Hayward Travel Guide

Trek Zone

City

Facts and practical information

Nestled in the heart of California, Hayward is a vibrant city that offers a unique blend of natural beauty, cultural diversity, and exciting attractions. Known for its moderate climate and picturesque landscapes, it is an ideal destination for outdoor enthusiasts and nature lovers.

Hayward boasts an array of stunning parks and open spaces, making it a haven for outdoor activities. One of the highlights is Garin Regional Park, which spans over 3,000 acres and offers panoramic views of the Bay Area. Visitors can hike through scenic trails, have a picnic by the lake, or even go horseback riding. For those seeking a more relaxed experience, the Hayward Japanese Gardens provide a tranquil oasis with its meticulously manicured landscapes and serene koi ponds.

In addition to its natural beauty, Hayward also offers a rich cultural experience. The Hayward Area Historical Society showcases the city's history through its exhibits and artifacts, providing a fascinating glimpse into the past. For art enthusiasts, the Sun Gallery showcases the works of local artists and hosts various exhibitions throughout the year.

For a taste of Hayward's diverse culinary scene, downtown Hayward is the place to be. The area is teeming with an array of restaurants, cafes, and eateries offering a wide range of cuisines, from traditional American fare to international delights. Whether you're in the mood for a juicy burger, fresh seafood, or spicy ethnic dishes, you'll find something to satisfy your taste buds.

Sports fans will also find plenty to enjoy in Hayward. The city is home to California State University, East Bay, which boasts a vibrant athletics program. Catch a game at the Pioneer Stadium and cheer on the university's teams as they compete in various sports.

Alternative names: Population: 158.3 thous.Area: 63.83 mi²Elevation: 112 ft a.s.l.Coordinates: 37°40'24"N, 122°4'55"W

Location

CaliforniaUnited States

Contact

Website

Social media

Add

Hayward Top Attractions

Hayward Attractions - What to See and Explore

Hayward offers many attractions and places to visit. Here are the most important ones: Garin Regional Park, Cull Canyon Regional Recreation Area, Kennedy Park, Hayward Area Recreation and Park District. Below you will find a complete list of places worth visiting.

Park
Garin Regional Park
Garin Regional Park is a regional park located in Hayward, California, that is part of the East Bay Regional Parks system. It shares a contiguous border with sister park Dry Creek Pioneer Regional Park.
Park
Cull Canyon Regional Recreation Area
Cull Canyon Regional Recreation Area is a regional park located in Castro Valley, Alameda County, California. It is part of the East Bay Regional Park District system.
Museum • Playground • Park
Kennedy Park
Kennedy Park is a large, multi-use park in Hayward, California, managed by the Hayward Area Recreation and Park District. It is the most heavily used park in the district.

Park • Mission-Foothill
Hayward Area Recreation and Park District
The Hayward Area Recreation and Park District is the park management agency for most of the parks in the city of Hayward, California. It was created in 1944 and is an independent special district under California law. H.A.R.D. is the largest recreation district in California.
Botanical garden • Park • Garden
Japanese Gardens
The Hayward Japanese Gardens, located near downtown Hayward, are the oldest Japanese gardens in California designed along traditional lines. They are maintained by the Hayward Area Recreation and Park District.
City hall • Downtown Hayward
Hayward City Hall
Hayward City Hall is the third and current Hayward city hall building, located in downtown Hayward, California, United States, next to the Hayward BART Station. The city hall opened in January 1998, replacing the abandoned City Center Building, which served as Hayward's city hall for 29 years from 1969 to 1998.
Museum • Park • History museum
Meek Park
The Meek Mansion is a historic mansion in unincorporated Cherryland, California, just north of Hayward. It is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. Located on nearly 10 acres, the Victorian house was built in 1869 by William Meek.
Area
Castro Valley
Castro Valley is a census-designated place in Alameda County, California, United States. As of the 2010 census, it is the fifth most populous unincorporated area in California and the twenty-third most populous in the United States.
Park
Dry Creek Pioneer Regional Park
Dry Creek Pioneer Regional Park is a regional park located in Union City, California, sharing a contiguous border with sister park Garin Regional Park. It is part of the East Bay Regional Parks system.
Cemetery
Chapel of the Chimes
Chapel of the Chimes Memorial Park and Funeral Home is a 61-acre cemetery, mausoleum, crematorium, columbarium and funeral home complex in Hayward, California. The site was first established as a seven-acre cemetery in 1872. One of the memorial park's three mausoleums is circular in design, the only such one in California.
Cemetery • Memorial
Lone Tree Cemetery
Lone Tree Cemetery is a 42-acre, active, nonprofit cemetery, mausoleum and columbarium complex in unincorporated Fairview, California, adjacent to the city of Hayward. The site was first established in 1868.
37°40'36"N • 122°3'50"W
Sulphur Creek Nature Center
Park • Nature and wildlife
Bridge • Downtown Hayward
Dumbarton Rail Bridge
The Dumbarton Rail Bridge lies just to the south of the Dumbarton road bridge. Built in 1910, the rail bridge was the first structure to span San Francisco Bay, shortening the rail route between Oakland and San Francisco by 26 miles.
Museum • North Hayward
Hayward Area Historical Society
Hayward Area Historical Society is a nonprofit organization dedicated to documenting the history of the city of Hayward, California and adjacent communities.
Neighbourhood • Downtown Hayward
Downtown Hayward
Downtown Hayward is the original and current central business district of Hayward, California, United States, and is home to the current Hayward City Hall, along with the two previous city halls, Alex Giualini Plaza and the City Center Building.
Skyscraper • North Hayward
City Center Building
The City Center Building, known briefly as Centennial Tower, was the tallest building in Hayward, California. It was previously the second tallest, until the 2013 razing of Warren Hall on the Cal State East Bay campus.
Park
Olompali State Historic Park
Olompali State Historic Park is a 700-acre California State Park in Marin County, California. It is constituted of the former Rancho Olómpali and was the site of the famed Battle of Olómpali during the Bear Flag Revolt.
Cemetery • Mission-Garin
Holy Sepulchre Cemetery
Holy Sepulchre Cemetery is a cemetery in Hayward, California. It is a Catholic cemetery run by the Roman Catholic Diocese of Oakland, which also operates the Holy Angels Funeral and Cremation Center at the same location.
Park • Five Canyons
Five Canyons Open Space
Five Canyons Open Space is located in Castro Valley, in Alameda County, California. Five Canyons is a multi-agency collaboration between East Bay Regional Parks District, Alameda County Public Works, Hayward Area Recreation and Parks District, and several homeowners associations.

