Location. Location. Location. That’s Jack London’s selling point. It’s got Bay views, the call of seabirds, and the ferry as public transit. Enjoy the peace of the waterfront, or head a few paces onshore and down European styled walkways to a booming bar and restaurant scene.

A true Jack London Square experience would not be complete without Sunday brunch at Souley Vegan. The menu consists of vegan takes on classic soul food dishes, like cheese grits and chicken and waffles – perfect for a healthy, plant-based start to the day. To keep the health-kick going, try Crooked City Cider Tap House, where 35 hand-crafted ciders produced in Oakland are served. Everything on the menu is gluten free and vegan friendly, and the space includes pinball, board games, and darts.

For shopping, Oakland Supply Company is the place to shop local, offering many Oakland-made goods from jewelry to t-shirts. At dinnertime, try the American cuisine at Chop Bar, a gastropub with a mission to act as a gathering place for the community. When it’s time for a night cap, the neighborhood wine store and tasting room Minimo is where you’ll find sustainable and small-production wines, some even from the Bay Area.