San Leandro Oyster Beds

The San Leandro Oyster Beds are remnants of a historic oyster farming operation along Mulford Point Drive in the San Leandro Marina area. The site preserves traces of the canal network that once supported the cultivation of oysters.

Moses Wicks founded the California oyster industry by shipping oyster seed around Cape Horn in the late 1800s to establish the San Leandro operation. This venture launched a significant commercial industry along the California coast.

A curved mosaic mural at the marina displays oyster harvesting methods from the early 1900s through colorful tiles and imagery. This artwork tells the story of daily labor that once defined this waterfront location.

The site is accessible from North Dike Road at the southern end of the San Leandro Marina area. The location is open to visitors, though traces of the original infrastructure may be faint or partially submerged.

The beds were regularly raided by oyster pirates, including future American author Jack London during their peak operating years. This criminal activity was an overlooked chapter in London's life before his literary fame.

GPS coordinates: 37.69534,-122.19330

Latest update: December 12, 2025 07:54