Overview
Hayward is a city in the inner East Bay in the San Francisco Bay Area region of California located next to the San Francisco Bay.
Hayward is located near premier tourist locations (San Francisco), first rate educational institutions (Berkeley and Stanford), and an economic powerhouse (Silicon Valley), however relatively speaking Hayward does not have as much to offer as its neighbors. Even so, its central location may make it a very economical home base for tourists and commuters, and its panoramic views of the Bay alone are worth the side trip for visitors.
On paper, the landscape of this city of 163,000 people (2020) sounds nearly perfect. Hayward boasts of a central bay shoreline, a quaint city center with a small town feel in the city flatlands, hills which overlook the bay, and a hub of highways that connect everywhere in the bay area to the inland areas of California. Unfortunately the shoreline is mostly filled with warehouses and marshland, and the city center is slightly run down, although it is slowly being renovated.
5 sights · 6 things to do · 12 places to eat · 4 bars & cafés · 8 places to stay
Updated from Wikivoyage on 1 October 2026 · Something wrong or missing? Improve it on Wikivoyage
Best things about Hayward
Garin/Dry Creek Pioneer Regional Parks
Among the number of parks in the East Bay Regional Park system located in Hayward. Beautiful walking trails through natural habitats. once a year in September the park hosts an Apple Festival, with tastings of dozens of …
Don Castro Regional Park
The clear blue waters of the Don Castro swim lagoon are a favorite with central Alameda County residents. The lagoon and adjacent lake were created in 1964 when the Alameda Flood Control and Water Conservation District d…
Sulphur Creek Nature Center
Outside are enclosures to view larger birds and other animals, including a raven, red-tailed hawk, coyote, owl and vulture. All animals found here are rescued animals (it operates as a rescue and rehabilitation center) w…
Kennedy Park
The most popular park and picnic area in town. The carousel, petting zoo, pony ride, and train ride are usually closed on school days.
Museum of History & Culture
Beginning with the Ohlone Indians and followed by Spanish settlers and missionaries, Hayward, San Lorenzo, Castro Valley and other communities clustered on the east side of San Francisco Bay, have long been a cultural cr…
The Japanese Gardens
The oldest Japanese gardens in the US designed along traditional lines. Reservations for weddings available.
Plan your trip
Best time to visit & weather
Most comfortable: Mar–Nov. Summer highs reach about 76°F; winter lows dip to about 41°F. Wettest: Jan and Feb. (climate data from nearby San Leandro)
Blue bars: average daily high and low (°F). Purple columns: average monthly rain and melted snow (inches).
Getting there
- From you: to see whether to drive or fly, and how long it takes.
- OAK Oakland San Francisco Bay Airport, Oakland — 9 mi away (major hub). Directions
- SQL San Carlos Airport, San Carlos — 13 mi away. Directions
As is the case in most of the U.S., you will find it easiest to get to and around Hayward by car.
Full “Get in” guide ↓Budget & where to stay
- Places to stay listed here: about $70–$120 a night (typical $100), from 8 listed prices.
- Typical meal: about $20 per person at listed restaurants.
- Estimated daily budget per person (room, two meals, local transport and an activity): budget ~$110, mid-range ~$180, comfortable ~$290.
See the Sleep guide ↓ for places to stay.
Sample 3-day itinerary
Day 1
- Morning Museum of History & Culture, The Japanese Gardens, Sulphur Creek Nature Center
- Lunch Sapporo
- Afternoon Don Castro Regional Park, Kennedy Park
- Dinner The Pizza House
- Evening Buffalo Bill's Brewery
Day 2
- Morning Garin/Dry Creek Pioneer Regional Parks
- Lunch Red Chili
- Afternoon Hayward/Russell City Blues Festival
- Dinner Val's Burgers
- Evening The Bistro
Day 3
- Morning Hayward Shoreline Interpretive Center
- Lunch Neumanali
- Afternoon Cinema Place Gallery
- Dinner Han Yang Korean Bar-B-Q
- Evening The World Famous Turf Club
Stops are grouped by area so each day needs little backtracking. Check opening hours before you go.
