Ghirardelli Square   

900 N Point St # 100
San Francisco, CA 94109
415-775-5500
www.ghirardellisq.com

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A picturesque brick structure perched on a slight hill overlooking San Francisco's waterfront, Ghirardelli Square is a chocolate-loving tourist's dream. The cluster of shops and fine restaurants at the west end of Fisherman's Wharf is named after Domenico "Domingo" Ghirardelli, who took his confectionery skills from Italy to Uruguay and finally -- in the mid-1800s -- to San Francisco. Today, camera-clutching tourists speaking a sea of languages swarm around the gift, art and jewelry vendors sitting outside in the breezy salt air. Inside the mall, you'lss see both import and domestic galleries, collectibles and gift shops. And lest we forget: Tourist or not, few can resist a nibble of the delicious and famed Ghirardelli chocolate. These days the sweet stuff is produced in San Leandro, although a small-scale outfit still pumps out bars and truffles inside the chocolate shop. Ghirardelli Square has attained National Historic Register status, ensuring its preservation for future generations. Visitors can ask for a free walking- tour map at the information booth at the west end of Fountain Plaza, and discount visitor passes are available from the Square's Website. Notable Stores: Ann Taylor, The Sharper Image, Sunglass Hut, Ghiradelli Chocolate