London Calling

PADDLE: Watch out San Francisco, Oakland's Jack London Square is giving the Ferry Building a run for its money. With a $300 million facelift in progress, the square is fast becoming the East Bay's waterfront hot spot. Get the full square experience by paddling the adjacent Oakland Estuary on a Sunday morning. Rent a boat—kayak, canoe, or even a dog-friendly double—from California Canoe & Kayak located right on the square. On the water, glide past stilts that support Kincaid's Bayhouse and Scott's Seafood. Paddle west toward the mouth of the estuary, going by FDR's "Floating White House" and the USS Potomac. On a clear morning the San Francisco skyline view stretches from AT&T Park to Coit Tower. Cross the estuary and head east along the Alameda shoreline. From this side you'll get a big view of Jack London Square's spectacular new market hall— imported palm trees are so Bay Area! (The hall is set to open in late 2009.)

GRUB: Refuel at one of the newest additions to Jack London Square, Miss Pearl's Jam House where a Caribbean inspired menu features everything from a standard bacon 'n' eggs to an island spiced Bahamian burger and sweet potato fries. Or, for grub on the go, hunt down the Copper Top Ovens booth in the farmers market and get a gourmet wood-fired pizza.

California Canoe & Kayak, 409 Water St., Jack London Square, Oakland; 510-893-7833. Open from 10:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. seven days a week. Double kayaks are $25 per hour. The only guided trip from Jack London Square is a moonlight trip; the next one is this Saturday, Oct. 3 at 6:00 p.m. The farmers market is every Sunday from 9:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m.