Hayward Shoreline Interpretive Center

My son and I had an excellent time at this month’s Toddler Ramble. It was our first time to the Hayward Shoreline Interpretive Center. Although there isn’t much to see if just dropping by, the programs offered are where it’s at.
Anne was a great instructor — gentle and engaging with the kids. They learned a bit, and then got to do a fun craft. After, we all went and explored the marsh.
My son was also fascinated with the aquarium, enjoyed «fishing», and explored the classroom eagerly.

For the past 20 years I passed this place whenever I drove through San Mateo Bridge, I did not know this was a great hiking place until my friend suggested today. The trail is flat, long and quiet. I walked 4.5 miles and could not see where the end was. Signs on the trail shows how marsh restoration works. Very interesting to learn. See photos.

Wonderful children’s program for toddlers offered partly outside and partly in a lovely classroom with a huge aquarium filled with bay wildlife, terrariums, books and toys.

I think this is really a gem for hayward
I cant believe that i didnt discover this sooner. I thought that this was such a super easy walk or run. Mostly flat but there are some small hills you can run up to and loops around to go back down back to the trail. There are some benches along the way when you feel like just soakin in the shoreline beauty. Theres so much wildlife in here. You can see them hanging out in the marshes, the levees, and the shoreline. Its such a pretty sight to just explore it. When you go up keep walking along the shoreline, you can definitely see the bay bridge from here! I think it’s really amazing. The map tells you that you can walk as far as 8 miles… All the way to san leandro.
Definitely check out the interpretive center. It’s staffed by a friendly and knowledgeable ranger. Theres maps and bathrooms inside there. I heard they have fun events and activities for the little kiddos there. When i went, they had some picture exhibit which was interesting. The ranger also sometimes gives guided hikes to groups so i think thats really cool.
I really like this place. The only thing im bummed about is that you cant bring your dogs here :(probably to protect the wildlife in there.

As an avation enthusiast, I enjoy the Oakland approach air traffic. As a trail rider I appreciate whe waterfront views and cool air. Lots of water birds too if you’re into that as well.
Lots of ecology to see, wonderful bay views, and easy to get to.

Awesome! The first time google maps directed me to san lorenzo park which was also kind of cool.
Came at around sunset and it was beautiful, the breeze was nice, and fellow shoreline-​goers were all very friendly. Lots of cute puppies.

Coming from Walnut Creek, I have no shortage of amazing trails right in my own backyard. However, a trail… by the water… with shore bird watching??? Now that is a novelty!!! I had so much fun on a Sunday afternoon along the Hayward Regional Shoreline. My boyfriend and I began our journey at the Interpretive Center where there was plenty of parking, trail maps and rangers to assist. The trail itself is nearly impossible to get lost on and features a variety of birds, small mammals and even snakes (yikes, I nearly stepped on two past the Cogswell Marsh!)
It’s windy and very open, so hats, sunscreen, lip balm and a hoodie are a must. The trail is flat but winds right up along the bay, over various foot bridges and sometimes veers a bit more inland with varying shore and marsh birds. Along our journey we saw Least Terns (a shorebird that from a distance looks a bit like a smaller seagull but with much prettier feathers), snowy plovers, a white egret, ducks, geese, squirrels scurring in and out of the rocks as well as a lone jack rabbit that I got to spend some time viewing before he hopped off.
We brought binoculars so had spectacular views from near and far. Walking from the Interpretive Center up to Hayward Landing and then back took us a bit over 2 hours-​but that includes many stops along the way. It’s very peaceful and offers a unique perspective of the bay. We had views of Mt. Diablo to the east, the San Mateo Bridge, and city scapes of both Oakland and San Francisco. The trail wasn’t super crowded but still felt safe. This time of year, during the lovely East Bay spring, there is plenty of greenery and some wildflowers to add pops of color along the way.
If I lived nearby I can see this being a regular walking spot. It’s great for a basic walk, with the added bonus of bay views, wildlife and interesting placards along the way describing the birds and other features of the shoreline. Great for kids, as it’s an easy «hike» and a treasure trove for all bird lovers out there!

Love the fresh air you get out here!!! Great relaxing spot to relax for half an hour or more and clear your head… I haven’t done the trails yet, but I will later when we start having longer days again!!!

I come here all the time…
Today I walked my fit bit out :)
Ive been here so many times for many years. I remember when the tides pretty much remained high enough to splash up on the paved and unpaved walking/​running ways. Its rare the water gets so high in recent years.
From what I see today it looks like there was a higher than usual tide… I missed the high tides. Either way its a great place to walk, jog, or run. Its not too many people at a time out here, which is always good.
I didnt give 5 stars because the people leaving their animal feces on or around the walk ways is increasing, and the smell today was rancid in areas… may those who leave shit, step in shit. Lol
Id recommend this spot for a quick/​lengthy, tranquil getaway, and in the summer times you can usually catch a nice breeze, amazing sunsets, and clear views of the San Mateo bridge, San Francisco and the Port of Oakland.

