Jack London Square is home to stunning scenery, shopping, events, and shipping port activities along the Oakland waterfront. There’s something for everyone here, from farmer’s markets and vendors to festivals, waterfront movie nights, and kayaking.
Heinold’s First and Last Chance Saloon is one of the most iconic attractions, where many sailors had their first and last drink before departing or arriving at the port. The bar features a tilted floor and is festooned with nautical and vintage curios.
Waterfront Activities
If you’re visiting Oakland, you’ll want to visit Jack London Square, a vibrant waterfront destination with plenty of ways like jack london square activities to enjoy yourself. There’s something for everyone, from ice cream shops to restaurants and shopping.
One of the most popular water activities is kayaking, and California Canoe and Kayak is a great place to rent a boat or a stand-up paddleboard to sightsee via the Bay. They also offer lessons and tours for those new to the sport.
Another must-do is Heinold’s First & Last Chance Saloon, a replica of the Yukon cabin that Jack London lived in during his travels in the North. The place is rustic yet charming and has a few unique touches.
If you’re looking for food, you can find a variety of high-end seafood spots or casual comfort foods like Everett and Jones BBQ and Souley Vegan. If you’re looking for a movie, Regal Jack London is a cinema that offers state-of-the-art technology.
Restaurants
Jack London Square is a popular spot for tourists and locals alike. It has a pier, a few restaurants, and boat and kayak rentals.
It also has a very nice farmers market on Sundays, and many people come here to walk their dogs!
A little further west, you’ll find Estuary Park, a beautiful and spacious waterfront park perfect for families. It is a good place to relax and soak up the sun.
If you’re looking for some great food, you can go right at Scott’s Seafood Restaurant, which has been here since 1984 and offers a wide variety of seafood dishes with amazing views over the Bay.
Another restaurant is Yoshi’s, known for its jazz music and delicious food. The restaurant also has a large patio perfect for an outdoor picnic and a beer.
Shopping
If you’re a shopping addict, Jack London Square has plenty of options to satisfy your cravings. From a weekly farmers market to pop-up shops, you’ll always have things to do at this historic waterfront location.
You can also take a tour of the waterfront by renting a kayak, canoe, or stand-up paddleboard from California Canoe & Kayak. This water recreation rental is a great way to explore the Bay and experience Oakland’s vibrant waterfront culture.
There is also a bronze statue of Jack London on the waterfront, a small tribute to this famous author who was raised in Oakland and spent much of his childhood at the water. He also wrote from his experiences growing up in the area and was a big fan of Heinold’s First and Last Chance Saloon.
A short walk east of Jack London Square is the warehouse district, an old-fashioned wholesale produce market that dates back to the 19th century. This neighborhood has restaurants, coffee roasters, boutiques, and live-work lofts.
Nightlife
The Jack London Square neighborhood is a popular nightlife destination with many options. You can visit restaurants of different cultures, take a walk along the waterfront, or check out the local shops.
One of the most famous landmarks in Jack London Square is Heinold’s First and Last Chance Saloon, which has been open since 1883. Its name comes from the fact that sailors used to go here for their first and last drink before leaving or arriving at the port.
Heinold’s is a great place to hang out and enjoy a drink. They also have a history walk that starts at the bar and takes you to several landmarks and historical points.
Another fun thing to do is visit Jack London’s cabin during the Gold Rush. This cabin was moved to Jack London Square in 1970 and is now open for tourists. It is also free to visit.
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