Hayward
Introduction
Located in the East Bay subregion of the San Francisco Bay Area, Hayward sits within Alameda County. You will find this city positioned primarily between Castro Valley, San Leandro, and Union City, situated at the eastern terminus of the San Mateo–Hayward Bridge.
Before you go
To ensure a safe experience while exploring the city, you should remain aware of your surroundings. While much of the area is welcoming, certain rougher areas exist primarily in small pockets located directly off the five main east-west thoroughfares: A Street, Winton Avenue, Jackson Street, Tennyson Avenue, and Industrial Boulevard.
Getting there
You will find it easiest to navigate around Hayward and reach the area by car, as is common throughout the United States. If you prefer public transportation, several rail options are available. Amtrak operates multiple daily trains on the Capital Corridor route between Sacramento and San Jose via Oakland, with a stop at the local station on Meekland Avenue. For commuter rail, BART serves the city via the Warm Springs/South Fremont–Daly City line, featuring two stops within the city limits. The station located on B Street puts you within walking distance of many shops and restaurants in the city center.
While AC Transit buses operate in the region, they do not reach every part of Hayward. Additionally, you can fly into the area via the local executive airport.
Getting around
Navigating your way through Hayward involves navigating significant traffic, particularly within the Downtown area and along the local highways. You can rely on several bus systems to reach different parts of the city, including AC Transit and the All Nighter Bus Network. If you are exploring the Southern Hayward Area near the Union City border, Union City Transit provides local service.
For regional travel, you can use the BART system at the Downtown or South Hayward stations, which are located near the BayFair and Castro Valley stations. The HillHopper Bus System serves those heading to CSUEB, while an Amtrak station is available in the Burbank District.
Where to stay
Depending on your needs, you can find various accommodations ranging from no-frills budget stays to executive-class hotels. For a more polished experience, choose a business-class hotel in a suburban residential area featuring a pool and complimentary breakfast, or opt for an executive-class hotel located near an industrial zone that offers extensive meeting and wedding reception spaces.
- Choose a no-frills option near the airport if you prefer a simple, clean stay.
- Select a budget motel frequently used by truckers for a straightforward experience with various amenities.
- Stay at a mid-range hotel to enjoy business-class features without the premium pricing.
- Look for executive-class suites that offer accessible amenities and pet-friendly options.
- Find a location providing a complimentary hot breakfast and full business center services.
Food & drink
Explore a variety of dining options across the city center and along Mission, Jackson, and Foothill Blvds. While some areas offer standard chain restaurants, you can find authentic Mexican dishes at local taquerias or enjoy specialized cuisines such as Chinese Cantonese vegan food, Southeast Asian favorites, and Indian buffets. For a more traditional experience, visit an old-fashioned diner with vintage decor, a long-standing Mexican fixture, or a friendly hole-in-the-wall for pasta and pizza.
If you prefer a more curated atmosphere, choose from several distinct dining environments:
- A romantic California Cuisine restaurant set in a renovated Victorian house featuring an extensive wine selection.
- An Italian spot decorated with fine art and quality wine.
- Various sushi bars and Korean barbecue locations.
- A comfortable corner bar that hosts live music nightly, ranging from jazz to blues.
- One of the state's first active brewpubs serving pizza and poppers.
- A local favorite dive bar with a weekly live DJ.
- A legendary, Western-themed gay bar featuring a large patio area.
What to see and do
Explore the local history and cultural heritage of the region at the Museum of History & Culture, which tells the story of the area from its early inhabitants through the era of Spanish settlers and the Gold Rush. If you prefer a serene outdoor experience, visit The Japanese Gardens, recognized as some of the oldest in the country designed along traditional lines. For those seeking nature, the Sulphur Creek Nature Center features a wildflower garden and enclosures for rescued animals, while the Hayward Shoreline Interpretive Center offers an elevated platform to view the surrounding marshlands.
Experience the local landscape through various outdoor activities:
- Walk through natural habitats on trails in Garin/Dry Creek Pioneer Regional Parks or explore the "wilderness in miniature" at Don Castro Regional Park, where you can see turtles, frogs, and deer.
- Enjoy a swim in the clear blue waters of the Don Castro swim lagoon during the summer months.
- Take in panoramic views of the bay from the hills near the university, where you can see nearby cities like Oakland and San Francisco at once.
- View public murals throughout the city or visit local galleries such as Cinema Place Gallery and John O'Lague Galleria.
- Experience local culture at the Hayward/Russell City Blues Festival, which celebrates African-American history through music.
Three days in Hayward
Day one, you can explore the local atmosphere of the Southern Hayward Area. You might spend your time navigating the streets near Winton Avenue or Jackson Street to get a feel for the neighborhood.
Day two, travel toward the heart of the city to experience Downtown. You can find your way through the area while exploring the sights along Tennyson Avenue or Industrial Boulevard.
Day three, you can plan your transit options for the surrounding region. You have choices such as the BART, the All Nighter Bus Network, or the Union City Transit to help you move through the East Bay and beyond.