Jack London Square
Restaurants & bars surrounding a lively 1800s waterfront, plus a bike trail & kayaking.
Jack London Square is rated 4.5 / 5 from 7,627 Google reviews and sits about 1.1 km (14 min walk) from Lake Merritt station.
General overview
About Jack London Square
Jack London Square is a public waterfront district and marina on Oakland’s estuary, named for author Jack London. It combines restaurants, cafés, shops, harbor activities, event spaces, public art, and nearby transportation connections. There is generally no admission fee to walk around the square, although individual businesses, cruises, tours, and events charge separately. None of the information below has been live-verified.
- Waterfront promenade along the Oakland Estuary
- Marina with boats and harbor views
- Restaurants, bars, cafés, and shops
- Historic Heinold’s First and Last Chance Saloon nearby
- Jack London Square farmers’ market and seasonal events
- Access to the San Francisco Bay Ferry, Amtrak, and nearby Oakland attractions
Things to do here
Waterfront promenade
Walk along the estuary, view boats, enjoy outdoor seating, and take in views of the working waterfront and downtown Oakland.
Dining and cafés
Explore a range of waterfront restaurants, bars, coffee shops, and casual dining options. Individual opening hours and reservations vary.
Marina and harbor viewing
See pleasure craft and marina activity from public areas; boating services and slips are operated separately.
Heinold’s First and Last Chance Saloon
A historic waterfront saloon associated with Jack London and Oakland’s maritime history, located in the Jack London Square area.
Farmers’ market
A recurring farmers’ market has traditionally been held in the square, with produce, prepared foods, and local vendors; schedule may vary.
Events and festivals
The district hosts seasonal markets, concerts, holiday activities, food events, and other programmed events. Admission depends on the event.
Bay Ferry connection
The nearby ferry terminal provides service linking Oakland with San Francisco and other Bay Area destinations, subject to the current transit schedule.
Allow extra time for parking and event-day traffic. Public transportation is practical: the area is served by nearby Amtrak, ferry, bus, and regional transit connections. Wear comfortable shoes for walking on waterfront and paved surfaces.
No booking is normally needed to visit the public square. Reserve restaurants, cruises, special events, and ferry travel in advance when schedules or demand warrant it.
This overview is general knowledge, not confirmed against an official source — verify hours, prices and entry rules before you go.
Photo gallery
See it before you go
Most asked
How to reach
Jack London Square is about 1.1 km (~14 min walk) from Lake Merritt station on the BART (San Francisco Bay Area).
Before you go
Good to know
Verify tickets, seasonal hours, entry rules, and special events on the official website before visiting.
Pair it up
Also near this station
Oakland Museum of California
Places to visit · 3 min walk
★ 4.7
Oakland Museum of California
Places to visit · 3 min walk
★ 4.7
Courtyard by Marriott Oakland Downtown
Hotels · 10 min walk
★ 4.1
Oakland Marriott City Center
Hotels · 11 min walk
★ 4.2
Yoshi's
Restaurants · 15 min walk
★ 4.6
Children's Fairyland
Places to visit · 18 min walk
★ 4.5
Frequently asked questions
How do I get to Jack London Square from Lake Merritt station?
Jack London Square is about 1106 m (roughly 14 min walk) from Lake Merritt station on the BART (San Francisco Bay Area). Use the directions link on this page for turn-by-turn walking directions.
What is Jack London Square rated?
Jack London Square has a Google rating of 4.5 out of 5 from 7,627 reviews.
What's near Jack London Square?
Also within a short walk of the same station: Oakland Museum of California, Oakland Museum of California, Courtyard by Marriott Oakland Downtown.
Is Jack London Square wheelchair accessible?
Yes — Google lists the following accessibility features for Jack London Square: wheelchair-accessible entrance, wheelchair-accessible parking.
Is there parking near Jack London Square?
Google lists these parking options near Jack London Square: free parking lot, paid parking lot, free street parking, paid street parking, paid garage parking.
Is Jack London Square free to visit?
Yes. Walking through the public outdoor areas is generally free. Dining, parking, ferry travel, cruises, and ticketed events cost extra.
How long should I spend there?
Plan on one to three hours for a walk and meal. Allow more time if you visit the market, attend an event, take a ferry, or explore nearby historic sites.
Can I get there without a car?
Yes. The area has nearby ferry, Amtrak, bus, and regional transit connections, making it accessible without driving.
Is Jack London Square open at night?
The outdoor district is not generally a single gated attraction, but late-night access, lighting, parking, restaurants, and events vary. Check individual business hours and exercise normal urban-night safety awareness.
Are reservations required?
Not for the public square itself. Reservations may be useful for popular restaurants, cruises, special events, and some transportation services.
Is it suitable for children?
Yes, especially for waterfront walking, boat viewing, casual dining, markets, and family events. Some bars and nightlife venues are age-restricted.
Where can I park?
Paid garages and surface lots are located around the square, with additional street parking subject to posted restrictions. Rates and availability can change during events.
What else is nearby?
Nearby points of interest include Heinold’s First and Last Chance Saloon, the Oakland Estuary waterfront, downtown Oakland, ferry connections, Amtrak, and other Jack London waterfront businesses.
Data and photos from Google Places, generated August 23, 2026. Ratings, hours and prices can change — confirm anything time-sensitive before you go.