This place is a really fun natural Bay Area experience. Get dirty, check out birds, and enjoy the beauty of the marshland.
I took my wife here for her birthday. We’re both very nerdy (and technically scientists too). We asked for a Discovery Pack, which the wonderful people gladly gave us even though we came on the wrong day (it’s open fri-​sun). In the pack: nets, magnifying cases, binoculars, and animal-​identification brochures! Get outfitted and look like a biologist for a day! Be prepared for marsh smells :)
Joke invented:
What do you call a Curlew’s bedtime?
Curlew Curfew.

The Hayward Area Recreation department scores again with this interesting interruptive center. When you travel over the San Mateo Bridge it is hard to miss this building on stilts at the edge of bay. It’s only open in the weekends and it is small. They do have very interesting art shows.
I like to stop here when I walk along the bay trail in Hayward. If you stop in do sign the guest book, it proves to the rec. department that people to come here.

This trail is super windy. The nice thing is that you can walk out by the water. The problem is that I think everyone must go there to drink cause there are a ton of broken glass bottle by the water.

Great walk as always but we walked further than normal and inadvertently ended up in another park altogether. I think HSIC is part of the growing San Francisco Bay Trail that will eventually allow people to circumnavigate the Bay. Maps are available but very vague.
Oh well, at least I got to feel super virtuous and healthy for a day. Maybe I can treat myself to a bobba tea? Or some waffles? Some chicken with waffles? Or some French fries? How about duck fat fries?

This is my new favorite place to run or walk! It’s quiet, peaceful, and the people I see always smile and say hi.
It’s usually windy so make sure you take a jacket!

I love Unilocal.Why?
After moving to San Lorenzo, I found myself driving 20 minutes to Alameda to run by the shoreline for the nice scenery, good vibes, and less ghetto factor a couple of times a week. I knew Hayward Regional Shoreline was by my house, but I always imagined it to be run down and a bit scary to be honest. Enter this page.
After reading the reviews and seeing the pictures, I decided to give it a try and I’m so glad I did! Such a peaceful place to go for a run. Sure, it’s not the golden gate bridge you see off the water, but it’s a large portion of the bay. You’re right by the water, there’s multiple trails you can run around (some graveled and some dirt paths), little bridges, squirrels, rabbits, and lots of different birds. There’s enough people there so you don’t feel like someone could jump you without anyone else noticing but not enough to where you have no space. Minus a few bikers who ride past very quickly without calling out, most smile or wave when you pass by. A jogger even had a small conversation with me while I was huffing and puffing away.
Like others say,
— Bring a long sleeve, it gets windy at times
— Drive down West Winton to the very end and there are two parking areas

I wanted to enroll my little one in a summer camp but we had never visited. We arrived on a weekday afternoon to find the doors closed. Though they are only open for appointments, one of the staff members let us into the center, gave us a tour and explained the Bay Shrimps camp. I knew it was a go when my daughter declared, «I like my new school!» As a Bay Shrimp, my daughter got to explore the trails, learn about our local shoreline wildlife, build her own solar nightlight, and play in the mud. The staff was professional and clearly had great patience in working with kids in preschool and kindergarten.
We’re looking forward to many camps and visits in the future.

I really wouldn’t go back. I suppose how well a shoreline can be shored up has a lot to do with municipal and regional government funding. I can appreciate that there is a trail along the Bay that locals can walk or run along. That said, there is not much of a view, and there is really no theme or focal point along the shore — nothing like the Piers in San Francisco or Jack London vicinity in Oakland. Of course, it would be unfair to compare, but what might work is to build on the strengths of the rural, coastal view, cultivate the greenery somewhat more, emphasize wildlife areas a little more … but again, these things all likely come down to funding.
In its place, I would prefer to head up to nearby Lake Chabot park … much more peaceful, wooded, and also miles of trails by water (though not the ocean).

I loved this place! It has long trails and convenient benches to rest. It is clean and quiet space with amazing views. The breeze of the bay is delicious when you are starting to sweat! There was a flock of docks in the San Leandro Creek, squirrels wandering around everywhere, butterflies, etc. I can’t wait to go back. I wish I could live close this place so I would have my morning walks every single day here! One of the best places I have visited in the bay.

A quiet and peaceful place to go on a run, and super convenient for me since it’s in Hayward. I feel like people often forget about this shoreline, or don’t know it’s here, as there are seldom more than a couple of trail-​goers here. There are 5 miles of trails, graveled, which means you can hear a satisfying crunch as you tromp along. The breeze that keeps you cool as you sweat out your stress is awesome. There are two lovely wooden bridges over the bay, and water splashing against rocks, where you can recover sea glass and look at the San Francisco skyline on clear days.
You’ll see squirrels scampering away, and a variety of birds. On a lucky day, you may even spot a wild bunny rabbit.
Parking is free and has never been a problem… Just head west down Winton, onto the dirt path until you’re here.

San Francisco Bay Trail — Hayward Portion
I drove by this area when I go to work everyday, always curious about this location. Driven by my curiosity, I finally went there for a self discovery walk.
This place is awesome for biking, but they don’t allow dog.
The trail is flat and long, and very quiet. You will see goose, duck, ground squirrel, and swallow.
I highly recommend to go there early morning when the bay is calm. it’s less breeze.
Water, wind breaker and umbrella/​hat are good items to bring.
More info about San Francisco Bay Trail: