8 Best Things To Do In Hayward, California

1. Hayward Japanese Gardens

Hayward Japanese Gardens is the epitome of tranquil, with koi ponds and turtles. This is considered a hidden gem, although maybe not for long. A cross between a meditation spot, botanical gardens and a park, there is absolute peace and quiet, which is exactly what you need. Walk around, absorb your surroundings, reflect, sit, meditate, and be!

Hayward Japanese Gardens

Address: 22373 N 3rd St., 94541 Hayward, CA

Website: Hayward Japanese Gardens Site

2. Sun Gallery

This art hot spot in Hayward has quite a flurry of activity, with its changing exhibit showcases as well as a huge calendar of events. This place is perfect for field trips and summer art camp, too! To name just a few of the events the Sun Gallery holds, you can check out Free Saturday Art, art parties, and more. If you’re interested in seeing local art in Hayward, you must swing by the Sun Gallery!

Sun Gallery

Address: 1015 E Street, 94541 Hayward, CA

Website: Sun Gallery

3. Hayward Regional Shoreline

Fresh air and a little workout are exactly what you can get here at the Hayward Regional Shoreline. This park/marshland is a great local place to unwind, walk your dog, meet new people, jog, run, walk, and ride your bike. You can also fish in the levees if that’s your thing. You have to be at least 16 though, according to California law.

Hayward Regional Shoreline

Address: 3010 W Winton Ave, 94545 Hayward, CA

Website: Hayward Regional Shoreline

4. Sulphur Creek Nature Center

With a wide array of educational programs, this nature center is home to so many species of wildlife you’ve never seen, and there is plenty to learn about! The Sulphur Creek Nature Center takes care of sick and orphaned animals, making sure they’re taken care of by caring, loving, friendly staff in its Rehabilitation Center. On the website of the Rehabilitation Center, there’s actually some great insight and advice that comes in PDF form for how to proceed, if you find a baby bird or baby mammal. There’s much more to be found at the Sulphur Creek Nature Center. Be one with nature!

Sulphur Creek Nature Center

Address: 1801 D St, 94541 Hayward, CA

Website: Sulphur Creek Nature Center

5. Meek Park (mansion grounds with gardens & play area)

An estate park and recreation center, Meek Park seems to be a delightful spot for weddings and other fantastic happy events, and it comes with neat history, too. It was named after William Meek, who came to the West Coast in 1846, carrying seeds and grafted trees via the Oregon Trail. He built his mansion and 1,200 hectares (3,000 acres) of land full of cherries, apricots, and plums. Today its mansion grounds work as a historical society, so travelers can appreciate its interesting history, as well as celebrate brand new good fortunes on the grounds.

Meek Park

Address: 240 Hampton Road, 94541 Hayward, CA

Website: Meek Park

6. Xcapade Entertainment

Sure, you’ve probably heard of it before…. You, your friends, and your family get locked in a room and have to find out clues to get yourselves out. But how? This type of attraction/activity is seemingly gaining more attention as of late and it doesn’t seem to be fading out anytime soon! Xcapade Entertainment gives you an interesting layout in which you find strategically placed clues.

If you’re into puzzles and want to use your head, this is a place to shoot for. This could be a fun, unique date idea. Or maybe something different to do with pals. It’s up to you!

Xcapade Entertainment

Address: 1019 B St, 94541 Hayward, CA

Website: Xcapade Entertainment

7. King Tut Festival

You don’t have to be a fan of ancient Egypt to want to get involved with this! The King Tut Festival honors traditions (like face paint, recipes, and traditional handmade items) but adds modernity to it to make it more relatable and fun. Affordable fun for the whole family, you’ll learn while also enjoying yourselves! There’s even live music too. Hey, you might even want to start playing the lyre.

King Tut Festival

Address: 2500 Hansen Rd, 94541 Hayward, CA

Website: King Tut Festival

8. The Bistro

Sometimes, you must get out to really experience the simple pleasures in life, and what better way to get into life in a new city than to hear local, live music performed? It’s actually pretty cool if you think about it. Sure, there may be an act or two that aren’t exactly your cup of tea, but you’re in the presence of musicians who are bold and brave enough to do what they enjoy doing, and they’re doing it right in front of you! You can also meet locals and try the available microbrews and fine wines.

The Bistro

Address: 1001 B St, 94541 Hayward, CA

Website: The Bistro

Fun for everyone

Hayward is a really great place to hang out and sightsee but also get involved and see what’s out there. You don’t have to try that hard to find something unique and interesting during your travels here. By doing a little research, things will find their way to you.