Taking its name from the renown author who was raised in the city, Jack Landon Square is a bustling district that is home to an array of restaurants, shops, businesses, recreational activities, and events. Positioned next to the Oakland Estuary, Jack London Square is an ideal destination for those looking to experience the unique vibe the city of Oakland has to offer. With a slew of redevelopment projects currently underway and being proposed, it is slated to become bigger and better during the next few years.
Parking and public transportation at Jack London Square
Jack London Square is easily accessible by car, public transportation, and bike, so choose whichever method of transportation you prefer. Street parking is available on many of the streets in the district, and there a number of paid parking lots and garages in the area.
Best and worst time to go to Jack London Square
It really depends on what you'd like to do. If you want to shop, grab a bite to eat, or stroll along the scenic waterfront, the daytime might be best for you. If you're in a party mood, you should definitely get a taste of the night life at the various clubs and bars in the area. It can get a little more crowded during the weekends or big events.
Admission to Jack London Square
Visiting Jack London Square is free, but attractions in the area such as the USS Potomac museum and the Oakland Metro Operahouse charge their own fees.
Must see/do at Jack London Square
There are a plethora of restaurants in Jack London Square, but Yoshi's Japanese Restaurant and Jazz House is one of the Bay Area's more notable establishments and is a must for anybody who enjoys live music and sushi. If you want to have a drink and get a history lesson on the man whose name adorns the Square, Heinold's First and Last Chance Saloon, an Oakland institution since 1883, is where a young Jack London often came to study his school work or find inspiration for his writings.
Other places to visit near Jack London Square
Two of Oakland's most popular destinations, Lake Merritt and the Fox Theater, are both located less than a mile from the Square. Also located less than a mile away is the Oakland Museum of California, a museum dedicated to highlighting the history of the Golden State.
Insider tip for visitors to Jack London Square
Using a ferry to get from one side of the bay to the other is often overlooked, but cutting across the waters of the bay in a boat is a pleasurable journey that locals and visitors alike should experience at least once. The Jack London Square terminal operates on a daily basis, and getting from one side of the bay to the other only takes roughly 30 minutes. You'll also get a chance to look at the underside of the Bay Bridge, as the ferry route crosses beneath the structure.
Author's bio: Dennis Biles is a freelance journalist who was born and raised in the Bay Area.
In Full Swing is a local boutique women's fashion store for plus-sized clients. It carries items sizes 14 to 24, as well as some super sizes, accessories and jewelry. Featured brands include Art to Wear, Citron, Dinah Lee, Winter Sun, Bryn Walker and Liz & Jane. It additionally carries nursing bras.