Food for you
Although the overall number of restaurants in Hayward is respectable by the standards of most cities in the United States, the choices are disappointing compared to those in nearby gourmet powerhouses Berkeley and Oakland. The advantages here: plentiful parking, lower prices, shorter waits. Most of the Mexican restaurants, especially the taquerias, are excellent inexpensive places to chow down on authentic, if non-gourmet, traditional dishes. If you choose to find a place to eat in Hayward, the city center is normally the best place to go, though many eateries can be found all around Hayward. You can also find food on Mission, Jackson, and Foothill Blvds.
There are also the usual chain restaurants including Dominoes, Taco Bell, McDonald's, The International House of Pancakes, and so on.
Cuisine (tap to filter)
What to ask about, for your diet
Diet labels come from each listing's description and cuisine; “likely” means the cuisine usually has good choices, not a promise. Check with the restaurant. Open the food finder
Photos
Map
Every listing with a location. Tap a pin for its Google Maps link.
Get in
As is the case in most of the U.S., you will find it easiest to get to and around Hayward by car.
That being said, there are several options for arriving by public transport. Amtrak runs multiple trains per day on its Capital Corridor route between Sacramento and San Jose, via Oakland. Long distance trains calls at Hayward Amtrak station, located at 22555 Meekland Ave. Commuter rail is provided by BART, which serves serves Hayward via its Warm Springs/South Fremont–Daly City line with two stops within city limits. South Hayward at 28601 Dixon St and Hayward station at 699 B St, the latter one within walking distance to many shops and restaurants in the city centre.
There are buses run by AC Transit, but these do not go to all parts of Hayward.
By plane
Get around
Hayward does have a lot of traffic in the Downtown area and on Highways. Hayward has several bus systems that serve the city. AC Transit and All Nighter Bus Network provide bus service and Union City Transit provides service in the Southern Hayward Area along the Union City Border. SamTrans service was discontinued in 1999. The HillHopper Bus System provides service to CSUEB. BART Has two stations (Downtown, South Hayward) with BayFair and Castro Valley BART stations nearby. Hayward has an Amtrak station in the Burbank District.
See
See Museum of History & Culture (Hayward Area Historical Society)
Beginning with the Ohlone Indians and followed by Spanish settlers and missionaries, Hayward, San Lorenzo, Castro Valley and other communities clustered on the east side of San Francisco Bay, have long been a cultural crossroads. In the wake of the Gold Rush, former miners and new immigrants established homes and businesses, planted orchards and raised livestock setting down roots that grew into communities known for their diverse population, varied industry, and suburban living. The Hayward Area Historical Society tells the region's story at its downtown museum and through tours of historic sites.
See Garin/Dry Creek Pioneer Regional Parks
Among the number of parks in the East Bay Regional Park system located in Hayward. Beautiful walking trails through natural habitats. once a year in September the park hosts an Apple Festival, with tastings of dozens of apple varieties grown at a former ranch site in the park.
See Don Castro Regional Park
The clear blue waters of the Don Castro swim lagoon are a favorite with central Alameda County residents. The lagoon and adjacent lake were created in 1964 when the Alameda Flood Control and Water Conservation District dammed San Lorenzo Creek. Today the lagoon is supplied with water from EBMUD, and a large shallow area is roped off especially for children. The adjacent lake is closed to boating and swimming, but hikers along the shore will discover a surprising wilderness in miniature, where turtles and frogs splash in the water, ducks rest in the reeds and raccoons and deer come down to drink at sunset.
- Swimming (fee) in the lagoon is the park's main attraction from Memorial Day until Labor Day. Swim hours are from 11AM to 6PM, and only when lifeguards are on duty. There is a bathhouse, a vending machine, a sandy beach and large lawn areas. Dogs are not allowed in the swim complex.
- Picnic sites are available on a first-come, first-served basis, although some reservable group sites are available (fee).
