Hayward is located near premier tourist locations (San Francisco), first rate educational institutions (Berkeley and Stanford), and an economic powerhouse (Silicon Valley), however relatively speaking Hayward does not have as much to offer as its neighbors. Even so, its central location may make it a very economical home base for tourists and commuters, and its panoramic views of the Bay alone are worth the side trip for visitors.
On paper, the landscape of Hayward sounds nearly perfect. Hayward boasts of a central bay shoreline, a quaint city center with a small town feel in the city flatlands, hills which overlook the bay, and a hub of highways that connect everywhere in the bay area to the inland areas of California. Unfortunately the shoreline is mostly filled with warehouses and marshland, and the city center is slightly run down, although it is slowly being renovated.
As is the case in most of California, you will find it easiest to get to and around Hayward by car. That being said, there are two BART stops in Hayward, including one in the center of town which is in walking distance to many shops, restaurants, the public library and city hall. There are busses run by AC Transit, but these do not go to all parts of Hayward.
Hayward does have a lot of traffic in the Downtown area and on Highways. Hayward has several bus systems that serve the city. AC Transit and All Nighter Bus Network provide bus service and Union City Transit provides service in the Southern Hayward Area along the Union City Border. SamTrans srevice was discontinued in 1999. The HillHopper Bus System provides service to CSUEB. BART Has two stations (Downtown, South Hayward) with BayFair and Castro Valley BART stations nearby. Hayward has a Amtark station in the Burbank District.
The clear blue waters of the Don Castro swim lagoon are a favorite with central Alameda County residents. The lagoon and adjacent lake were created in 1964 when the Alameda Flood Control and Water Conservation District dammed San Lorenzo Creek.
Today the lagoon is supplied with water from EBMUD, and a large shallow area is roped off especially for children. The adjacent lake is closed to boating and swimming, but hikers along the shore will discover a surprising wilderness in miniature, where turtles and frogs splash in the water, ducks rest in the reeds and raccoons and deer come down to drink at sunset.
'''Swimming''' (fee) in the lagoon is the park's main attraction from Memorial Day until Labor Day. Swim hours are from 11AM to 6PM, and only when lifeguards are on duty. There is a bathhouse, a vending machine, a sandy beach and large lawn areas. Dogs are not allowed in the swim complex.
'''Picnic sites''' are available on a first-come, first-served basis, although some reservable group sites are available (fee).
'''Fishing''' Anglers along the lake may catch trout, bass, catfish and bluegill. The lake is stocked regularly with trout and catfish. A California state fishing license is required for anglers age 16 or older. In addition, a Park District '''daily fishing permit''' is required and may be purchased through a self-registration process located at the swim complex entrance - exact change required. State fish and game regulations apply.
Trails are open to hikers, bikers, and horseback riders.
Don Castro park is open 8AM-10PM; 8AM-8PM in winter months. Parking and dog fee collected weekends and holidays.
'''Directions''' By Car: From I-580 eastbound from San Leandro, take the Center Street exit in Castro Valley; right on Center to Kelly Street; left on Kelly and left on Woodroe to the park entrance. From I-580 westbound take the Castro Valley exit and continue west on E. Castro Valley Blvd. to Grove Way; left on Grove; left on Center; left on Kelly; and left on Woodroe to the park entrance.
Hayward is home to the CSUEB, the '''California State University East Bay''', http://csueastbay.edu/. The highlight of Hayward is in the beautiful panoramic views of the bay which can be seen from and near the university in the hills. Visitors anywhere in the bay should definitely take this detour. From the Hayward hills, one can see Fremont, Silicon Valley, Oakland and San Francisco at once.
The best shopping in the Bay Area is found in the larger cities like Oakland, San Francisco, and San Jose. If you must shop in Hayward, you can go to the Southland Mall off of 880. Cinema Place a new theater with shopping and restaurants in Downtown will open in Summer 2008. The City Center Has good shopping and a Safeway in a office buliding feel.
Every Saturday at Main St. and B St. 9AM-1PM the Hayward Farmers Market is held.
There are a few nice shops in the historic B street area, whose quality seems to be quickly improving.
There are also the usual chain restaurants including Dominoes, Taco Bell, McDonalds, The International House of Pancakes, and so on.
If you are driving through Hayward, expect a police car behind you.
The City has a free Wi-Fi network or "Hot Spot" for the Downtown area. This area of coverage is approximate and may vary in strength and availability and best reception is found at the Main Hayward Public Library (835 "C" Street). The City does not provide technical support for this Wi-Fi system.
'''San Leandro''' - Hayward's eclectic neighbor to the north, home of the Otis Spunkmeyer headquaters, worldwide industries, malls, hotels and regional parks and shorelines.