Things to do in Hayward

Find and book activities, attractions and tours

Hayward
Hayward
Photo by Lifang Yu
Photo by Lifang Yu
Photo by AMCR
Photo by AMCR
Photo by Christina Urbina
Photo by Christina Urbina

Hayward Attractions

Smaller cities have a charisma about them you won't find in their larger counterparts. Make a list of all the fun things to see and do in Hayward before you travel so you can pack the most into your getaway. You'll soon learn that bigger isn't necessarily better!

Find out what makes Hayward tick with the very best tours & day trips. Check out our top {24 fun activities in Hayward fun activities in Hayward}, and book with ease knowing that we offer free cancellation and no added fees.

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Most popular activities in Hayward

Tours & day trips

See all 18 activities
Yosemite National Park Valley Highlights Tour

Yosemite National Park Valley Highlights Tour

Activity duration is 15 hours
8.8 out of 10 with 74 reviews
Free cancellation available
Price is $209 per adult
Yosemite National Park Valley Highlights TourOpens in new tab

Holiday & seasonal tours

See all 5 activities
San Francisco: Airplane Private Bay Tour

San Francisco: Airplane Private Bay Tour

Activity duration is 40 minutes
10.0 out of 10 with 1 review
Free cancellation available
Price is $289 per adult
San Francisco: Airplane Private Bay TourOpens in new tab

Cruises & boat tours

See all 3 activities
San Francisco: Airplane Private Night Bay Tour

San Francisco: Airplane Private Night Bay Tour

Activity duration is 40 minutes
Free cancellation available
Price is $299 per adult
San Francisco: Airplane Private Night Bay TourOpens in new tab

Weddings & honeymoons

See all 3 activities
San Francisco: Airplane Private Bay Tour

San Francisco: Airplane Private Bay Tour

Activity duration is 40 minutes
10.0 out of 10 with 1 review
Free cancellation available
Price is $289 per adult
San Francisco: Airplane Private Bay TourOpens in new tab

What to do in Hayward

Free Things to Do in Hayward

There's no need to run your credit card hot in Hayward. The following won't even cost a penny.

Chabot College - Architecture enthusiasts will certainly enjoy marveling at the modern design of this landmark.

Lone Tree Cemetery - Get ready to feel like you've taken a step back in time while learning the secrets of this historic attraction.

Hayward Regional Shoreline Park - It's easy to feel connected with Mother Earth at this breathtaking spot.

Eden Landing Ecological Reserve - Arrange a picnic date and enjoy a relaxing walk around the interesting plants.

Things to Do in Hayward with Kids

There's fun for all the family wherever you go in Hayward. Here are a few family friendly experiences to try together that are bound to make your getaway unforgettable:

 

Looking for sports, concerts, or theater events in Hayward? Search event tickets to see what's happening today, or to plan what to do this weekend!

 

 

Discover the most popular places to visit in Hayward

Jack London Square which includes a bay or harbor and a statue or sculpture

Jack London Square

4.5/5(393 reviews)

Shop, dine and stroll to your heart’s content in this waterside square, named after the novelist who spent his childhood here.

Jack London Square
Berkeley Art Museum and Pacific Film Archive which includes interior views and art

University of California, Berkeley

4.5/5(1,403 reviews)

Enjoy the collegiate vibe when you visit University of California, Berkeley, during your trip to Berkeley. Attend a sporting event or discover the beautiful sunsets in this vibrant area.

University of California, Berkeley
View from the Black Hole! Raiders were 10 -2 on the date this photo was taken.

Oakland-Alameda County Coliseum

4/5(210 reviews)

Catch an event at Oakland-Alameda County Coliseum during your trip to Oakland. Experience the acclaimed theater scene and entertainment choices in this walkable area.

Oakland-Alameda County Coliseum
Beautiful Summer Sunday + Baseball!

Oakland Arena

4/5(1,232 reviews)

Catch an event at Oakland Arena during your trip to Oakland. Experience the entertainment choices and acclaimed theater scene in this walkable area.

Oakland Arena
Oakland Zoo featuring night scenes, signage and zoo animals

Oakland Zoo

4/5(7 reviews)

Watch alligators being fed, ride a train through the Australian outback and see a herd of elephants on the African savannah at this animal park.

