Hayward offers a variety of ways to explore: wetlands and birdwatching, gardens, local history, and a weekly farmers market held year-round. When planning, it’s worth keeping track of the routes and visiting hours for each attraction.

Wetlands, Coastal Trails, and Wildlife

The Hayward Regional Shoreline encompasses 1,841 acres of saltwater, freshwater, and brackish marshes, seasonal wetlands, and public trails. Birdwatching is possible here. Five miles of gravel public trails run along the shoreline, offering a defined setting for an outing focused on scenery and nature observation.

For access, AC Transit Line 86 connects the Hayward and South Hayward BART stations with West Winton Avenue and Cabot Boulevard. From there, a 0.7-mile walk leads to the Hayward Regional Shoreline. The 0.7 miles refers to this walk, while the five miles refers to the gravel trails along the shoreline. Check route information before traveling.

The Hayward Shoreline Interpretive Center offers an opportunity to learn about the ecology of the San Francisco Bay Estuary. Visitors who want to learn more about ecological connections in addition to observing nature will find a dedicated thematic experience there.

Don Castro Regional Recreation Area provides access to the Bay Area Ridge Trail; swimming in the lagoon is its main attraction. Many trails in Garin Regional Park are suitable for bicycles. These features offer different options for time outdoors: swimming in the lagoon at Don Castro, cycling on suitable trails in Garin, or birdwatching at the Shoreline.

Sulphur Creek Nature Center focuses on wildlife education and wildlife rehabilitation, and displays local wildlife. Visitors can explore the outdoor grounds, which include bird and mammal enclosures. This makes the Nature Center an educational complement to observing wild birds at the Shoreline.

Gardens, History, and a Market Visit

The Japanese Gardens are open daily from 8:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m., except on Christmas Day. If your visit falls on a holiday, check the holiday schedule in advance.

The History Gallery displays more than 100 artifacts from the Hayward Area Historical Society’s collections. Another chapter in the city’s history is commemorated by the Japanese American Commemorative Marker & Art in Heritage Plaza: the memorial honors the forced incarceration of Japanese Americans during World War II. Guided walking tours of Downtown Hayward offered by the Hayward Area Historical Society last approximately 1.5 hours. Check dates and ticket availability in advance.

The Hayward Farmers Market takes place year-round every Saturday from 9:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m., rain or shine. More than 35 farmers, food vendors, and artisans sell their goods there. The weekly market schedule differs from the Japanese Gardens’ daily hours; also allow for possible changes on holidays.

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