Day trips

Hayward – popular in the area (distance from the center)

In the vicinity of Hayward, it's worth seeing attractions such as: Golden Gate Bridge (San Francisco), de Young Museum (San Francisco), San Francisco Museum of Modern Art (San Francisco).

24 milesNW
Iconic art deco span opened in 1937
Golden Gate Bridge, San Francisco
Spanning the strait that connects San Francisco Bay to the Pacific Ocean, the Golden Gate Bridge stands as an iconic marvel of modern engineering and a celebrated symbol of San Francisco. Completed in 1937, this suspension bridge is renowned for its striking...
22 milesW
Fine-arts museum with a sculpture garden
de Young Museum, San Francisco
Nestled in the heart of San Francisco's vibrant Golden Gate Park, the de Young Museum stands as a testament to the city's rich cultural tapestry and dedication to the arts. This premier public art institution, known for its distinctive copper facade that naturally...
19 milesNW
Vast collection of prominent artworks
San Francisco Museum of Modern Art, San Francisco
Nestled in the heart of San Francisco's bustling downtown, the San Francisco Museum of Modern Art (SFMOMA) stands as a beacon of contemporary creativity and innovation. This temple of modern and contemporary art, reopened in 2016 after a significant expansion, is one...
19 milesNW
Hands-on science museum
Exploratorium, San Francisco
The Exploratorium, nestled in the vibrant city of San Francisco, is a public learning laboratory that invites exploration and discovery at the intersection of science, art, and human perception. This innovative museum, located at Pier 15 along the city's bustling...
22 milesW
Museum with science exhibits and research
California Academy of Sciences, San Francisco
Nestled within the verdant Golden Gate Park in San Francisco, the California Academy of Sciences stands as a beacon of knowledge and an ode to the natural world. This prestigious institution is not just a museum; it is an expansive realm of exploration that includes an...

Show all

Best Time To Visit Hayward

Learn when is the best time to travel to Hayward weather-wise and what to expect in each season.

Popularity among visitors

JFMAMJJASOND

June, July, August and September are the busiest months in this location. Slightly fewer tourists decide to visit in April.

Average temperatures in °F

JFMAMJJASOND

The highest air temperature is in May, June, July, August and September. While the coldest is in January.

Monthly rainfall in inches

JFMAMJJASOND

The lowest rainfall is recorded in July and August. Most of it rains in January.

Length of day in hours

JFMAMJJASOND

We can expect the longest days in June, while the shortest in December.

Sunrise

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

What are the top attractions to visit in Hayward?

The top attractions to visit in Hayward are:

What is the best time to visit Hayward?

June, July, August and September are the busiest months in this location. Slightly fewer tourists decide to visit in April. The highest air temperature is in May, June, July, August and September. While the coldest is in January.