Walking around See's Candies is without a doubt what I imagine heaven to look like. Everywhere you turn, there's candy! And every person you pass, without fail, smiles and says hello to you.

Granted, I was walking around with Dave Chapman, the factory's production coordinator who's been with the company for 30 years and is the nicest human ever, so that surely gave me a leg up. But, I suspect being around the scent of chocolate all day just makes you happier, you know?

Wall, Font, Plant, Vacation, Building, Advertising, Signage, pinterest
Grant Babbitt

And while the factory isn't open to the public, we got an inside look at how some of the most iconic See's Candies goodies are made, like crunchy Peanut Brittle and creamy Bon-Bons (they're hand-decorated with insane precision). Operations for the west coast brand are split between Northern and Southern California; in the massive Los Angeles factory we visited, chocolatiers crank out Molasses Chips, Toffee-Ettes, Scotchmallows, and other white, dark, and milk chocolate treats.

Food, Fudge, Chocolate, Cuisine, Confectionery, Baking, Dessert, Toffee, Snack, Chocolate bar, pinterest
Grant Babbitt

See's produces over a billion—yep, with a "b"—pieces of candy every year, and they've been making chocolate since 1921. Needless to say, they know what they're doing. You can order See's online (check out their seasonal Valentine's candies below!) or head to a store to taste-test a free sample, first.

While the flagship stores are located in San Francisco and Los Angeles, See's operates stores in 20 states and select airports around the country. Bold statement, but it's truly some of the best chocolate you'll ever try.

See's Valentine's Day Candy
Valentine's Day Truffle Heart
Valentine's Day Truffle Heart
Dark Chocolate Raspberry Heart
Dark Chocolate Raspberry Heart
Dalmatian Kids' Lollipop Box
Dalmatian Kids' Lollipop Box
Tuxedo Truffles and Chews Heart
Tuxedo Truffles and Chews Heart