The waterfront and marina area of Jack London Square is a hub for outdoor recreation. Stroll the waterfront paths or sit at a restaurant with water views. Heinhold’s First and Last Chance Saloon is a must-see, a historic bar frequented by author Jack London. Stop by for drinks and take a look at the photos on display!
Go For A Ride On A Ferry
The square is home to a thriving waterfront destination that combines dining, retail, recreation, and exciting events year-round. Featuring stunning waterside scenery, you’ll find plenty of boats to look at, an impressive farmers market and the Water Street Makers Fair, a small bowling alley & arcade (at Plank), proximity to movies, plus many other fun and family-friendly Jack London square activities. The area also offers moonlight and sunset kayak tours through California Canoe and Kayak, seafood restaurants, and other casual eateries. Heinold’s First and Last Chance Saloon, an old-school restaurant with a spirited maritime vibe, is a must-visit for history buffs and Jack London fans. The Oakland Art Murmur, held on the first Friday of every month, is a popular event showcasing local artists and featuring live musical entertainment. Other popular events include the Oakland International Boat Show and a series of summer night markets, and special event weekends.
Take A Walk On The Water
Along the Oakland estuary, Jack London Square is a lively waterfront destination that combines dining, shopping, recreation, and entertainment. A favorite of locals and visitors, this area has everything from marinas to markets and restaurants with excellent city skyline views. You’ll also find a statue dedicated to writer Jack London, famous for his works such as The Call of the Wild and White Fang. The nearby Oakland Museum of California provides an incredible look into the state’s rich history, featuring specimens, historical artifacts, and engaging displays like migration maps and a section dedicated to the state’s wine industry. For a unique experience, stop at Heinold’s First and Last Chance Saloon, a National Historic Landmark, where you can enjoy draft beer and a drink just as Jack London would have. This bar is decorated with little knick-knacks, including old blackened business cards pinned to the ceiling and signed dollar bills from sailors and soldiers who once visited here.
Kayak Or Canoe On The Water
Situated along the Oakland Estuary, the waterside square named after novelist Jack London is an outdoor recreation hub. Spend your day strolling the paths by the waterfront or taking a kayak tour of the area’s wildlife, particularly during the fall bird migration season. Adventurous people can take a kayak class or rent a kayak from California Canoe and Kayak (CCK). CCK offers affordable rates, making it easy to turn paddling into a regular hobby. For example, beginner kayakers can take a 2-hour class that will improve their technique and allows them to navigate rougher waters. After a day on the water, head back to land and enjoy some live jazz music at Yoshi’s. This restaurant, bar, and venue features world-famous jazz musicians and has a full calendar of performances each week. Yoshi’s also has a sushi menu for those looking for something different. Guests who need to stay the night can book a room at the Waterfront Hotel, which overlooks the marina and San Francisco skyline.
Enjoy A Sightseeing Boat Tour
Situated along the Oakland/Alameda estuary, Jack London Square is a vibrant destination combining dining, retail, recreation, and exciting events year-round. It is also home to the Jack London Ferry, offering weekday and weekend trips between Jack London Square and Alameda in the East Bay and Pier 41 and the San Francisco Ferry Building in San Francisco. Rent kayaks, canoes, and stand-up paddleboards from California Canoe & Kayak to explore the waterfront or take a guided tour of the area. You can also tour the USS Potomac or “the Floating White House,” Franklin Delano Roosevelt’s historic yacht docked in the square. Enjoy the view of the water as you sip your wine or beer at a bar overlooking the marina or at a restaurant serving fresh seafood and drinks. There are also many options for entertainment, including Plank, a restaurant and beer garden where you can bowl or play bocce, and Yoshi’s, a music venue that has been around for more than a century and still hosts top jazz performers.
