Jack London Square: From Rowdy Sailors to Trendy Brunch Spots (and Everything in Between)
Ah, Jack London Square. Just the name conjures up images of salty sea dogs (possibly with an eye patch or two), swirling mists off the San Francisco Bay, and maybe a good bar fight breaking out (though hopefully not!). But fear not, landlubbers, the Square's these days a whole lot more brunch mimosa than rum and brawls.
A Square with a Past (and a Saloon!)
Yep, Jack London Square wasn't always the sparkling waterfront destination it is today. Back in the day, it was a rough and tumble port town, a place where sailors would blow their hard-earned cash on grog (that's a fancy word for not-so-fancy rum) and gamble the night away. In fact, you can still belly up to the bar at the legendary Heinold's First and Last Chance Saloon, which has been dispensing drinks (and possibly dubious wisdom) since 1861!
Did Jack London himself frequent the saloon? Well, that's a bit of a mystery. Some say the tales spun by the barflies there helped inspire his adventure novels like "The Call of the Wild," but whether he actually hung out there is up for debate. Maybe he just preferred a quieter spot to contemplate the existential angst of being a penniless writer.
From Rough Around the Edges to Polished Perfection (Kind Of)
Fast forward to the present day, and Jack London Square has traded its pirate booty for artisanal cheese shops and craft breweries. There's still a hint of that old-time vibe, with the historic buildings lining the waterfront, but now they house fancy restaurants with patio seating and enough flat-screen TVs to watch every sporting event ever invented (simultaneously, if that's your thing).
Looking for a place to spend an afternoon? Jack London Square has you covered. You can browse the shops, rent a kayak and paddle around the Oakland Estuary (watch out for rogue pelicans!), or catch a flick at the movie theater. There's even a weekly farmer's market where you can stock up on fresh produce and locally-made crafts (perfect for those Instagram-worthy brunch charcuterie boards).
Don't Forget the Culture! (In Between Bites of Crab Cakes)
Okay, okay, it's not all just about food and shopping (although, let's be honest, those are pretty great reasons to visit). Jack London Square also boasts a bit of culture. You can visit the replica cabin where Jack London himself once lived (though, spoiler alert, it's not exactly the Ritz-Carlton), or catch a concert at the renowned Yoshi's jazz club, a Bay Area institution.
And hey, if you're feeling fancy, you can even spend the night on a historic yacht! The USS Potomac, once the presidential yacht for Franklin D. Roosevelt, is now docked in the Square and offers overnight stays. Just imagine telling your friends you slept on the same boat as FDR – that's one heck of a story to drop at your next cocktail party.
Jack London Square: FAQ
How to get to Jack London Square? It's easily accessible by car, bike, or public transportation (including the ferry from San Francisco!).
How much does it cost to visit? Entrance to the Square itself is free, but obviously, there will be costs for things like food, drinks, and activities.
Is it family-friendly? Absolutely! There's plenty to keep the little ones entertained, from the waterfront to the movie theater.
Is there parking? There are several parking garages in the area, but be prepared to pay – especially on weekends.
What are the best times to visit? Jack London Square is lively year-round, but the summer months are especially popular. If you're looking for a quieter experience, try a weekday morning or evening.
