Hayward California is a city in the east bay. It is about a forty-minute drive from San Francisco California. If you don’t live in the bay, chances are you haven’t heard of Hayward. Although not very well known, there are some interesting things about Hayward and places to see in and around Hayward. One interesting thing about Hayward is the Hayward fault line. It is one of, if not the most active fault line in the state of California. It also is one of the only cities left in the bay that has ranches on it with horses. You can see horses occasionally walking down the streets of Hayward, in the neighborhoods. There are many outdoor activities in Hayward California. It is mainly residential, with outdoor activities and a small downtown area with a rich history.
Here are a few things to do and see if you visit Hayward California:
Garin Regional Park in Hayward CA
Garin park was a massive piece of land, mainly rolling hills that were donated to the city of Hayward a long time ago by a wealthy family. When you arrive, Garin regional park has a booth where you will need to pay for parking on the weekends. What’s amazing though, is that during the weekdays you don’t need to pay to park. The parking lot has three different levels, as almost everything in Garin does.
The only real flat part of Garin park has a large grass area with a walking path around it. You will also find an old barn that is now used for the local park ranger to store items as well as his computer and internet connection. Running along this grass area is a stream, which runs into a pond. This large grass area also conveniently has many picnic tables lining the perimeter of it with BBQ grills.
If you explore this park, you will see there’s a different trail in just about every direction you go. The trail with the best view starts right at the top part of the parking lot. A short, steep walk up a hill will put you on a ridge that overlooks the entire east bay and peninsula water. You can walk along this ridge for about 1 to 1.5 miles, at which point the trail will drop down into a neighborhood. Some switchbacks go from different directions as well. One of these takes you a different route back to the parking lot.
Another, more challenging hill is right off the flat grass area, and it is a very steep incline. Once you get to the top you can hike back into the rolling hills as far as you can see. While you’re walking, you’ll see many grazing cows that seem to love the attention of people passing by.
These same hills are great for mountain biking if you’re a strong rider. They’re also really good for training on hills if you run cross country competitively. Another interesting thing with these hills is you can hear dozens of coyotes howling on certain nights for about a half a mile away from the park. It’s kind of eerie.
Directions to get to Garin Regional Park
From the North (from Oakland California): Start by getting on to I-880 south. You will drive for roughly 17 to 20 minutes, which is roughly 16.5 miles. At this point you’ll reach exit 25, Industrial Pkwy W. Turn left onto Industrial Pkwy W. You’ll drive for 1.9 miles and turn right onto Mission Blvd. You’ll turn left in .2 miles onto Garin Ave. At this point, you’ll drive straight into Garin Regional Park after .9 miles. This last part of the drive is straight up along a hilly drive.
From the South (from San Jose California): Hop onto I-880 North. You will drive for 20 to 30 minutes, depending on traffic. You’ll drive for about 20 miles and take exit 24, for Whipple Rd/Industrial Pkwy. Continue straight on Industrial Pkwy SW for .8 miles, at which point you will continue straight onto Industrial Pkwy W for another 1.2 miles. Then, turn right on Mission Blvd, and take a left at the next light in .2 miles, Garin Ave. From here it’s a drive straight up the hill for .9 miles right into Garin Regional Park.
Hayward Area Historical Society
The historical society is a quaint little museum that has so many historical pieces and information, it’s something you don’t want to miss. Right now, as of this writing, admission is free, due to an anonymous donor, allowing for people to enter until funds are depleted. It sits inside a building where the Cannery Cafe resides. Unfortunately, the café recently closed, hopefully not permanently. The museum has a cool back area that is for young kids. It takes up about probably ten to fifteen percent of the museum. They have a desk at the entrance where you can purchase memorabilia for yourself or your kids.
The museum changes its exhibits roughly every eight weeks. This is great, as it allows you to continue to come back and learn more, and it never gets old.
Hayward Shoreline Interpretive Center
Hayward Shoreline Interpretive Center is a great place to spend the day. If it’s your first time there, you will be happy with loads of information about the marsh areas and salt lands. It frequently gives tours to schools and guests. There’s much more to the area than a lot of people might realize. There is an ecosystem of animals and salt marshes that are probably unknown to most people living in the bay area. It is a fun place to go take a hike. There is probably 25-50 miles of hiking trails all around the peninsula, along the water
Hayward Shoreline Interpretive Center is easy to get to. If you’re in Hayward California and you start to drive west across the 92 bridge (San Mateo bridge), it will be the last place you will see on your right, before driving over the water.