Landmark

Jack London Square

Oakland, San Francisco

The Jack London Square arch sign lit at dusk over the waterfront plaza in Oakland
Photo: Tony Webster / Flickr (CC BY 2.0)

A waterfront and marina area on the Oakland estuary with restaurants, shops, the Amtrak station and Heinold's First and Last Chance Saloon.

Time needed 1 to 2 hours
Best time Afternoon into evening

Insider tip

The square's own site has the directory and events calendar.

What the guides say about Jack London Square

SF Bay Ferry runs from the Downtown San Francisco Ferry Terminal to Jack London Square in 15 to 25 minutes, depending on direction, for $5.10 one-way from 1 July 2026. Jack London Square is the stop.

View on the interactive map Google Maps directions

What's on near Jack London Square

Smaller local events at and near Jack London Square

  • Holiday Tree Lighting at Jack London Square Illumination

    Sat 28 Nov · Jack London Square

    A free tree lighting ceremony at Jack London Square in Oakland.

    FREE · Map · Source: Visit Oakland events

  • Joy to the Town Holiday Market Market

    Sat 28 Nov · Jack London Square

    A free holiday market at Jack London Square in Oakland.

    FREE · Map · Source: Visit Oakland events · 3rd Annual Joy to The Town

See every upcoming event in San Francisco

Nearby

Oakland Museum of California Museum · 13 min walk A museum and garden at 1000 Oak Street that covers California art, history and natural science. Fox Theater Nightlife · 18 min walk A concert venue at 1807 Telegraph Avenue in Uptown Oakland, operated by Another Planet Entertainment. Lake Merritt Park · 24 min walk A lake in the middle of Oakland, run by the city as part of Lakeside Park. Children's Fairyland Park · 24 min walk A storybook-themed park at 699 Bellevue Avenue beside Lake Merritt, with rides, live shows and animals aimed at young children. Morcom Rose Garden Park · 3.7 km away A city rose garden in North Oakland. Rockridge Market Hall Market · 5.7 km away An indoor marketplace at 5655 College Avenue in Rockridge, made up of eight owner-operated food shops.

Around Oakland

Lake Merritt, Jack London Square, the Fox, the hills

Oakland has 11 places on the map. It runs from Jack London Square on the estuary up past Lake Merritt to the parks and science centre in the hills.

Oakland has 11 places on the Roam San Francisco map: 4 parks and gardens, 2 museums, 2 day trips, 1 landmark, 1 bar and 1 market. Read the Oakland guide.

Good to know

How long do you need at Jack London Square?
Plan for 1 to 2 hours.
When is the best time to visit Jack London Square?
Afternoon into evening.

Stay near Jack London Square

Browse live availability and compare prices around Oakland.

See hotels near Jack London Square on Booking.comPrices are for the night of Saturday 14 November. You can change the dates on Booking.com. If you book, Roam San Francisco earns a small commission from Stay22 at no extra cost to you.