Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
Work up a sweat in the belly of this former power plant - you can't miss the smokestack -
where climbers can scale a 48-foot-high wall (full gear rental $5), conquer their problems
in the 1500-square-foot bouldering area, take yoga classes or use the gym.
Jack London Square
The area where writer and adventurer Jack London once raised hell now bears his name,
and recent spasms of redevelopment have added a new cinema complex, condo develop-
ment, excellent restaurants and some eclectic watering holes. The pretty waterfront loca-
10am-2pm)
takes over, or get off your feet and kayak around the harbor. Catch a ferry
from San Francisco - a worthwhile excursion in and of itself - and you'll land just paces
away.
Jack London's Yukon Cabin
LANDMARK
A replica of Jack London's Yukon cabin stands at the eastern end of the square. It's par-
tially built from the timbers of a cabin London lived in during the Yukon Gold Rush.
Oddly, people throw coins inside as if it's a fountain. Another interesting stop, adjacent to
the tiny cabin, is Heinold's First & Last Chance Saloon.
USS Potomac
HISTORIC SITE
510-627-1215;
www.usspotomac.org
;
admission $10;
11am-3pm Wed,
Fri & Sun)
Franklin D Roosevelt's 'floating White House,' the 165ft USS
Potomac
, is moored at Clay
and Water Sts by the ferry dock, and is open for dockside tours. Two-hour history cruises
(adult/child $55/35) are also held several times a month from May through October.
Lake Merritt
An urban respite, Lake Merritt is a popular place to stroll or go running (a 3.5-mile track
circles the lake). The two main commercial streets skirting Lake Merritt are Lakeshore
Ave on the eastern edge of the lake and Grand Ave, running along the north shore.
