Fun & Unique Things to do in Jack London Square

Photo Credit: Jack London Square

Check Out A Special Event or Festival

To see what’s happening during your visit, head to Jack London Square's community events calendar. You’ll find everything from summer concert series and outdoor movie nights to food and wine festivals, cultural celebrations like Lunar New Year, holiday tree lightings, pop-up art markets, waterfront fitness classes, and more. This is the first place to look if you want to plug into the local rhythm.

The Jack London Cabin

Visit at: 1-199 Webster Street Tube, Oakland, CA 94607

• What is it? A preserved 1880s Yukon log cabin once owned by author Jack London during his Klondike Gold Rush years, relocated to the waterfront promenade in Jack London Square.
• Fees, Location, Time Spent? Free to visit. It’s an open-air historic landmark, and most people spend about 5–10 minutes stopping to read the plaques and take photos. It's located just steps from restaurants and the marina.
• Why it's Cool: An unexpected slice of frontier history sitting, with rough-hewn logs, a Gold Rush backstory, and a direct connection to the writer the neighborhood's named after.

Heinold's First and Last Chance Saloon

Visit at: 48 Webster St, Oakland, CA 94607
Website: https://www.heinoldsfirstandlastchance.com

• What is it? A historic waterfront bar established in 1884 and famously frequented by Jack London, preserved with much of its original wood interior and character intact.
• Fees, Location, Time Spent? No fee, just order a drink. Located marina and cabin. Most visitors spend 30–60 minutes soaking in the atmosphere.
• Why it's Cool: Original sloping floors, century-old wood paneling, and maritime artifacts give it a time-capsule feel. One of the last true relics of Oakland’s 19th-century waterfront.

Jack London Square Farmer's Market

Visit at: 435 Water St, Oakland, CA 94607
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jacklondonsqfm/?hl=en

• What & when is it? A weekly waterfront farmers market held Sundays, typically 11am–4pm, along the Embarcadero at Jack London Square.
• What can you find there? A lively mix of California-grown produce, flowers, breads, and prepared foods, plus local makers, artisans, and crafts — from jewelry and prints to handmade goods — alongside coffee, snacks, and street eats.
• Why it's Cool: It’s one of the more robust and popular waterfront markets in the East Bay. You can shop, grab coffee or lunch, browse art, and stroll the marina all in one relaxed Sunday outing.

The USS Potomac

Visit at: 540 Water St, Oakland, CA 94607
Website: https://usspotomac.org

• What is it? A restored 1930s presidential yacht used by Franklin D. Roosevelt, now docked at Jack London Square.
• Fees, Location, Time Spent? Ticketed tours and cruises; located at the Jack London Square marina. Dockside tours typically last 60–90 minutes, with select cruises sailing out onto the Bay.
• Why it's Cool: This fully operational historic yacht that still sails the Bay on select dates. Beautifully restored with polished wood interiors, brass details, and 1930s-era cabins. Walking the narrow passageways and open decks gives you a real sense of history.

Lounge & Listen at Yoshi's

Visit at: 510 Embarcadero West, Oakland, CA 94607
Website: https://yoshis.com

• What is it? A renowned dinner-and-jazz venue combining a full sushi restaurant with a professional live music club in Jack London Square.
• Fees, Location, Time Spent? Located on the waterfront. No ticket needed for just dinner, but live shows and evening performances are ticketed. Plan for 1.5–3 hours, longer with a show.
• Why it's Cool: One of the Bay Area’s most respected live music stages. Pairs high-quality sushi and cocktails with an intimate concert experience. Nationally touring jazz, R&B, and soul artists.

Township Commons Park

Visit at: 288 9th Ave, Oakland, CA 94606
Website: https://brooklynbasin.com/parks/township-commons/

• What is it? A newly designed public park and urban commons with a central lawn, landscaped borders, shade trees, and flexible seating.
  
• Fees, Location, Time Spent? Free and open daily. Located just inland from the waterfront near Plank and the marina. Most visitors spend 20–45 minutes to stroll or relax there.
• Why it's Cool: It's transformed a formerly industrial stretch of the Square, creating a true neighborhood commons and green space.

California Canoe & Kayak

Visit at: Jack London Square, 409 Water St, Oakland, CA 94607
Website: http://www.calkayak.com/

• What is it? A waterfront paddling outfitter offering kayak and stand-up paddleboard rentals, lessons, and guided outings on the Oakland Estuary.
  
• Fees, Location, Time Spent? Paid rentals and classes. Located at the marina (easy walk from the promenade). Plan ~1–2 hours for a rental session.
  
• Why it's Cool: It’s one of the easiest ways to get on the water as a visitor—calm estuary conditions, great skyline-and-bridge views, and a simple setup for beginners or casual paddlers.