- Fishing Anglers along the lake may catch trout, bass, catfish and bluegill. The lake is stocked regularly with trout and catfish. A California state fishing license is required for anglers age 16 or older. In addition, a Park District daily fishing permit is required and may be purchased through a self-registration process located at the swim complex entrance - exact change required. State fish and game regulations apply.
- Trails are open to hikers, bikers, and horseback riders.
See Murals
The city has an extensive set of public murals, some of them quite spectacular (if out of the way). they have won a state award for the program that administers them as a joint beautification/graffiti abatement project. Cinema place downtown has 3, and 2 long murals are next to Jackson/92, towards downtown.
Do
Hayward is home to the CSUEB, the California State University East Bay. The highlight of Hayward is in the beautiful panoramic views of the bay which can be seen from and near the university in the hills. Visitors anywhere in the bay should definitely take this detour. From the Hayward hills, one can see Fremont, Silicon Valley, Oakland and San Francisco at once.
The drive from Hayward/Castro Valley to Oakland on Redwood Road is quite beautiful. This road is usually empty, and has the feel of being in a remote area despite the fact that it is near the bay. Beware of the cyclists and the Import racers that frequent Redwood Road.
Do Hayward Shoreline Interpretive Center
A place where children can go to learn about nature, and families can hike on paths through the marshland. Aquariums, an interactive computer exhibit on the Bay, videos, maps, exhibits, a gift shop, and restrooms. Outside an elevated observation platform gives a good view of the surrounding marshlands.
Do Sulphur Creek Nature Center
Outside are enclosures to view larger birds and other animals, including a raven, red-tailed hawk, coyote, owl and vulture. All animals found here are rescued animals (it operates as a rescue and rehabilitation center) who cannot return to the wild. There also is a beautiful wildflower garden. Interior displays and most events are geared toward younger children, with terrariums at a kids eye level. Monthly programs about animals for a cost of $5–6 per family. Picnic tables, hiking trail. Free.
Buy
The best shopping in the Bay Area is found in the cities of Berkeley, Oakland, San Francisco, and San Jose. The downtown lost a lot of its smaller businesses when Southland Mall opened off of 880, which is a fine place for mall and big box store shopping. Cinema Place in downtown on B Street is a new theater with shopping and restaurants.
Every Saturday at Main St. and B St. 9AM-1PM the Hayward Farmers Market is held.
Southland Mall is a large sized old fashioned mall, with a central closed building, and satellite businesses, including some good restaurants like Elephant Bar. Anchor stores include Sears, Macy's.
Eat
Although the overall number of restaurants in Hayward is respectable by the standards of most cities in the United States, the choices are disappointing compared to those in nearby gourmet powerhouses Berkeley and Oakland. The advantages here: plentiful parking, lower prices, shorter waits. Most of the Mexican restaurants, especially the taquerias, are excellent inexpensive places to chow down on authentic, if non-gourmet, traditional dishes. If you choose to find a place to eat in Hayward, the city center is normally the best place to go, though many eateries can be found all around Hayward. You can also find food on Mission, Jackson, and Foothill Blvds.
There are also the usual chain restaurants including Dominoes, Taco Bell, McDonald's, The International House of Pancakes, and so on.
Budget
Eat Favorite Indian Restaurant
A proper Indian lunch and dinner buffet with excellent prices, online ordering and delivery services.
Eat Red Chili
Cozy spot for Southeast Asian favorites in large portions for very good prices.
Eat Veggie Lee
Chinese Cantonese vegan food, no garlic/onion (Buddhist), near Kennedy Park.
Mid-range
Eat Buon Appetito
A clean and old-fashioned Italian place with fine art on the walls, quality vino and reasonable prices.
Eat Emil Villa's California Barbecue
Old fashioned diner with beige vinyl seats and checkerboard floors.
Eat Han Yang Korean Bar-B-Q
A choice stop for Korean standards and good prices.
Eat La Piñata
A cozy decades-long Mexican fixture of the town, first of a local chain. Reservations for large groups.
