Ghirardelli Square

Ghirardelli Square is one of San Francisco's most iconic landmarks and a near-mandatory stop for families visiting the city. The historic red-brick complex, originally the Ghirardelli Chocolate Factory built in 1852, has been converted into an upscale shopping and dining center while maintaining its old-world charm and, most importantly, its chocolate-making heritage.

The main draw for families is the Ghirardelli Chocolate Experience store on the ground floor. Step inside and you are immediately handed a free sample of Ghirardelli chocolate -- a square of their signature dark or milk chocolate. Beyond the freebie, the store showcases chocolate-making equipment and displays, with large glass windows where kids can watch chocolate being tempered and molded.

The retail section sells every Ghirardelli product imaginable, from individual squares to elaborate gift boxes.

The real event, though, is the Original Ghirardelli Ice Cream & Chocolate Shop next door, serving the sundaes that made this place legendary. The hot fudge sundae -- made with their house hot fudge, vanilla ice cream, whipped cream, and a cherry -- has been a family tradition for decades. The signature Earthquake sundae is a spectacle: eight scoops of ice cream, eight toppings, bananas, whipped cream, and almonds, served in a massive trough.

It is intended for sharing and easily satisfies 3-4 people. Individual sundaes run $12-15; the Earthquake is about $36. Lines can stretch 20-30 minutes on weekend afternoons, but they move quickly.

Beyond chocolate, Ghirardelli Square is a pleasant place to simply wander. The multi-level brick courtyards feature boutique shops, wine tasting rooms, and restaurants with outdoor patios. The rooftop terrace provides free panoramic views of San Francisco Bay, Alcatraz Island, and the Golden Gate Bridge -- it is one of the best casual viewpoints in the city and surprisingly uncrowded.

During the holiday season, the square hosts a spectacular Christmas tree lighting and decorations.

For dining beyond sundaes, The Pub at Ghirardelli Square serves casual American food with kid-friendly options. However, most families treat Ghirardelli as a dessert stop rather than a full meal destination and eat lunch or dinner at the more affordable options nearby.

Logistically, the square sits at the western end of Fisherman's Wharf, about a 15-minute walk from Pier 39 along the waterfront path. The Powell-Hyde cable car line terminates one block away at the Buena Vista Cafe (famous for its Irish Coffee, if parents want a treat). Street parking is difficult; use the Ghirardelli Square parking garage ($8/hour, max $40/day) or walk from public transit.

A visit to Ghirardelli Square takes 1-2 hours: enough time for chocolate shopping, sundaes, and rooftop views. It pairs naturally with a Pier 39 visit, cable car ride, or Aquatic Park beach visit, all within walking distance.