Jack London Square: Oakland's Waterfront Gem
Explore Oakland's vibrant waterfront at Jack London Square: history, dining, events, and stunning bay views await!
Jack London Square, named after the famous author who spent his childhood in Oakland, is a vibrant waterfront destination offering a mix of dining, retail, recreation, and historical charm. Located on the Oakland/Alameda estuary, it's a hub of activity with year-round events and attractions.
A brief summary to Jack London Square
- 472 Water St, Oakland, California, 94607, US
- +1510-645-9292
- Visit website
Local tips
- Visit Heinold's First and Last Chance Saloon, a historic landmark where Jack London himself used to drink and write.
- Check the event calendar for outdoor movies, live music, and farmers' markets.
- Take a ferry from San Francisco for a scenic arrival.
- Explore the USS Potomac, Franklin D. Roosevelt's floating White House.
Getting There
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Public Transport
From 12th Street/Oakland City Center BART station, take the 12 bus towards Jack London Square. The bus ride is approximately 15 minutes. Alternatively, from the Oakland Ferry Terminal, Jack London Square is a short 5-minute walk. A one-way BART ticket from San Francisco to 12th Street/Oakland City Center costs around $2-$4. A one-way bus fare is $2.50.
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Walking
From downtown Oakland (e.g., near Oakland City Hall), Jack London Square is approximately a 20-30 minute walk south along Broadway. Follow Broadway until it ends at the waterfront. The walk is straightforward and well-signed.
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Driving
From I-880, take the Broadway exit and head south. Follow Broadway to the waterfront. Several parking garages and lots are available in Jack London Square. Parking rates typically range from $3 per hour, with a daily maximum of $16-$20. Street parking is also available, but it may be limited.
Discover more about Jack London Square
Iconic landmarks you can’t miss
The Embrace
0.1 km
Discover The Embrace in Oakland, a striking landmark symbolizing unity and community spirit, perfect for reflection and memorable photographs.
Visit Oakland
0.2 km
Experience the vibrant culture, diverse cuisine, and stunning waterfront views in Oakland, the heart of California's East Bay.
Port of Oakland
0.3 km
Explore the Port of Oakland, a bustling maritime hub with stunning waterfront views and rich cultural experiences in the heart of the Bay Area.
Jack London Park
0.4 km
Explore the scenic beauty and historical charm of Jack London Park in Oakland, a perfect escape for nature lovers and culture enthusiasts.
Chinese Garden Park
0.7 km
Explore the tranquil Chinese Garden Park in Oakland, a serene escape with beautiful landscapes, koi ponds, and a touch of cultural heritage.
8th St & Broadway
0.8 km
Discover the vibrant intersection of 8th St & Broadway in Downtown Oakland, where culture, cuisine, and community converge in a lively urban atmosphere.
Oakland Chinatown Chamber of Commerce
0.9 km
Explore the vibrant Oakland Chinatown Chamber of Commerce, a cultural hub celebrating rich traditions and local businesses in the heart of Oakland.
Oakland Marriott City Center
1.0 km
Discover comfort and convenience at the Oakland Marriott City Center, your ideal destination for business and leisure in Downtown Oakland.
Wilma Chan Park (formerly Madison Square Park)
1.0 km
Discover Wilma Chan Park, an urban oasis in Downtown Oakland offering serene green spaces, walking paths, and a vibrant community atmosphere.
Lincoln Square Park
1.0 km
Experience the tranquility of Lincoln Square Park in Downtown Oakland, a perfect urban retreat for relaxation and recreation.
Alameda County Historical Society
1.2 km
Immerse yourself in the captivating history of Alameda County at the Alameda County Historical Society in Oakland, California.
Preservation Park
1.3 km
Discover the tranquil beauty of Preservation Park, a historic memorial park in Downtown Oakland, perfect for relaxation and cultural reflection.
Frank H. Ogawa Plaza
1.3 km
Explore Frank H. Ogawa Plaza, Oakland's vibrant city park, a hub of culture, art, and community events in the heart of downtown.
Oakland City Hall
1.3 km
Explore the stunning architecture and vibrant culture at Oakland City Hall, a historic landmark in the heart of Downtown Oakland, California.
First Unitarian Church of Oakland
1.4 km
Discover serenity and community at the First Unitarian Church of Oakland, a historic site of worship and inclusivity in the heart of the city.
Unmissable attractions to see
Jack London Statue
0.1 km
Commemorating Jack London's adventurous life and literary legacy in the heart of Oakland's waterfront.
Jack London's Cabin
0.2 km
Explore the historical significance of Jack London's Cabin, a literary landmark in Oakland, California, and delve into the life of a legendary author.
Heinold's First and Last Chance Saloon
0.2 km
Experience the rich history and lively atmosphere of Heinold's First and Last Chance Saloon in Oakland's Jack London Square.