Eat The Pizza House
Local, friendly hole-in-the-wall pizza and pasta place. Try the linguini verde. (Free) Delivery area: Hayward, San Leandro, San Lorenzo and Castro Valley
Eat Sapporo
A chill place for lunch and dinner, a good sushi list and everything's fresh.
Eat Val's Burgers
A vintage burgers, coffee, shakes and fries joint that looks right out of the 1950s.
Eat Yuki Hana Sushi (Formerly Hayward Japan Grill)
A standard of the town with a fine brick edifice and a clean sushi bar.
Splurge
Eat Neumanali
California Cuisine, mid to high end prices, and an excellent wine selection and wine bar. Located in a renovated Victorian house, just off downtown, with beautiful plantings, this is a completely romantic yet stylishly modern restaurant. The food is quite good, and worth the prices (with good portions to boot). House special Mushroom brushetta is excellent, and the chef's use of vegetables is actually something new, like finely sliced, nearly raw, crispy cauliflower on a trout amandine; original texture and flavor contrasts, such as warm marinated olives with orange peel and garlic, in the style of a Tapas bar. Reservations recommended, holidays like Valentine's day fill up quickly. Worth a trip from other parts of the Bay.
Drink
The downtown area has enough odd little hangouts and events, one can easily perambulate on a Friday night and pick up on blues or other music at the Music Depot (944 B St.), "pub" crawl, see a movie at Cinema Place. Always plenty of parking.
Drink The Bistro
A comfortable corner bar that is really the only place to hear live music in the area on a consistent basis almost every night. They usually have open mic on Mondays. Never a cover charge, and the music ranges from 1920s, blues, jazz, and rock on any day of the week. It's a small place on B street that's worth checking out if you're there after all the downtown shops close down. They serve salads and sandwiches and have tables that flow outside the establishment. No hard liquor, wines and 12 microbrews on tap, and good coffee.
Drink Buffalo Bill's Brewery
Among the very first of the state's active brewpubs, serving the usual favorites of poppers and pizza late into the evening. Kitchen closes an hour before closing, last call is 15 minutes before close.
Drink The Funky Monkey
A local favorite dive bar that serves a variety of beers and ales as well as mixed drinks. Crowded during football season on Monday nights. Weekly live DJ, dropping quality hip-hop beats.
Drink The World Famous Turf Club
Very straight friendly, somewhat Western themed gay bar, with a large, sandy, funky patio area in back. They state they have existed since 1923. Very much a legendary local hangout. Not fancy, nothing to notice from the outside.
Sleep
Stay Best Western PLUS Inn of Hayward
A nice, clean business-class hotel near the freeway in an otherwise suburban residential area. Cable sat TV, phones and dataports with high-speed Internet. Full meeting and banquet facilities, pool, full complimentary breakfast. Free parking. All rooms require $100 deposit above and beyond rental price and must be 21 or older to rent. Not pet-friendly.
Stay Quality Inn (Formerly Comfort Inn)
Complimentary hot breakfast as well as juice, coffee, milk and tea. Complimentary wifi. Full business center with fax and copy services available. Reservations must be cancelled at least 24 hours before 4PM/24 hours before the first day of your stay.
Stay safe
Like most cities in the United States, Hayward does have its rougher areas. Most of these are small areas right off of the five main streets in Hayward that run east to west. (A St, Winton Ave, Jackson St, Tennyson Ave, and Industrial Blvd.)
Go next
Due to its central location it is easy to get to most parts of the Bay Area using a car, BART, or Amtrak.
San Leandro - Hayward's eclectic neighbor to the north, home of the Otis Spunkmeyer headquarters, worldwide industries, malls, hotels and regional parks and shorelines.
Nearby
Union City
City / town · 9 listings · 3 mi away
Castro Valley
City / town · 6 listings · 4 mi away
San Leandro
City / town · 67 listings · 7 mi away
Newark
City / town · 17 listings · 8 mi away
Fremont
City / town · 45 listings · 9 mi away
Dublin
City / town · 11 listings · 9 mi away
Sunol
City / town · 15 listings · 11 mi away
San Ramon
City / town · 10 listings · 11 mi away
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