Escape the Central Valley heat and take Amtrak San Joaquins to Oakland for the day or weekend and explore The Town. Amtrak San Joaquins takes you right to Jack London Square which is full of restaurants, bars, shops, and more. Get your Amtrak San Joaquins ticket today!
Read on for great destinations you can visit in Oakland this summer!
If you only have a bit of time, or want to only explore the area on foot, there are tons of great restaurants, shopping, and sites for you to enjoy just a block away from the Jack London Square Station. Jack London Square, Oakland’s vibrant waterfront district, is a historic neighborhood that is growing in popularity for locals and visitors alike. And there are many reasons this has become the go-to neighborhood. Here are some fun things you can do just a beat away from the train station:
Jack London Square offers a variety of dining options, from casual to high-end. For great Thai food, check out Farmhouse Kitchen Thai, which combines a fun atmosphere with authentic, quality dishes. Or head over to Scott’s Seafood, a classic old-school restaurant serving your favorite seafood dishes with views of the passing boats and the natural beauty of the Oakland Estuary. If you are looking for vegan options, Souley Vegan is a great choice, offering vegan twists on Louisiana soul food staples on the corner of 3rd Street and Broadway.
Make the most of your evening at Jack London Square with options including historic dives, and trendy cocktail bars. The oldest bar in Oakland, Heinold’s First and Last Chance Saloon, is virtually across the street from the Amtrak Station. This incredible space opened in 1884 and over the years has served sailors, locals, and famous writer Jack London. You can also visit Slainte for an authentic Irish pub experience where you can enjoy traditional Irish cooking and classic cocktails. For craft beer, check out Tigers Taproom for a selection of fresh brews in a laid-back setting.
Head over to California Canoe & Kayak and soak in the sun and enjoy the amazing Bay views while paddling on the Oakland Estuary. On a clear day, you can even see the San Francisco skyline to the west. California Canoe & Kayak offers lessons if it’s your first time paddling or if you are needing a refresher!
If you’re visiting for the weekend, you won’t want to miss the weekly market in Jack London Square, held every Sunday from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Combining a traditional farmer’s market with a Maker’s Market featuring a variety of vendors, you’ll be sure to find something to take with you.
Staying the night? The Waterfront Hotel offers an unbeatable location, stellar views, and top notch accommodations – all for an affordable price and within walking distance of the Amtrak Station. Centrally located in the middle of Jack London Square, you’ll be right at the center of all the action!
The fun does not stop when you go beyond Jack London Square. Downtown Oakland and its surrounding neighborhoods have tons of great destinations to explore that will entertain and educate you and your friends/family. Check out these four amazing spots within a half-hour or less of the Jack London Square Station:
The Oakland Museum of California (OMCA) offers a great selection of artwork along with history and science exhibits. Check out their year-round collections or stop by for special exhibits highlighting incredible artists. You can grab a drink or snack at the museum’s top-notch cafe.
Getting there: The museum is fairly close to the station, and can be reached in 23 minutes by walking or 8 minutes by bike.
Your kids will love the Children’s Fairyland! Located right next to beautiful Lake Merritt, the Fairyland has delightful attractions including storybook sets, rides, animals, and gardens. After visiting Fairyland, you can take a relaxing stroll around Lake Merritt and check out the Lake Merritt Gardens where you’ll find bonsais, rhododendrons, succulents, and other botanical delights. Don’t miss out on the magic and get your ticket today!
Getting there: Children’s Fairyland is a little under 2 miles from Jack London Station, and can be reached via AC Transit bus service in about 20 minutes, or in 10 minutes by rideshare.
Oakland is home to a world-class zoo that makes a perfect destination for a family day trip. With over 850 native and exotic animals, along with educational exhibits, a roller coaster, and even a gondola ride offering unparalleled views of the Bay Area and its native species.
Getting there: Oakland Zoo is located in east Oakland and can be reached in 15-20 minutes via rideshare from the Jack London station.
You are closer to a fun Oakland getaway than you realize! With Amtrak San Joaquins, you can take a quick trip to The Town and enjoy the restaurants, bars, shops, and cultural activities that make this a world-class destination for many around the world. Even better, you can get there without worrying about traffic, parking, or gas! Get your Amtrak San Joaquins ticket today!
(October 30 -- Stockton, CA) – The San Joaquin Joint Powers Authority (SJJPA) and the California Department of Transportation (Caltrans) have secured $54.5 million in federal grant funding through the Multimodal Project Discretionary Grant (MPDG) MEGA initiative to support the Madera High-Speed Rail (HSR) Station Project.
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Take a trip to the Inland Empire for a unique California experience. Riverside offers visitors a look at the historic origins of the region and exciting cultural attractions, with the charm and ease of quaint small town America.
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Trains 712 and 717 are both cancelled Tuesday, October 2, 2024. For passengers that intended to travel on those trains, please contact 1-800-USA-RAIL to rebook.
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