USNS John Glenn
0.5 km
Discover the USNS John Glenn in Oakland, CA, a historic naval ship that embodies maritime heritage and innovation, perfect for history enthusiasts and travelers.
Original Pattern Brewing
0.6 km
Experience the vibrant craft beer culture at Original Pattern Brewing in Oakland, CA, where unique flavors and a welcoming atmosphere await.
Old Oakland Farmers' Market
0.9 km
Explore the Old Oakland Farmers' Market for fresh produce, delicious street food, and unique artisan crafts every Friday in the heart of Oakland.
The Museum of Art and Digital Entertainment - (The MADE)
0.9 km
Discover the intersection of art and technology at The Museum of Art and Digital Entertainment, where interactive exhibits bring digital creativity to life.
Estuary Park
1.0 km
Experience the tranquility of Estuary Park, an urban oasis in Downtown Oakland with stunning waterfront views and recreational activities for all ages.
Museum of Children's Art
1.2 km
Discover the magic of creativity at the Museum of Children's Art in Oakland, where every child can unleash their artistic potential in a vibrant, interactive environment.
Pardee Home Museum
1.2 km
Discover the Victorian charm and historical significance of the Pardee Home Museum in Oakland, a gem for history lovers and cultural enthusiasts.
The Jack London Oak
1.3 km
Visit the Jack London Oak in Oakland: a historic tree honoring the famous author and Oakland's vibrant literary past.
Oakland Museum of California
1.3 km
Explore California's art, history, and natural science at this Oakland museum, a vibrant cultural hub showcasing the state's diverse stories and heritage.
African American Museum and Library at Oakland
1.4 km
Explore the rich history and culture of African Americans in California and the West at this Oakland treasure.
Oakland History Center
1.4 km
Explore Oakland and the East Bay's past through extensive collections at the Oakland History Center.
Remembrance is Power Mural
1.5 km
A vibrant Oakland mural honoring influential artists and community leaders, fostering remembrance and inspiring future generations.
Essential places to dine
Scott's Seafood Grill & Bar
0.0 km
Experience exquisite seafood dining with stunning waterfront views at Scott's Seafood Grill & Bar in Oakland.
Forge Pizza
0.1 km
Experience the art of pizza making at Forge Pizza in Oakland—where fresh ingredients meet culinary creativity in every slice.
Farmhouse Kitchen Thai Cuisine
0.1 km
Savor authentic Thai cuisine at Farmhouse Kitchen in Oakland - where every dish tells a story and every bite is an adventure.
Left Bank Brasserie
0.2 km
Discover authentic French cuisine and exquisite wines at Left Bank Brasserie in Oakland's vibrant waterfront area.
Yoshi's
0.3 km
Discover Yoshi's in Oakland: where exquisite Japanese cuisine meets vibrant jazz entertainment in a stunning waterfront setting.
The Fat Lady Bar & Restaurant
0.3 km
Experience the vibrant flavors of American cuisine at The Fat Lady Bar & Restaurant in Oakland's Produce and Waterfront district.
Oakland Grill
0.3 km
Experience delightful breakfast and brunch at Oakland Grill, where fresh ingredients meet warm hospitality in the heart of California.
Chop Bar
0.7 km
Discover Chop Bar in Oakland - where American comfort food meets vibrant cocktails in a welcoming waterfront setting.
New Gold Medal Restaurant
0.7 km
Experience vibrant flavors and authentic dishes at New Gold Medal Restaurant in Downtown Oakland – a true gem for Chinese cuisine lovers.
Saucy Oakland
0.8 km
Discover the vibrant tastes of Pan Asian cuisine at Saucy Oakland – where tradition meets innovation in every dish.
understory oakland
0.8 km
Discover unique flavors at Understory Oakland, where tradition meets innovation in a cozy downtown setting.
NIDO's BackYard
0.8 km
Discover the vibrant flavors of Mexico at NIDO's BackYard in Oakland - where culinary delight meets lively outdoor ambiance.
District Oakland
0.8 km
Explore District Oakland: A Culinary Gem Offering Exquisite Tapas, Craft Cocktails & An Inviting Atmosphere in Downtown Oakland.
The Cook and Her Farmer
0.9 km
Experience the freshest seafood at The Cook and Her Farmer in Downtown Oakland—where sustainability meets exquisite flavor in every dish.
Gum Kuo
0.9 km
Discover the rich flavors of China at Gum Kuo, Oakland's beloved spot for authentic and affordable Chinese cuisine.
Markets, malls and hidden boutiques
Narrative
0.4 km
Explore Narrative in Oakland for a unique blend of home goods and antiques that capture the spirit of the city.
H way gift shop
0.8 km
Explore the heart of Oakland at H Way Gift Shop, where unique gifts and local artistry await every visitor.
