Do you remember the wonders of Ghirardelli Square when you first explored it as a kid? Well, there’s no better time than now to revisit it! Pick a day, any day… (maybe your birthday?), to embark on a sweet treat treasure hunt with your sweeties in this historic, tucked away square.
Families Galore in the Square
Here’s What’s Delicious:
Kara’s Cupcakes are a real treat, you can grab them and sit on the Square while your children admire the glorious mermaid fountain or enjoy the music if a musician happens to be about. And don’t forget where you are: Ghirardelli Chocolate offers two shops for your convenience: The Chocolate Caffe towards the front offers sizable sundaes (I personally recommend the sundae with peanut butter sauce) and chocolate and goodies to go. The other, On-The-Go in the back of the square, offers hot chocolate, some ice cream and an abbreviated version of chocolate gifts to go. Go chocolate hopping– they both greet you with free samples when you enter!!
The Mermaid Fountain delights little visitors
If you are actually in need of real food while taking your chocolate tour of the Square, drop into Lori’s Diner, a local chain restaurant on the square with lovely views of the Bay and entertaining memorabilia from the ceilings to the floors. No children’s menu here, but a lot of easy American food your children will enjoy. Or enjoy happy hour with your children at Mc Cormick and Kuleto’s Mondays thru Fridays from 4-6PM in the bar area. A special food menu with prices ranging from 2-5 dollars will please whole family’s palate and pocketbook!!
What Else?
If your shopping demons are a’ hoppin’, check out Lola’s North Beach stationary and gifts for children and adults. They have creative and stylish children’s books, clothing and gifts. Lola Toy Stop and Lola of North Beach turn Ghirardelli Square shopping into an utterly Kid Friendly shopping destination. Owners and employees of Lola Toy Stop will literally let your children play for extended periods of time with their catchy toys displays, such a beautiful wooden car set, while you consult with them on important details such as the best selling gifts and treasures to buy for your next birthday party. Lola of North Beach, on the main level, has stationery, clothes for babies and hip and carefully selected gifts to please anyone!
Your dog may need a treat too, so mosey into Yap for all kinds of special get-ups and details for your best friend. ElizabethW is a wonderful perfume and bath shop for gifts or just a quick sample of their lovely lotions.
Drop into Peekadoodle Kid’s Club on the lower floor of Ghirardelli to see what they have for your children. If you’d like to join their club if you are not already a member, inquire about membership and take advantage of some free tour/play time for your first visit. (Following visits are $50 for a day pass if you are not a member.)
Love is in the Square!!! Do “date night” with your sweetie in the Square. Two wineries- Cellar360 and Wattle Creek and some classy restaurants- Ana Mandara and McCormick and Kuleto’s will put you in the mood.
And don’t forget you are in the middle of our bustling City! The San Francisco Maritime Museum is now open for exploring with views of the beach you can later stroll on and see the swimmers, Golden Gate Bridge and Alcatraz. Ride or just visit the cable cars down the street and walk Fisherman’s Wharf. Check out our Kid Friendly SF post “Take Back Our Town” for more Fisherman’s Wharf ideas.
Ghirardelli Square
900 North Point St at Beach and Larkin
San Francisco, California 94109
http://www.ghirardellisq.com/ghirardellisq/visitor_info.php
Insider Info:
Parking: Available underneath the square on Beach between Larkin and Polk Streets and validation is done for the 1st hour purchase and the prices thereafter are $2.25 per each 20 minutes. Usually there’s good street parking if you can circle a bit at the end of Van Ness and Bay Streets near Fort Mason. You might also get lucky and find a spot in front of the San Francisco Maritime Historical Park at around Beach and Polk Streets.