Oakland Zoo
Greek Theater

Greek Theater

4/5(74 reviews)

President Theodore Roosevelt and the Dalai Lama are among the iconic figures who have graced the stage of this neoclassical open-air bowl.

Greek Theater
Fox Theater

Fox Theater

4.5/5(6 reviews)

Find a school, a restaurant and a concert venue in this historic complex where Dylan, Green Day and B. B. King have played.

Fox Theater
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Oakland City Center

5/5(1 review)

You can find the perfect gifts to bring home at Oakland City Center during your stay in Oakland. Experience the acclaimed art scene or attend a sporting event in this vibrant area.

Oakland City Center
Paramount Theatre

Paramount Theatre

4/5(14 reviews)

Come and see the ballet, a concert or a stand-up comedy performance at this spectacular art deco theater in the heart of Oakland.

Paramount Theatre

Discover the most popular landmarks and neighborhoods in Hayward

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Santa Clara

3.5/5(75 area reviews)

While there might not be top attractions in Santa Clara, you can explore the larger area and discover places like Southland Mall and Hayward City Hall.

Santa Clara
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Fairview

If you're looking for some top things to see and do in Fairview and surrounding area, you can visit Hayward Japanese Gardens and Hayward City Hall.

Fairview
Afternoon

Cherryland

If you're looking for some top things to see and do in Cherryland and surrounding area, you can visit Hayward City Hall and Kennedy Park.

Cherryland
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Jackson Triangle

While Jackson Triangle might not have many sights to explore, venturing just a little farther will lead you to top things to see and do like Hayward City Hall and Southland Mall.

Jackson Triangle
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Southgate

While visiting Southgate, you might make a stop by sights like Southland Mall and Cinemark Century Southland Mall.

Southgate
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Mission - Garin

Even though there aren't top sights in Mission - Garin, you can explore the larger area and take in top sights like Union Landing. Jump on the metro at South Hayward Station to see more of the city.

Mission - Garin
See our Where To Stay guide

 

Looking for fun things to do nearby? Check things to do near me to find and book the best things to do, fun activities, and top attractions wherever you happen to be.

 

 

Popular day trips from Hayward

Redwood Regional Park

Castro Valley

Fremont Central Park featuring a garden and a lake or waterhole

Fremont

Don Edwards San Francisco Bay National Wildlife Refuge showing landscape views, tranquil scenes and a beach

Union City

Photo by Sara Crotts

San Leandro

Lake Merritt featuring a pond

Oakland

Frequently asked questions

Is Hayward worth visiting?
Whether you're planning to enjoy the local charm and cultural highlights or try unique foods and explore in nature, there are plenty of things to do in Hayward.
How do I spend a day in Hayward?
After you've visited key attractions like Oakland Zoo and Golden Tee Golfland, spend some time enjoying the retail and food options in Hayward.
What is the top tourist attraction in Hayward?
The top tourist attraction in Hayward is Oakland Zoo, so be sure to include it on your sightseeing itinerary.
Is three days enough to stay in Hayward?
Three days will give you time to tick off popular city highlights, like Golden Tee Golfland, Monarch Bay Golf Club and Kennedy Park. The average stay in Hayward is two days. If you have the time to extend your break, San Francisco isn't far away.
Is Hayward a walkable city?
Some leading attractions in Hayward, including Golden Tee Golfland and Kennedy Park, are within walking distance. You can also experience several of the city's popular neighborhoods on foot. Only 1 mile from central Hayward is Santa Clara and Mount Eden is 2 miles away.
What are some activities to do in Hayward with kids?
If you're looking for attractions and activities for all of your group, take a look at these terrific ideas for what to do in Hayward with kids.
What to do in Hayward for adults?
Chouinard Vineyards and Oracle Arena are just two of the things to do in Hayward. With plenty of activities available, there's something here for everyone to experience.
Are there free things to do in Hayward?
In Hayward, Eden Landing Ecological Reserve is a popular spot for anyone wanting to experience the city without opening their wallet. Also, check out the local parks and neighborhoods, and ask for ideas from a local tour guide. It's a good way to find out about the best free things to do in Hayward.