Elegant Studio & Boutique
0.8 km
Explore the unique offerings of Elegant Studio & Boutique, a stylish shopping haven in the vibrant heart of Downtown Oakland.
ChinaVille
0.8 km
Explore the exquisite chinaware and unique gifts at ChinaVille, Downtown Oakland’s premier cultural and shopping destination.
Book/Shop
0.8 km
Discover a literary gem in Downtown Oakland at Book/Shop, where a curated selection of books and friendly staff await every visitor.
Oakland Chinese Book Store
0.9 km
Explore the rich cultural heritage at Oakland Chinese Book Store, a hidden gem for literature lovers in Downtown Oakland.
Fonzie's Artisanal Goods
0.9 km
Explore Fonzie's Artisanal Goods for unique, locally crafted gifts and souvenirs in the heart of Downtown Oakland.
I Tone
1.0 km
Explore the charm of I Tone, a gift shop in Downtown Oakland offering unique local treasures and artisan creations for every traveler.
B&Q Shop
1.0 km
Explore B&Q Shop in Downtown Oakland for trendy women's clothing and a unique shopping experience that reflects the city's vibrant fashion scene.
House of Fortune
1.0 km
Explore the serene House of Fortune in Oakland, a unique gift shop and Buddhist temple offering cultural treasures and a tranquil atmosphere.
Milam Gift Shop
1.1 km
Explore Milam Gift Shop in Downtown Oakland for unique gifts and local crafts that capture the city's vibrant culture.
Proper Fashions Boutique
1.2 km
Explore the latest trends at Proper Fashions Boutique, where unique styles and personalized service create the perfect shopping experience in Downtown Oakland.
Queen Hippie Gypsy
1.3 km
Explore spiritual supplies and holistic wellness at Queen Hippie Gypsy, a mystical gem in Downtown Oakland offering crystals, incense, and more.
Exotic Gift Shop
1.3 km
Explore the Exotic Gift Shop in Downtown Oakland for unique souvenirs and local treasures that embody the spirit of the region.
Oaklandish
1.3 km
Explore Oaklandish for unique gifts and clothing that celebrate the vibrant culture of Oakland, California.
Essential bars & hidden hideouts
Plank
0.1 km
Discover the vibrant culinary scene at Plank in Oakland, where great food and craft beer meet lively entertainment in a stunning outdoor beer garden.
Merchants' Saloon
0.2 km
Experience the lively atmosphere and expertly crafted cocktails at Merchants' Saloon, Oakland's vibrant cocktail bar.
Sláinte Irish Pub Oakland
0.2 km
Discover the heart of Ireland in Oakland at Sláinte Irish Pub, where authentic food and drinks meet a lively atmosphere.
Elbo Room Jack London
0.4 km
Discover the vibrant nightlife at Elbo Room Jack London, where live music meets a lively bar atmosphere in the heart of Oakland.
Seawolf Public House
0.5 km
Experience the vibrant flavors of Oakland at Seawolf Public House, where local craft beers meet delicious seasonal dishes in a cozy atmosphere.
Oeste - Bar
0.8 km
Discover the lively ambiance of Oeste - Bar in Oakland, blending delicious drinks with local flavors and vibrant nightlife for an unforgettable experience.
Lounge Chinatown
0.8 km
Experience the perfect blend of traditional Chinese flavors and contemporary lounge vibes at Lounge Chinatown in Downtown Oakland.
Binny's Cocktail Bar & Restaurant
0.8 km
Discover the culinary delights and vibrant nightlife at Binny's Cocktail Bar & Restaurant in Downtown Oakland, where every visit is a celebration of flavor.
Penelope
1.1 km
Experience the vibrant nightlife at Penelope, a trendy bar and cocktail lounge in Downtown Oakland, perfect for relaxation and socializing.
Mad Oak Bar ‘N’ Yard
1.3 km
Discover the lively Mad Oak Bar ‘N’ Yard in Downtown Oakland - a perfect blend of craft drinks, delicious bites, and a vibrant atmosphere.
The Kon-Tiki
1.3 km
Experience a tropical oasis in Downtown Oakland at The Kon-Tiki, where exotic cocktails and vibrant ambiance create unforgettable memories.
The Hatch Oakland
1.4 km
Experience the vibrant nightlife of Oakland at The Hatch, a lively bar offering a diverse drink selection and an inviting atmosphere.
Bar Shiru
1.5 km
Experience the art of cocktail making at Bar Shiru, Oakland's premier cocktail bar, where unique flavors and a vibrant atmosphere await.
Cafe Van Kleef
1.5 km
Experience the eclectic charm and lively nightlife at Cafe Van Kleef, a must-visit cocktail bar in Downtown Oakland.
Spice Monkey Restaurant & Bar
1.5 km
Discover the vibrant flavors and lively atmosphere at Spice Monkey Restaurant & Bar, a top spot for food and fun in Downtown Oakland.
