Hayward is a multicultural city with a historic downtown district and engaging local museums. It’s also home to nearby regional parks and is a fantastic base for exploring San Francisco.

Things to do

In Coyote Hills Regional Park, well-marked trails wind through rolling hills and lush marshland. You can also stretch your legs in Anthony Chabot Regional Park, set on the shores of Lake Chabot. Rent a kayak or cast a line out for black crappie and largemouth bass.

Hayward is anchored by a vibrant downtown district filled with historic buildings dating back to the 1800s. The buildings house shops and cafes and boast colourful street art murals. After a day of sightseeing, enjoy a glass of Blood Orange Imperial Ale at Buffalo Bill's Brewery, one of California's first brewpubs.

Discover the town's heritage at the Hayward Area Historical Society Museum, a not-for-profit organisation celebrating the diverse narrative of the East Bay community. Previous exhibits have covered everything from watercolours and quilt artistry to tattoos and photography. Kids will love the colourful hands-on exhibits in the Children's Gallery.

Practice the art of Zen meditation in the Hayward Japanese Gardens. It's one of America's oldest Japanese gardens and features serene pagodas, glassy ponds and perfectly trimmed bonsai trees. At sunset, stroll down to the Hayward waterfront for uninterrupted views of the San Francisco skyline.

Getting around

Downtown Hayward is easy to get around on foot. The city is serviced by two stations on the Bay Area's BART regional rapid transit network, while trains whisk passengers to San Francisco in under one hour. Rental cars are also great for exploring the San Francisco Bay Area.