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Hayward Regional Shoreline: A Bay Area Wetland Oasis

Explore Hayward Regional Shoreline: a scenic Bay Area park with trails, birdwatching, and a rich history of salt production and ecological restoration.

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Escape the urban bustle at Hayward Regional Shoreline, a sprawling 1,841-acre park on the San Francisco Bay. Hike or bike along gravel trails, spot diverse birdlife in restored marshes, and soak in stunning bay views. Once a site for salt production, it's now a haven for nature lovers and migrating birds alike.

A brief summary to Hayward Regional Shoreline

  • Monday 5 am-10 pm
  • Tuesday 5 am-10 pm
  • Wednesday 5 am-10 pm
  • Thursday 5 am-10 pm
  • Friday 5 am-10 pm
  • Saturday 5 am-10 pm
  • Sunday 5 am-10 pm

Local tips

  • Bring binoculars for optimal birdwatching, especially during migration seasons.
  • Wear layers, as the shoreline can be windy and the weather can change quickly.
  • Check the tide charts before you go to see remnants of historic landing timbers during low tide.
  • Dogs are not allowed south of Winton Avenue to protect nesting wildlife.
  • There are no picnic tables, so bring a blanket for a comfortable picnic.
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Getting There

  • Public Transport

    From Hayward or South Hayward BART stations, take AC Transit #86 to West Winton Avenue and Cabot Blvd. From there, it's a 0.7-mile walk west into the park. AC Transit fares are around $2.50 for a single ride.

  • Driving

    From I-880, exit at West Winton Avenue and head west towards the bay. Alternatively, take the Washington Avenue exit and go south to Grant Avenue, then right to the Grant Avenue staging area. Parking is free at both locations. Note that parking can be limited during peak hours.

  • Ride-sharing Service

    Use a ride-sharing app and enter 'Hayward Regional Shoreline, 3050 W Winton Ave, Hayward, CA 94545' as your destination. Prices vary based on distance and demand. A ride from downtown Hayward may cost approximately $10-$15.

Unlock the Best of Hayward Regional Shoreline

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Discover more about Hayward Regional Shoreline

Hayward Regional Shoreline offers a unique blend of natural beauty and historical significance on the eastern edge of the San Francisco Bay. This diverse landscape, characterized by its salt, fresh, and brackish water marshes, provides a vital habitat for a wide array of wildlife and a serene escape for visitors seeking respite from the urban environment. Originally, the area was a tidal salt marsh fringing San Francisco Bay. In the 1850s, levees were constructed in Hayward and San Lorenzo to create land for agriculture, salt production, and development. Landings were established to ferry passengers and move salt and agricultural products to San Francisco. Remnants of timbers at landing sites along the trail can be seen from the mudflats at low tide, offering a glimpse into the area's industrial past. Today, the shoreline is a testament to ecological restoration. In 1980, the East Bay Regional Park District initiated a long-term marsh improvement program, transforming former salt production ponds into thriving wetlands. Cogswell Marsh, completed in 1980, was the first major restoration project, followed by Hayward Marsh in 1985 and Oro Loma Marsh in 1997. These marshes now support a rich ecosystem, attracting over 200 avian species, including migratory birds, shorebirds, and waterfowl. Egrets, willets, and avocets are commonly spotted, while red-tailed hawks soar overhead. The park boasts five miles of gravel public trails, perfect for hiking, bicycling, jogging, and birdwatching. The trails wind along the shoreline, offering stunning views of the bay, Mount Diablo, and the surrounding hills. Benches are strategically placed along the trails, providing opportunities to rest and soak in the scenery. The San Francisco Bay Trail also runs through the shoreline, connecting it to other parks and open spaces around the bay. Hayward Marsh is particularly noteworthy for its unique reliance on secondary treated effluent as a freshwater source. The marsh is made up of five managed ponds and has 15 islands that are utilized by many species of nesting birds.

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