Oakland’s Jack London Square is a lively waterfront district that combines dining, shopping, recreation and entertainment. The neighborhood also includes a hotel, ferry terminal and weekly farmers market. The area is named after famous author and Bay Area native Jack London. Highlights include Heinold’s First and Last Chance Saloon and his relocated Klondike cabin.
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Walk the San Francisco Bay Trail
Jack London Square is an upscale waterfront and marina area that offers dining, recreation, and events year-round. Whether you want to try out Oakland’s urban wineries or stroll along the docks, there is something for everyone in this bustling cultural hub. Heinold’s First and Last Chance Saloon is a must-visit for history buffs, Jack London fans, or anyone who enjoys some local flavor. The bar was founded in 1884 and features original fixtures, including the blackened business cards pinned to the ceiling and signed dollar bills at the cash register. Enjoy the best golf courses, bowling alleys, pool tables, meals, drinks, and vistas that Jack London Square offers. Plank is a distinctive Oakland experience that friends, coworkers, and family may enjoy. It is situated in a lovely environment and has a waterfront view where you can enjoy different things to do in Jack London Square.
Visit Heinold’s First and Last Chance Saloon
Named for The Call of the Wild and White Fang author Jack London, this upscale waterfront and marina area is a cultural hub that draws tourists and locals alike. With an eclectic mix of restaurants, bars, and shopping, this waterfront attraction also offers plenty of opportunities for outdoor recreation. Visit the historic pub Heinold’s First and Last Chance Saloon, which has been running since 1883. The bar contains old pictures, including a young Jack London studying at a table next to the front door. The floor slants down steeply from the entrance because it survived an earthquake in 1906. After your visit, stroll around the neighborhood’s many independent coffee shops or head to Oakland’s growing urban wine trail. Here, you can sample wines at Brooklyn West (in a converted warehouse), Dashe Cellars, and Rosenblum Cellars.
Take a Kayak Tour with California Canoe and Kayak
Situated along the Oakland/Alameda estuary and San Francisco Bay, Jack London Square is a historic waterfront district that brings dining, retail, and water recreation together. This waterfront area is the heart of Oakland’s thriving culture, with a lively farmers market, weekly summer night markets, and exciting events year-round. It would help if you visited Heinold’s First and Last Chance Saloon to sample traditional sports bar fare. Their ribs and tri-tip are particularly popular. It’s also a good place to catch live music. You can even grab a table on the patio and soak in the energy of the square. Another unique experience is visiting the USS Potomac, a restored 165-foot Presidential Yacht that honors FDR’s legacy. It is open for dock-side tours. Visitors can also rent kayaks at California Canoe and Kayak to sightsee on the water.
Visit the USS Potomac
The waterfront is a hub of food, drinks, shopping, and entertainment, bringing tourists and locals together. It’s also a historic spot to learn more about Oakland’s history. The USS Potomac, nicknamed the Floating White House, is a fascinating piece of maritime history. FDR’s love of the sea and naval tradition is evident in this incredible ship, now open to visitors for guided tours. Highlights include a small stateroom where the president would meet with cabinet members and the room where he hosted fireside chats with the American people during WWII. After FDR’s death, the boat went through many owners, including Elvis Presley. Eventually, the yacht was seized as part of a drug bust and sank into the SF Bay when pilings pierced her hull. The ship was rescued and restored through a 14-year-long collaboration between the Port of Oakland and volunteers, including Roosevelt’s son.
Attend a Sunday Farmers Market
Both locals and visitors enjoy hanging out in the Jack London Square neighborhood because it offers a variety of dining, shopping, and social opportunities in addition to the area’s historic waterfront and harbor. Stroll the docks, go kayaking, and enjoy stunning views of San Francisco Bay. The main farmers market in the area is a great place to get some fresh produce and bread. They have a good selection of vegetables and fruits, smoked fish, tamales, and pre-made lunches. The neighborhood is also blossoming into its ale trail, with a few microbreweries nearby. Try the brews at Federation Brewing, such as Behind You! Blonde Ale, After Hours Chocolate Stout, and Low Boy oatmeal stout.
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