Oakland (Jack London Square)

Jack London Square is a waterfront district on the Oakland Estuary, at 55 Harrison Street in Oakland, California, about 8 miles (13 km) east of San Francisco across the Bay. The most pleasant route is the San Francisco Bay Ferry from the Ferry Building, which takes about 25 minutes and costs roughly 5 to 10 dollars one way, with several departures daily. BART is faster, about 15 minutes to 12th Street/Oakland City Center, with trains every 5 to 15 minutes and fares around 4 to 5 dollars; from there it is a walk or short bus ride to the waterfront.

The square is named for the author Jack London, who spent part of his youth on the Oakland waterfront. Visitors find restaurants, cafes, a cinema and weekend farmers markets in the area, and Heinold's First and Last Chance Saloon, a historic 1883 bar built from ship timbers, stands nearby. The neighborhood also provides access to the Oakland Museum of California, Lake Merritt and the Chinatown and Old Oakland districts a short ride away. Boat tours and waterfront promenades give views of the estuary and the working Port of Oakland cranes.

A simple one-day arc starts with a morning ferry, a stroll along the waterfront and a coffee, followed by lunch at a waterfront restaurant. The afternoon can include a visit to the Oakland Museum of California, a walk around Lake Merritt, or browsing the Sunday farmers market if the visit falls on a weekend. Many visitors have dinner in Uptown or Temescal before returning by BART or the evening ferry.

The area is enjoyable year-round, with weekends best for markets and events. Fog is common in summer mornings, while spring and fall offer clearer, warmer afternoons.