At-a-Glance

Named for the renown author, John Griffith "Jack" London, Jack London District exists at the center of Oakland’s historical thriving seaport. It is here that the city’s port operations once linked the shipping and agricultural industries. Today, the area is part of a vibrant, working waterfront that also offers many food, recreational, and shopping alternatives.

In a Word

Eclectic

Living Here

A go-to spot for Oakland and Bay Area residents (as well as tourists who come from all over), Jack London Square boasts year-round dining, retail, recreation, and entertainment:

• Spend summer evenings browsing a night market or watching an outdoor movie.
• Grab a bite at Bocanova or Il Pescatore Ristorante, pub grub at Steel Rail, and something sweet at Miette.
• Stroll, jog, or bike along the waterfront, or take a kayak out on the open water.
• And don’t miss the farmer’s market that takes place every weekend within the square that draws crowds from all over. Go early to get the freshest selection of all that’s on offer.

Good-to-Know

It is said that Jack London took notes for future books while at Heinold’s First and Last Chance Saloon, which was built in 1883 from whaling ship timbers. The site is now a National Literary Landmark.

Why Jack London District?

Once an industrial neighborhood, the Jack London District (also commonly referred to as the Loft District) has undergone extensive rehabilitation in the past 10 years and offers loft conversions and newly constructed homes for those who appreciate the area’s convenient location and eclectic lifestyle.