Jack London Square
A historic waterfront district in Oakland, offering diverse dining, scenic bay views, and convenient transit options.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Lively atmosphere & events
Jack London Square
Best Time
Lively atmosphere & events
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A historic waterfront district in Oakland, offering diverse dining, scenic bay views, and convenient transit options.
"Enjoy waterfront dining, scenic bay views, and convenient transit at this vibrant Oakland destination."
🎯 Ferry for Scenic Arrival
Take the SF Bay Ferry for gorgeous skyline views and easy access to Jack London Square.
🍜 Themed Dining Fun
Check Noka Ramen's schedule for Pokémon, Power Rangers, or Sailor Moon themed nights!
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Themed Dining at Noka Ramen
Jack London Square
Immerse yourself in anime-inspired decor with delicious ramen and cocktails. Pokémon, Power Rangers, and Sailor Moon themes rotate weekly.
Seafood Delights at Sea Breeze
Jack London Square
Enjoy fresh seafood with breathtaking bay views. Their Cajun and garlic crab boil is a must-try, perfect for a celebratory meal.
Waterfront Strolls & Bay Views
Jack London Square Waterfront
Experience the historic 1800s waterfront, enjoy walking paths, and soak in stunning views of the Estuary and Bay Bridge.
Amtrak Station Access
Jack London Square Station
Conveniently catch an Amtrak train for a scenic journey to Sacramento or other destinations, enjoying the ride and views.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Navigating Jack London Square
Restaurant Scene Insights
+2Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🎯 Ferry for Scenic Arrival
Take the SF Bay Ferry for gorgeous skyline views and easy access to Jack London Square. +1
🍜 Themed Dining Fun
Check Noka Ramen's schedule for Pokémon, Power Rangers, or Sailor Moon themed nights! +1
🌊 Enjoy Waterfront Dining
Sea Breeze offers fantastic seafood with bay views; reservations might be wise.
🚆 Train Travel Option
Amtrak from Jack London Square Station offers a relaxing trip to Sacramento.
Tips
from all over the internet
🎯 Ferry for Scenic Arrival
Take the SF Bay Ferry for gorgeous skyline views and easy access to Jack London Square. +1
🍜 Themed Dining Fun
Check Noka Ramen's schedule for Pokémon, Power Rangers, or Sailor Moon themed nights! +1
🌊 Enjoy Waterfront Dining
Sea Breeze offers fantastic seafood with bay views; reservations might be wise.
🚆 Train Travel Option
Amtrak from Jack London Square Station offers a relaxing trip to Sacramento.
🎨 Mural Tour Discovery
Explore Oakland's vibrant murals with a self-guided tour in the Jack London area.
🐶 Pet Safety Alert
Be aware of your surroundings; a dog was recently stolen from a car here.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Jack London Square is appreciated for its scenic waterfront, diverse dining options, and convenient transportation links like the ferry and Amtrak station. Visitors enjoy the lively atmosphere and bay views, though some note the challenges faced by local businesses.
"Jack London Square is a nice place to visit. Especially since they've added the FREE water taxi that bounces between Alameda (there's a playground and parking around behind Target) and JLS on the Oakland side.
There are lots of shops, restaurants, an a Bayview walking paths on both sides of the Estuary."
Kathleen Valerio
"Wonderful evening celebrating my parents 45 anniversary at Scot's Seafood.
Excellent service, food,& cocktails with breathtaking views of the bay.
Lots of convenient parking."
Shakira
"An excellent, must visit place for any railfan! Lots of trains throughout the day, and lots of places to eat too!"
R N
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
You can drive and park, take BART to the 12th St/Oakland City Center station and walk or take AC Transit, or enjoy a scenic ride on the SF Bay Ferry. +1
Yes, there are several parking lots and garages available, though fees may apply.
Absolutely! BART and AC Transit buses serve the area, and the SF Bay Ferry offers a beautiful route. +1
Yes, the square is designed for walking with waterfront paths and easy access between shops and restaurants.
The SF Bay Ferry is a highly recommended and scenic option, offering great views of the Bay Bridge and city skyline.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
No, Jack London Square is a public area and does not require tickets for general access.
There are no entrance fees to walk around and enjoy the public spaces of Jack London Square.
The public areas are generally accessible throughout the day, but individual businesses have their own hours.
Yes, Jack London Square often hosts events like karaoke nights, food festivals, and holiday celebrations. Check local listings.
The water taxi service between Alameda and Jack London Square is often advertised as free, but it's best to confirm current status.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
Popular spots include Noka Ramen for themed dining, Sea Breeze for seafood, and Farmhouse Kitchen Thai.
Many restaurants offer diverse menus, so it's recommended to check individual restaurant websites or call ahead for specific vegan/vegetarian options.
Yes, there are various cafes and eateries offering casual dining and quick bites suitable for a relaxed afternoon.
You'll find a variety of cuisines including Japanese ramen, Thai, seafood, and American fare. +2
With waterfront dining and a lively atmosphere, Jack London Square can be a great spot for a date night, especially at restaurants with bay views.
📸 📸 Photography
Capture the waterfront views, the Bay Bridge, murals, and the unique themed decor at Noka Ramen.
The waterfront offers beautiful sunset views over the bay, making it an ideal location for photography.
Yes, the Amtrak station and surrounding areas are popular for train enthusiasts to photograph passing trains.
Jack London Square has a growing mural scene, including a new community mural near the transit station.
Golden hour (shortly after sunrise or before sunset) offers beautiful lighting for waterfront and cityscape shots.
🎫 🚶 Onsite Experience
Enjoy dining, explore waterfront paths, visit themed restaurants like Noka Ramen, take a scenic Amtrak ride, or discover local murals.
Yes, families can enjoy the waterfront, themed dining, and potentially nearby playgrounds accessible via the water taxi.
Kayaking is an activity available at Jack London Square, offering a unique perspective of the waterfront.
While known for dining, there are some shops and boutiques within the square.
The area is named after the famous author Jack London and retains some of its historic waterfront character.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
🚆 Train Enthusiasts
Combine your visit with a meal at one of the nearby restaurants for a full day of enjoyment. 🏠 Apartment Seekers
+1Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Unique Dining Scene
For seafood lovers, Sea Breeze on the Dock is a highly recommended establishment. It's known for its fresh seafood dishes, particularly the Cajun and garlic crab boil, and offers stunning bay views that enhance the dining experience.
While the area has seen some restaurant closures, these highlighted spots offer memorable culinary adventures. Transportation Hub and Scenic Journeys
This makes it an attractive option for those who prefer train travel. For a truly picturesque journey, the SF Bay Ferry is a must-use. It connects Jack London Square to San Francisco and Alameda, offering breathtaking vistas of the Oakland and San Francisco skylines, as well as the iconic Bay Bridge.
Art and Community in Jack London Square
This focus on art contributes to the diverse cultural landscape of the neighborhood, making it a more engaging and visually stimulating destination. The presence of such art projects reflects the community's efforts to enhance the area's appeal and foster a sense of local pride.
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