Hang Out & Eat Some Great Food

Some of our favorite picks, from well-known haunts to insider finds:

• Plank
  Large waterfront entertainment venue where you can grab burgers, pizza, and craft beer, then stick around for bowling, arcade games, bocce, and outdoor patio seating overlooking the marina. Visit at: 98 Broadway, Oakland, CA 94607.

• The Fat Lady
  Longtime Victorian-style restaurant known for rich American comfort food, seafood, and cocktails served in an ornate, old-world dining room just steps from the waterfront. Visit at: 201 Washington St, Oakland, CA 94607.

• Farmhouse Kitchen
  Bold, colorful Thai restaurant serving spicy curries, noodle dishes, seafood, and creative cocktails in a lively, design-forward space near the waterfront. Visit at: 336 Water St, Oakland, CA 94607.

• NōKA Ramen & Bar
  Hakata-style Tonkotsu broth with housemade noodles, plus other creative bowls like spicy miso and black garlic ramen, gyoza, and inventive toppings. Visit at: 90 Franklin St, Oakland, CA 94607.

• Souley Vegan
  Pioneering vegan soul food spot founded in Oakland in 2009, serving bold plant-based takes on Southern classics like fried “chicken,” mac & cheese, and collard greens. Visit at: 101 Broadway, Oakland, CA 94607.

• Everett & Jones Barbeque
  An Oakland BBQ institution known for smoked ribs, brisket, and hot links with classic Southern sides in a laid-back, longtime Jack London Square space. Visit at: 126 Broadway, Oakland, CA 94607.

• Bicycle Coffee
  Oakland-born coffee roaster serving organic, fair-trade espresso drinks and house-roasted beans in a relaxed waterfront café setting. Visit at: 204 2nd St, Oakland, CA 94607.

• Bellanico Restaurant & Wine Bar
  Italian spot known for seasonal, locally sourced dishes, handmade pastas, and a thoughtful wine list in an intimate dining room. Visit at: 4238 Park Blvd, Oakland, CA 94602.

• Seabreeze on the Dock
  Waterfront seafood shack serving fish tacos, crab rolls, chowder, and cold beer right on the marina dock. Visit at: 1 Franklin St, Oakland, CA 94607.

• Left Bank Brasserie – Jack London Square
  Lively Parisian-style brasserie serving steak frites, moules marinières, fresh oysters, and classic cocktails in a spacious waterfront dining room with marina views. Visit at: 55 Webster St, Oakland, CA 94607.

• Understory Oakland
  Southeast Asian food hall featuring multiple chef-driven vendors serving Filipino, Thai, and other regional dishes alongside cocktails in a colorful, communal indoor space near the waterfront. Visit at: 527 14th St, Oakland, CA 94612.

Other Pubs, Breweries & Wineries to Visit

• Sláinte
  Independently owned Irish pub known for live traditional music, a strong whiskey selection, and a cozy brick interior — a local go-to for soccer mornings and late pints by the waterfront. Visit at: 131 Broadway, Oakland, CA 94607.

• Brooklyn West Winery
  Urban winery producing small-batch California wines on-site, offering tastings and events in a spacious setting near the waterfront. Visit at: 201 3rd St, Oakland, CA 94607.

• Original Pattern Brewing Company
  Quality-focused craft brewery known for clean, balanced beers brewed on-site, with a bright taproom. Visit at: 292 4th St, Oakland, CA 94607.

• Minimo
  Stylish natural wine shop and bar featuring small-production bottles, rotating by-the-glass pours, and a relaxed tasting-room vibe. Visit at: 420 3rd St, Oakland, CA 94607.

• Rosenblum Cellars
  Urban winery and tasting room known for bold Zinfandels, curated tasting flights, and a relaxed industrial setting along the waterfront. Visit at: 10 Clay Street, Oakland, CA 94607

• Brooklyn West Winery
  Working urban winery where production happens on-site. Focused on small-lot California wines. Tasting room opens directly to the waterfront promenade. Visit at: 10 Washington Street, Oakland, CA 94607.

• Federation Brewing
  Oakland-founded brewery known for hop-forward West Coast IPAs and crisp lagers. Located just off the marina. Fresh pours and limited releases. Visit at: 420 3rd Street, Oakland, CA 94607.

• Oakland United Beerworks
  Community-driven brewery pouring classic styles and seasonal collaborations in a relaxed indoor-outdoor space. Visit at: 262 2nd Street, Oakland, CA 94607

We Heart Jack London Square

Jack London Square gives you real range in a tight footprint. You can spend time on the water, walk the promenade, dip into fascinating historic spots, browse shops, linger over a long lunch, and shift into drinks or live music in the evening.