Jack London Square
Park Oakland waterfront district with shops, restaurants, ferry access
Oakland’s Jack London Square sits on the Embarcadero; visitors come for waterfront restaurants, a farmers’ market, ferry links to San Francisco and maritime history connected to author Jack London. Expect dining, events, and the Port of Oakland backdrop.
Jack London Square is a waterfront district in Oakland, California, on the south shore of the Oakland Estuary named for author Jack London. It is a mixed-use area with restaurants, shops, event spaces and marinas on the city’s waterfront.
The district includes a ferry terminal with service across San Francisco Bay, a regional rail stop serving the Capitol Corridor, and a waterfront promenade used for dining and public events. The area hosts regular markets, festivals and waterfront activities and is a regional destination for dining and recreation.
Historically the waterfront was part of Oakland’s port and industrial waterfront; redevelopment over the late 20th century transformed it into a mixed commercial and leisure district while retaining maritime features. The site combines commercial redevelopment with preserved maritime structures and public open space.
Jack London Square sits at the foot of Broadway on Oakland’s waterfront along the Oakland Estuary, immediately south of downtown Oakland and adjacent to port and marina facilities.
- Transport: Ferry services connect the waterfront to San Francisco; there is also an Amtrak/Capitol Corridor station at the square providing regional rail service.
How to Get to Jack London Square #
Jack London Square sits along Broadway at the Oakland waterfront. From downtown Oakland it’s a 10-15 minute walk or a short bus ride (AC Transit routes run nearby). The closest BART station is 12th Street/Oakland City Center - from there it’s about a 20-25 minute walk or a short bus/taxi ride. There is limited on-site parking and paid lot options in the area.
Tips for Visiting Jack London Square #
- Go late afternoon to watch cargo ships and ferries move along the estuary - the waterfront has better light and fewer crowds then.
- Skip weekends if possible; public parking fills early for popular events and farmers' markets.
- Visit the Jack London cabin at the end of the square on a weekday morning to avoid lines.
Best Time to Visit Jack London Square #
Best from late spring to early fall when outdoor seating and harbor activity are at their peak.
Weather & Climate near Jack London Square #
Temperate climate with mild summers (peaking in September) and cool winters (coldest in January). Temperatures range from 6°C to 25°C. Moderate rainfall (598 mm/year) with a pronounced dry season.
January
January is the coolest month with highs of 14°C and lows of 6°C. The wettest month with heavy rain (119 mm).
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February
February is cool with highs of 16°C and lows of 8°C. Significant rainfall (112 mm).
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March
March is cool with highs of 18°C and lows of 8°C. Regular rainfall (98 mm).
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April
April is cool with highs of 20°C and lows of 9°C. Moderate rainfall (37 mm).
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May
May is cool with highs of 22°C and lows of 11°C. Light rainfall.
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June
June is mild with highs of 24°C and lows of 12°C. Almost no rain.
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July
July is mild with highs of 24°C and lows of 13°C. The driest month with just 2 mm.
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August
August is mild with highs of 24°C and lows of 13°C. The driest month with just 2 mm.
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September
September is the warmest month with highs of 25°C and lows of 13°C. Almost no rain.
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October
October is cool with highs of 23°C and lows of 12°C. Moderate rainfall (36 mm).
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November
November is cool with highs of 18°C and lows of 9°C. Regular rainfall (84 mm).
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December
December is the coolest month with highs of 14°C and lows of 6°C. Regular rainfall (84 mm).
