Hayward City Guide

Diverse food options with Mexican, Vietnamese, Chinese, and Indian choices. Vegetarian and vegan options are common. Limited late-night dining beyond fast food.

Nightlife is modest, mainly local bars and casual lounges. It’s not very lively compared to nearby cities.

Mix of local and chain cafes. Specialty coffee is available but not a major hub for roasters or coffee events.

Tipping is standard in the US. Around 15-20% for restaurants and services is customary.

SIM cards can be bought at AT&T, T-Mobile, Verizon stores, and electronics shops like Best Buy. All major carriers support eSIM. Identification is usually needed for plans.

Street cleanliness varies by area, generally clean with regular waste and recycling services.

Some pharmacies and convenience stores operate 24/7. Emergency rooms are always open but urgent care clinics are limited.

Major supermarkets like Safeway and Lucky stock international products, especially Asian and Hispanic foods. Most open from early morning to late evening with Sunday hours.

Most places accept card payments, but some still take cash. Cashless transactions are common, especially for small purchases.

ATMs are common at banks like Bank of America and Wells Fargo, grocery stores, and convenience shops. Expect typical fees of $2.50 to $5 for out-of-network use.

Hayward Unified School District manages public schools. Higher education includes Chabot College and Cal State East Bay. Instruction is mainly in English. No notable international schools in Hayward.

Limited digital nomad meetups in Hayward, but strong tech and remote work presence in the wider Bay Area.

Several parks and shoreline areas provide shaded walking and good running routes.

Popular running routes are along the shoreline and in parks. Generally safe in daylight. Air quality can be affected by wildfires in late summer/fall.

Multiple gyms and community centers with fitness facilities are in town.

Public courts are at city parks, mostly hard surfaces. Booking is usually first-come, first-served.

Padel facilities are not common in Hayward.

Several studios offer English-speaking instructors and various class types with flexible drop-in and memberships.

Schools offer Karate, Taekwondo, Judo, Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, and Boxing. English-speaking instructors teach traditional and modern styles.

Ski resorts are 3-4 hours away in the Sierra Nevada, offering a range of terrain and rentals.

Kayaking, paddleboarding, and sailing are popular on the Bay with rentals and guided tours available year-round.

Surfing spots are a 30-60 minute drive to the coast. Water is cold, suitable wetsuits are needed. Pacifica is good for beginners, other spots suit advanced surfers.

Diving spots are far from Hayward with variable visibility. Certified centers are in the Bay Area.

Hospitals such as St. Rose and Kaiser have English-speaking staff. Both public and private facilities offer quality care. Pharmacies like CVS and Walgreens are common and prescriptions need a doctor’s order.

Tap water meets state and federal safety standards and is safe to drink.

Good parks with playgrounds, family-friendly cafés, and attractions like Hayward Japanese Gardens. Baby supplies are easily found in stores.

High acceptance with legal protections and inclusive venues reflecting wider Bay Area culture.

Pet-friendly with dog parks, vets, and pet supply stores. Many parks allow leashed dogs and pet-friendly accommodations.