Jack London Square Oakland California

Hotel Near Jack London Square Jack London Square

Jack London Square is one of Oakland’s most important landmarks and has a rich maritime history. As a major symbol of Oakland’s history as a seaport, the area was the center of the city’s port operations and remains a vibrant working waterfront today. Jack London grew up near Oakland’s waterfront, working as an oyster pirate, and spending time at local watering holes like Heinhold’s First and Last Chance Saloon.

Things To Do At Jack London Square.

From the historic Floating White House USS Potomac to the lighthouse, farmer’s markets, dining, and shopping, Oakland’s historic Jack London Square offers something for every visitor to enjoy. This unique area of Oakland offers relaxing cafes, restaurants, a movie theatre, unique shops, festivals and events, surrounded by historic charm and contemporary urban energy, attracting almost four million visitors each year. Jack London Square also hosts a wide range of special events throughout the year, including a Fourth of July celebration, wine tasting events, children’s events, the family friendly Crab Crawl, and an annual holiday tree lighting ceremony. www.jacklondonsquare.com

• USS Potomac.

  Built in 1934 as the Coast Guard cutter Electra, but was commissioned as a U.S. Navy vessel in 1936, when it was renamed the USS Potomac. Today, the 165-foot-long sailing vessel, USS Potomac, is known as the “Floating White House” and was Franklin Delano Roosevelt's presidential yacht until his death in 1945. FDR hated to fly, preferring to travel by train or ship, especially during the hot summers, when he would cruise on the USS Potomac to escape the White House. The USS Potomac has been fully restored was opened to the public in 1995. Visitors can enjoy dockside tours and historic sailing cruises throughout the year. Tickets are $10 general, $8 seniors. www.usspotomac.org

• Lightship LV 605, Relief.

  Lightship stations were created as floating lighthouses and used to help guide ships into harbors and bays, where the construction of a traditional lighthouse was impossible or impractical. Lightships were an invaluable tool for mariners, from 1820-1983, with more than 160 stations established along the three coasts of the US, as well as the Great Lakes. The Lightship Relief is a unique floating lighthouse that was built in Maine in 1950, serving as a lightship station in Delaware until she came to the West Coast as a relief lightship. The Lightship Relief is open to the public for tours Fri-Sun, 11am-4pm. www.uslhs.org/about_lightship.php

• Jack London Square Farmer’s Market.

  Voted as the “Best Farmers’ Market in the East Bay”, the Pacific Coast Farmers’ Market offers fresh, local, seasonal organic produce, artisan breads, cheeses, nuts, pastries, specialty foods, cut flowers, and so much more. The market runs each Sunday, from 10am-2pm, all year long. www.pcfma.com/marketdetail.php?market_id=5 [Top]