Jack London Square sits right on Oakland’s waterfront, and it’s genuinely one of the best places to wander around with a dog in the East Bay. The whole setup centers on open water views and wide pathways that give you room to move without feeling crowded, even on busy days. You’ll find everything from casual taco spots to upscale seafood restaurants lining the square, and many of them have outdoor seating where your dog can hang out while you eat.

The real draw here is how the space itself is laid out. There are actual lawns where you can sit, proper walking paths along the piers, and plenty of shade from the trees scattered throughout. On a nice day, the whole area fills with people grabbing lunch or drinks, and dogs are completely normal here—nobody gives you a second look. We saw dogs of all sizes roaming around, some on leash, some in carriers, and the vibe was relaxed about it.

Beyond eating, there are local shops tucked into the square selling everything from artisanal crafts to clothing and gifts. It’s a mix of independent stores rather than chains, so there’s actual character to the browsing. The shopping is honestly secondary to the eating and walking though—most people come here for the restaurants and the waterfront scene.

Parking can be a pain during peak times, so aim for off-hours if you can. The square also hosts events throughout the year, so check ahead if something specific brings you to Oakland. Even without planned activities, just showing up on a weekend afternoon with your dog and picking a restaurant that has outdoor seating gives you a solid few hours of hanging out somewhere that actually feels like a destination rather than a parking lot with food stands.