Jack London Square
A popular tourist attraction on the waterfront of Oakland, California, Jack London Square is owned and operated by the Port of Oakland. Named after the author Jack London, it is located at the south end of Broadway, across the Oakland Estuary from Alameda and is one of the Bay Area’s most distinctive destinations. Jack London Square has also come to refer to the formerly industrial neighborhood surrounding the square proper, which has undergone a significant amount of loft conversion and new construction over the last decade. The square was originally developed in the 1970s into a Ghirardelli Square type of tourist attraction and is in the middle of further changes, with freshly renovated public places and a constantly evolving commercial life.
The square is one destination filled with history and nostalgia. Its history dates back to the gold rush days when the twice-weekly ferry service from San Francisco docked at the foot of Broadway. The area was also the site of the 1st meeting of the Town Trustees of Oakland in 1852.
Author Jack London was known to have written over 50 books, including “White Fang,” “The Sea Wolf,” and “The Call of the Wild” among others. His formative years as a writer were attributed to his friendship with Johnny Heinold, owner of Heinold’s First and Last Chance Saloon (so named because this is the spot where seafarers would get their first and last chance for a drink). Heinold befriended the young Jack who used to be selling newspapers outside his bar at the age of ten. One time, Heinold invited young Jack to come in and study the large Webster’s Dictionary he had bought for him. Jack then spent many hours selling newspapers from the barstool while collecting tales from the seafarers that he would later include in some of his famous works. Heinold was also responsible for lending Jack the money to purchase his first small sailboat and to attend the University of California. However, Jack didn’t stay in college long and soon began writing. Jack London mentioned Johnny Heinold and the First and Last Chance Saloon several times in his novels “John Barleycorn” and “The Tales of the Fish Patrol.”
In recognition of Johnny Heinold and his bar’s contribution to Jack London and the American literature, the First and Last Chance Saloon was named as a National Literary Landmark in January 1998 by the Friends of the Library, USA and was later added to the National Registry of Historic Places in September 2000. Heinold’s First and Last Chance Saloon has been in continuous operation from 1883 to the present.
Jack London Square California
Jack London square is presently the home of the relocated Alaskan cabin of Jack London, where he wrote some of his novels. Experience the Jack London History Walk, where one could follow the tracks around the square to the places of historical significance. Begin at Heinold’s and walk further to see other historical locations like the site of the first ferry service (now marked with Jack London’s life-size statue), the Presidential Yacht Potomac (FDR’s “Floating White House”), a Coast Guard Lightship and the beautifully restored old Coast Guard cutter. Dockside tours are always available while historic bay cruises depart seasonally.
Jack London Square is one of the few places where you can find a 19th century saloon, turn of the century warehouses, 50s coffee shops, and modern architecture co-existing in harmony. Hundreds of new residential units being constructed will attract new residents and will thereby change the area further. Enjoy history and local shopping with international appeal in a place named for America’s most successful writers of the early 20th century.
Jack London Square Information
Jack London Square is where Oakland began! We are located at the foot of Broadway at Embarcadero. Its easy to get to the Square by Ferry Boat, Train, Bus, BART or by car. There is plenty of street and covered garage parking available throughout the district.
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From the East |
From the West |
From the South |
Via Alameda/Oakland Ferry
Take the Alameda/Oakland Ferry from San Francisco, board either at PIER 41 or the Ferry Building.
From Bart
Exit at the 12th Street/City Center Station. Ride the 72R or 72M to Jack London Square.
AC Transit
Ride the 72R or 72M to Jack London Square.
Via Amtrak
Jack London Square is home to the award winning C.L. Dellums AMTRAK station located just one block from the center of the Square on Alice Street and the Embarcedero.
Parking
Two covered parking garages, surface parking lots and valet parking are available for diners, shoppers and movie-goers. Movie patrons receive three free hours of validated parking at the Washington Street Garage.