The Top 10 Places to Visit in Hayward, California

At just 25 miles southeast of San Francisco, the city of Hayward offers a surprising variety of places to visit and unique things to see and do. With a population of over 162,000, Hayward is the sixth largest city in the San Francisco Bay Area. Its diverse blend of nature, culture, history, cuisine, and recreation makes it an appealing destination for all kinds of travellers.

1. Hayward Japanese Gardens

• Opened in 1980, the Hayward Japanese Gardens is a serene 3.5-acre oasis in the heart of Hayward.

• Designed by landscape architect Kimio Kimura, it’s considered one of the most authentic Japanese gardens in California.

• Stroll along the winding paths to discover stone lanterns, a graceful moon bridge, koi ponds, a teahouse, and a karesansui (dry landscape) garden.

• Don’t miss the annual Cherry Blossom Festival held each April, featuring cultural performances, tea ceremonies, ikebana displays, and more.

• Admission is free. The garden is open daily from 8:30 am to 4:00 pm.

2. Garin Regional Park

• Spanning over 1,400 acres, Garin Regional Park is one of the best places to visit in Hayward for outdoor enthusiasts.

• The park features over 20 miles of hiking and horseback riding trails winding through shady canyons and grasslands with sweeping views of the bay.

• Notable trails include the 5-mile High Ridge Loop Trail and the 3-mile Dry Creek Trail leading to a seasonal waterfall.

• Facilities include picnic areas, a visitor centre, restrooms, and an equestrian staging area. Parking is $5 per vehicle.

• The park is open from 8:00 am to sunset. Dogs are allowed on leash.

3. Hayward Area Historical Society Museum

• Housed in a historic 1915 post office building, the Hayward Area Historical Society Museum showcases the cultural heritage of the Hayward area.

• Permanent exhibits explore the region’s Native American history, early settlers, agricultural roots, and the impact of various immigrant communities.

• Special exhibits highlight local artists, photographers, and historical events. The museum also hosts lectures, workshops, and events throughout the year.

• Admission is $5 for adults and $3 for students/seniors. Open Wednesday-Sunday, 10:00 am to 4:00 pm.

4. Mural Arts Program

• Since 2009, Hayward’s Mural Arts Program has transformed the city’s walls and utility boxes into colourful works of public art.

• Over 100 vibrant murals by local artists adorn buildings throughout downtown Hayward and beyond, reflecting the community’s diversity and spirit.

• Pick up a mural map at the Hayward City Hall or download it from the city website to take a self-guided walking tour of the murals.

• Standout murals include the “Hayward Meets the World” series near the Hayward BART station and the “Hayward Heritage Mural” at A Street and Mission Boulevard.

• Mural walks are one of the most unique fun places in Hayward to explore. Best of all, it’s completely free!

5. Kennedy Park

• Spanning 15 acres along San Lorenzo Creek, Kennedy Park is Hayward’s oldest and most popular park.

• Amenities include a playground, picnic tables, barbecue pits, tennis courts, horseshoe courts, softball fields, and an exercise course.

• The park also features a merry-go-round, a mini train, and paddle boats on the creek, making it one of the top Hayward places to visit for families.

• Special events like outdoor movies and concerts are held at the park’s bandstand during the summer months.

• The park is open daily from dawn to 10:00 pm. Some facilities require a small fee.

6. Cinema Place Gallery Walk

• The Cinema Place promenade in downtown Hayward is home to a series of bronze sculptures called the Gallery Walk.

• Created by local artist Seyed Alavi, the 10 sculptures represent various movie genres like romance, comedy, action, and sci-fi.

• Placards near each sculpture provide insight into the artist’s inspiration and creative process.

• The Gallery Walk is a popular spot for photos, picnics, and people-watching. It’s also the site of the weekly Saturday farmers market.

• Exploring the Gallery Walk sculptures is a fun, free thing to do while wandering downtown Hayward.

7. Hayward Shoreline Interpretive Center

• Perched on the eastern shore of the San Francisco Bay, the Hayward Shoreline Interpretive Center is a hub for nature education and conservation.

• The centre features exhibits on the ecology of the bay, the area’s salt marshes, and the diverse bird and marine life that call the shoreline home.

• Naturalist-led programs include low-tide walks, bird-watching, and junior ranger activities for kids.

• The surrounding trails are popular for hiking and biking, with views of the bay and the San Mateo Bridge.

• Admission is free. The centre is open Friday-Sunday, 10:00 am to 5:00 pm.

8. Green Shutter Hotel

• Built in 1926, the Green Shutter Hotel is a downtown Hayward landmark known for its distinctive green shutters and Spanish Colonial Revival architecture.

• While the upper floors have been converted into residential apartments, the ground floor is occupied by The Bistro restaurant.

• The Bistro serves classic American fare, and hosts live music on weekends. Patio seating offers prime people-watching along B Street.

• Even if you don’t dine there, the Green Shutter Hotel is worth a quick photo stop while exploring downtown Hayward.

9. Hayward Farmers Market

• Held every Saturday from 9:00 am to 1:00 pm, the Hayward Farmers Market is a lively community gathering spot.

• Over 40 vendors sell fresh produce, baked goods, prepared foods, flowers, and handmade crafts along the tree-lined Cinema Place promenade downtown.

• Live music, cooking demos, and kids’ activities add to the festive atmosphere. Special themes like “Peach Party” or “Tomato Mania” celebrate summer’s bounty.

• Grab a bite from one of the food trucks and enjoy people-watching at this local favourite among Hayward, California, things to do.

10. De Anza Park

• Named for Spanish explorer Juan Bautista de Anza, this 8-acre park is a hidden gem among places to visit in Hayward, CA.

• The park features two playgrounds, picnic areas, restrooms, and plenty of shady lawns for lounging.

• De Anza Park is also home to the Hayward Community Gardens, where local greenthumbs can rent plots to grow their own fruits, veggies, and flowers.

• Take a stroll through the gardens to admire the creative plantings and maybe pick up a few gardening tips from the friendly folks tending their plots.

• The park is open daily from 5:00 am to 10:00 pm. Access to the Community Gardens is for registered gardeners only.

Bonus: Hayward Executive Airport

• Aviation buffs won’t want to miss the Hayward Executive Airport. While it’s not open for public tours, the airport offers great plane-spotting opportunities.

• Park along Hesperian Boulevard or West Winton Avenue for good views of the runway and the colourful small planes taking off and landing.

• The airport is busiest on weekends when many local pilots take leisure flights. You might even spot a vintage biplane or two!

• Grab a bite at The Jet, a classic diner next to the airport, and imagine the fly-in visitors who’ve filled up on pancakes and coffee after a long flight.

Seamless Connectivity in Hayward with Airtel’s Prepaid Roaming Plans

Hayward has a walkable downtown core, but to explore the fun places in Hayward beyond the city centre, you’ll want a car or a reliable ride-booking app on your phone. An international data roaming plan from Airtel’s Prepaid International Roaming can ensure you stay connected wherever your Hayward adventures take you. Airtel keeps you connected for your entire trip – so you can discover the best places to visit in Hayward, CA, with confidence!

Whether you’re a nature lover, a history buff, an art aficionado, or just looking for Hayward places to visit the whole family will enjoy, this Bay Area city truly offers something for everyone. So what are you waiting for? Start planning your Hayward getaway today!