourished in that location (having done well earlier at their Jackson Square location - still standing since the 1850s surviving the 1906 earthquake). In the 1960s the company was bought out but a larger conglomerate and moved to another facility. Various city denizens became fearful that this wonderful old structure would be razed to make way for sparkling new apartments units. With their efforts the Ghirardelli building was spared. The name - and the enormous 125-foot wide lit sign - remains forever ingrained on the edifice. Today it is known as Ghirardelli Square and is the home of several specialty stores and several restaurants as well as a couple of art galleries. It was one of the earliest successful structural-reuse projects in the US that aimed to preserve the historic past. Upon arriving here you will immediately notice an amazing view of the water and harbor.
Alcatraz Island is visible in the immediate distance. Walk within the red walls and you’ll find a beautiful open-air patio with benches, potted plants, food and novelty carts and a sculpture fountain. Certainly you won’t want to miss the Ghirardelli chocolate outlet that lends the square its name. Browse the many shops and have a bite at one of the restaurants. The views are terrific. Nearby you can wander over to Fisherman’s Wharf and watch the fisherman bring in their daily haul.
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