Ghirardelli Square is a convenient stop for chocolate and
ice cream while already visiting at Fisherman's Wharf. Let's assume you've
already read carefully enough to realize that
Fisherman's Wharf is San
Francisco's #1 tourist trap. Filled with medicore restaurants, pushy
crowds, and horrid souveniers and overpriced art - Fisherman's Wharf should be
avoided if at all possible. Ghiradelli Square is at the end of Fisherman's
Wharf, so you are close to your redemption and escape from the Wharf.
The beautiful, historic Ghirardelli Square building is
also right next to Aquatic Park - a beautiful beach and park that should be
enjoyed. Ghirardelli Square is a large, former chocolate factory that has been
reduced to little more than a chocolate store and eatery. While there are two
other restaurants (Lori's Diner and McCormick & Schmick's) the rest of the
"square" (mall) is largely deserted or occupied by meaningless stores.
Ghiradelli chocolate is great stuff - high quality and delicious -- and widely
available in retailers and groceries across America.
You wouldn't know that at Ghirardelli Square though. The
volume of people desperately clawing to get into a simple chocolate store is
truly breathtaking. People line up to pay for all the chocolate they can get -
as if it was being discontinued the next day. The chocolate store is very,
very busy - although the chocolate is great. Does this make it a tourist
attraction? If you feel the need to buy yummy chocolate - it's a place to buy
it. Other than that - we're not sure of the point of it. There is a gushing
water fountain outside the store, however the true frenzy is reserved for the
ice cream shop next door. Crowds queue up for hours to get ice cream and sit
in a hectic, loud, and messy atmosphere to eat it. The beauty of this is that
right above the main-square chocolate shop (next to the fountain) is the exact
same ice cream shop - largely "deserted" (no pun intended).
Yes, crowds wait for hours in the tourist area to get
the exact same ice cream - from the exact same place - just steps above that
has no line at all. This is truly a testament to American commerce. The volume
of crowds through the chocolate store is amazing - it is like an assembly line
to sell, sell, sell. To the credit of the quality Ghirardelli company - they
give some very good free samples to each and every visitor. The remainder of
Ghirardelli Square is being converted to Fairmont Hotels timeshares in 2007 -
not sure if the new residents of the building will be braving the daily ice
cream lines.... Ghirardelli Square in San Francisco is a place worth no more
than a quick stop if you're already trapped at Fisherman's Wharf. They have
great chocolate and good ice cream - but the tourist frenzy is so far out of
balance with the experience - it boggles our mind. Count on about $7 per ice
cream sundae, per person (2006), plus tax and tip -- you're looking at about
$9 per person for ice cream.
Hidden
hotspot - deserted 2nd floor ice cream shop...
Ghirardelli Chocolate is world
reknown for its quality and taste. We've spent time visiting the
Ghirardelli Chocolate factory in San Francisco to compile the Top 10 reasons
you will want to visit during your trip:
1. The Odor.
Yes, that’s right, the odor.
If Ghirardelli Square was a perfume, it would be a mix of the scents of the
chocolate factory, restaurants, and San Francisco salt water. It is a unique
scent that is the spirit of San Francisco, and something that you have to
smell to believe.
2. The Chocolate.
Ghirardelli chocolate is sold
all across the nation, and Ghirardelli Square has the chocolate factory that
is better than Willy Wonka’s. The factory puts out an aroma that is as
alluring as it is delicious. Just one whiff of it will make you want to buy at
the sweet shop and caffe, so hold on to your appetite!
3. The Location.
Ghirardelli Square is prime
real estate. At the intersection of Polk and Larkin, it is a stopping point
for the Muni transportation system, as well as an end of the historic
Cable
Car tracks. Not only that, it is only one block away from Fisherman’s Wharf at
Pier 39.
4. The View.
Ghirardelli Square has one of
the best views in the entire city. From here, you can see the pristine beauty
of San Francisco Bay, along with Alcatraz Island and the Golden Gate Bridge.
5. The Plaza.
In addition to all the shops
and restaurants, the Square has a massive plaza. It is expertly landscaped,
and in the middle is a mermaid fountain designed by the famous sculptor Ruth
Asawa.
6. The Festivals.
Ghirardelli Square is the
home of several events per year, including the Annual Ghirardelli Square
Chocolate Festival. Other surprises are also known to occur with very short
notice. For example, in the summer of 2005, Indy car racers visited the Square
and mingled with guests.
7. The Shops.
From Jewelry to Gifts to
Apparel and Accessories, there are many places to pick from. While there may
not be as many stores as Pier 39, many of these shops are definitely fancier
and high-class. Keep in mind that much of them are also muy expensivo.
8. The Restaurants.
There are many countries
represented with the restaurants of Ghirardelli Square. From the Vietnamese
food of Ana Mandara, to the Belgian fries and crepes at Frjtz’s Fries, to the
Peking-Szechwan cuisine of The Mandarin, to the traditional American seafood
restaurants, it really is the best the world has to offer. Whatever you want
to eat is simply a question of what you are in the mood for.
9. The History.
When Domingo Ghirardelli
bought the city block in 1893, he had no idea that it would be a historical
landmark today. Placards surround the Square and tell how the factory was made
and how it made its mark in San Francisco history. They are well worth the
time in between shops and restaurants to read.
10. The Holidays.
This year, Ghirardelli Square
has a Christmas tree planned that is comparable to the one at New York’s
Rockefeller Center. Expect the halls to be decked out with thousands beautiful
lights and decorations if you visit the Square during the Holiday season.
Portions By: Mark Rollins, Copyright SFTRAVEL LLC
