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.

See the 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.

Stop by 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.

Enjoy the 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.

See 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.

Sip & See at Shapeshifters Cinema & Cafe

Visit at: 567 5th St, Oakland, CA 94607
Website: https://www.shapeshifterscinema.com

• What is it? An innovative, artist-run community space that uniquely pairs an intimate 40-seat experimental microcinema with a boutique house-nanobrewery and taproom.
• Fees, Location, Time Spent? Located in a wheelchair-accessible space just a few blocks up from the main waterfront. Accessing the storefront shop and cafe area is free, while film screenings, workshops, and live audio-visual music performances are ticketed.
• Why it's Cool:Blends independent, avant-garde art culture with craft beer. Guests can sip unique, small-batch beers brewed on-site while taking in adventurous films or live multi-projector 16mm film loops.

Play & Watch at Dave & Buster's

Visit at: 55 Harrison Street, Oakland, CA 94607
Website: https://www.daveandbusters.com/us/en/about/locations/oakland

• What is it? A large entertainment complex combining a full-service restaurant and sports bar with a sprawling arcade on the waterfront.
• Fees, Location, Time Spent? Admission to the venue is free, while arcade games and activities are paid via reloadable Power Cards. Plan for 2–3 hours for dining and gaming.
• Why it's Cool: It has a huge selection of over 100 modern and classic arcade games alongside a sports bar equipped with a 40-foot TV screen. A high-capacity spot to hang out or watch live sporting events with a large group.

Stroll Around 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.

Paddle with 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:

• Reem's California / 85 Webster St. — This highly anticipated, worker-owned flagship marks the celebrated return of chef Reem Assil's acclaimed Arab street food concept to Oakland. Operating as both a restaurant and a wholesale bakery hub, the space features their signature, fresh-baked mana'eesh (traditional flatbreads) alongside a creative menu of wraps, dips, and pastries that blend California sensibilities with Middle Eastern flavors.

• 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 / 126 Broadway — This family-owned Oakland barbecue institution has been smoking meats since 1973. It is a local staple featuring a signature lineup of hickory-and-oak-smoked ribs, beef brisket, homemade hot links, and classic Southern sides.

• Bicycle Coffee / 377 2nd St. #110 — An Oakland-born specialty coffee roaster serving organic, fair-trade espresso drinks and house-roasted beans. The team famously delivers wholesale beans to accounts across the city using custom-built bicycle trailers, and their spacious cafe storefront features a front-row view of the roasting process. (Note: This entry reflects their updated storefront location right at the corner of 2nd and Webster St).

• Bellanico Restaurant & Wine Bar / 4238 Park Blvd. — Located in Oakland’s Glenview neighborhood rather than the immediate waterfront, this intimate neighborhood favorite serves a rustic, seasonally driven Italian menu. It is widely praised for its handmade pastas, weekend brunch, and an extensive Old World wine program focusing heavily on distinct Italian regions.

• Scott's Seafood Grill & Bar / 2 Broadway — An absolute cornerstone of the Jack London Square waterfront since the 1980s. This upscale yet traditional white-tablecloth institution is a steady, reliable favorite for classic seafood dishes like clam chowder, Dungeness crab cakes, and fresh oysters, all served alongside panoramic, floor-to-ceiling views of the Oakland estuary.

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 - Tasting Room
  Urban winery producing small-batch California wines on-site, offering tastings and events in a spacious setting near the waterfront. Visit at: 200 2nd St, Oakland.

• 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.

• 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

• 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

• Merchants' Saloon
  A legendary, gritty waterfront dive bar and beloved local institution operating since 1916, known for stiff drinks, a great jukebox, and an unapologetic, old-school port-town vibe. Visit at: 401 2nd St, 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.