Things to do in Hayward
Laurie's Favorites in Hayward
A perfect day in Hayward takes you from the hills to the shoreline with innumerable delights in between. Start your day with a ridgeline hike at sunrise with 360 degree views of the entire Bay Area. Challenge yourself at one of three quality golf courses showcasing the region’s unique topography. Enjoy an early dinner at one of the United States’ first brewpubs, then walk a few steps for a different kind of Zen meditation in California’s oldest Japanese garden. Wend your way back through a historic downtown with buildings that trace their roots back to the 1860s, then spend the twilight strolling along the pristine shoreline, surrounded by native wildlife as the sun dips below the San Francisco skyline on the horizon.
Downtown Hayward B Street & Main Street
There are so many great places to go and events that take place in the revitalized Downtown Hayward area. There is frequently live music at The Bistro. The Hayward Farmers Market has been the place for the local community to get their fill of fresh, healthy, locally grown fruits and vegetables, for more than 20 years. The Hayward Farmers Market is open every Saturday, year-round, rain or shine, from 9 am to 1 pm. There are many great restaurants, pubs and coffee shops. Stop by Cinemark Theater to watch the latest film.
La Piñata Hayward
La Piñata, a beloved Mexican Restaurant and Tequila Bar in Hayward, has been delighting locals since its opening in 1983. Renowned for its ethos of “offering quality Mexican food and outstanding service,” this popular eatery has cemented its status as a local favorite. At the heart of its success is a commitment to fresh ingredients, including high-grade meats and produce, which are the cornerstone of its extensive menu. La Piñata’s vibrant atmosphere, coupled with its dedication to authentic flavors and exceptional hospitality, ensures a memorable dining experience for all who visit. Whether you’re in the mood for a classic Mexican dish or looking to explore their wide selection of tequilas, La Piñata in Hayward is a culinary destination not to be missed.
Parks in Hayward
In the heart of Hayward, the city’s parks offer a delightful blend of recreational activities and community engagement. Cannery Park stands out with its compact yet feature-rich setting, boasting dynamic climbing structures and an engaging splash playground that’s perfect for families. It’s a complete package with facilities like barbecue areas, sports fields for baseball, softball, and soccer, a basketball court, expansive open lawn, ample parking, picnic tables, a well-equipped playground, clean restrooms, and a handy snack bar.
Over at Tennyson Park, the community enjoys a verdant oasis that caters to a variety of interests. From a vibrant playground that captivates the little ones to an adventurous skate park and a spacious lawn, it’s an ideal spot for leisure and sport, complete with a well-maintained baseball field.
Mount Eden Park, a cornerstone of community life, offers an inviting space with picnic shelters perfect for family gatherings, a playful and safe playground, and multiple sports facilities including baseball, basketball, and tennis courts. These parks embody the spirit of Hayward, blending fun, leisure, and community in beautifully maintained spaces.
Hayward Farmers Market
Situated next to Hayward City Hall Plaza on Watkins Street, the Hayward Farmers Market, a staple for over 20 years, offers a rich array of fresh, locally-sourced produce and artisanal goods every Saturday from 9 AM to 1 PM, regardless of weather. This vibrant market features over 35 vendors, including farmers, food purveyors, and artisans, showcasing a diverse selection of items from organic fruits and vegetables, local seafood, pastured eggs, and cheese, to nuts, honey, freshly baked goods, plants, flowers, pre-packed and hot foods, as well as handcrafted jewelry and crafts. Easily accessible with ample parking in the nearby B Street/Mission Blvd garage and just a block from the BART station, the Hayward Farmers Market serves as a bustling community hub where locals connect and indulge in the best of local produce and crafts.
Japanese Gardens
The Hayward Japanese Gardens are the oldest traditional-style Japanese gardens in California. The garden was designed by Kimio Kimura. It follows Japanese garden design principles, using California native stone and plants. The garden contains over 70 plant species including mondo grasses, Japanese black pine, cedar, juniper, and rhododendron. No stains were used on the wood constructions. Nails and fasteners are recessed, and all wood was notched, and aged, to simulate the appearance of a traditional Japanese garden. The Japanese Gardens are open to the public daily except Christmas. The site hosts weddings.
Buffalo Bill’s Brewery
For over 35 years, Buffalo Bill’s added bold new chapters to a story that began in 1983, when the original Buffalo Bill’s Brewery was opened by Bill Owens in Hayward, CA. And let’s not forget the food, a well crafted pub menu that pairs perfectly with the brews. From hot sandwiches and fresh salads to delectable burgers made with Durham Ranch beef, your taste buds are in for a treat. Don’t miss out on the jalapeño poppers adorned with cotija cheese, or the mouthwatering pizzas with options ranging from classic pepperoni to Greek with kalamata olives and feta cheese. The welcoming ambiance of Buffalo Bill’s Brewery remains intact, with 150 indoor seats and 120 outdoor seats, bathed in the warm glow of string lights overhead, providing ample space to enjoy great company and even greater beer.
Sulphur Creek Nature Center
The Sulphur Creek Nature Center is a nature center and wildlife rehabilitation center managed by the Hayward Area Recreation and Park District. The center has facilities for taking in and providing medical and rehabilitation services for wild animals, including mammals and birds, and a small display of San Francisco Bay Area native reptiles and amphibians. The center is an educational site for local elementary schools. Small domesticated animals are available for home rental, while the center itself has free admission. The site is adjacent to Sulphur Creek, a tributary of San Lorenzo Creek. They treat up to 900 wild animals a year and installed a webcam for observing a barn owl family.
