Get to Know the Neighborhood

Hayward City Hall building

Life Around Cal State East Bay

Cal State East Bay sits above the city of Hayward, offering students both the peace of a hilltop haven and quick access to the vibrant, diverse East Bay community below. Whether you’re looking for transit options, outdoor exploration, local culture, or great food, the neighborhood around campus has something for everyone.

Getting Around: Transit & Bus Schedules

The East Bay is one of the most connected regions in the Bay Area. Students can rely on convenient transit options:


AC Transit

  • AC Transit EasyPass: Free for students with a BayCard

  • Connects from campus to Hayward BART, Downtown Hayward, Castro Valley, and other nearby cities

  • Schedules & real-time arrivals:

BART (Bay Area Rapid Transit)

  • Closest station: Hayward BART

  • Direct connections to: Oakland, San Francisco, Berkeley, Fremont, and Peninsula

  • Schedules:

Local Culture & Things to Do

Left: A Hayward mural with vintage care, Middle: A gazebo above a pond in the Japanese garden, Right: local produce from the Hayward farmer's market 

A quiet, beautifully landscaped garden perfect for reflection, studying outdoors, or decompressing.

Over 200 public murals throughout downtown — a favorite for photography and weekend exploring.

A great resource for learning about the city’s diverse cultural roots.

This resource is a great way to stay connected to what's happening across Oakland and the broader East Bay creative scene.

Your go-to source for community news, neighborhood services, parks, public safety updates, city events, and local programs.

Annual & Seasonal Events

These rotate annually but are consistently popular:

  • Hayward Street Party (Summer)

  • Latin Jazz Festival (Fall)

  • Downtown Holiday Tree Lighting (December)

  • Farmers Markets – Saturdays on Watkins St.; seasonal market at Southland Mall

Local Sports Teams

A new community-focused baseball team playing in Oakland, dedicated to keeping pro baseball alive in the East Bay.

A community-driven professional soccer team playing at our own Pioneer Stadium. 

The Bay Area’s new professional women’s soccer team based at PayPal Park in San Jose.

Catch world-class basketball at the Chase Center in San Francisco.

From basketball and track to baseball and soccer, cheering on your fellow Pioneers is one of the best ways to feel the falcon spirit!

Local Spots to Eat (Student-Approved Favorites)

Left: Photo of Buffalo Bill's exterior, Middle: Various dishes from Aama's kitchen, Right: Interior of Casa del Toro restaurant

Close to Campus

  • Bronco Billy's Pizza Palace — Chill pizza parlor; walkable distance from campus

  • Pearl's — Café and bbq; walkable distance from campus

  • Chavez Restaurant & Taqueria — Mexican cuisine, tacos & breakfast dishes

Downtown Hayward Favorites

  • Le Paradis & La Patisserie — Vietnamese cuisine and French pastries

  • Buffalo Bill’s Brewery — Iconic local brewpub with burgers & salads

  • The Dirty Bird Lounge & Tailfeather Kitchen — Diverse menu of food and drinks; great ambiance day or night

  • Casa Del Toro — Mexican fusion with vegan-friendly dishes

  • Acqua e Farina — Classy Italian restaurant; good for celebrations

International Eats

Reflecting the diversity of the East Bay:

  • Aama's Kitchen — Indian and Nepalese food with vegan-friendly options

  • Khao Hom — Authentic Thai cuisine and American breakfast dishes

  • Tang Jip — Traditional Korean cuisine and soups

  • Ghazni — Afghani cuisine and specializes in kebabs; vegetarian friendly

Fast Options

  • In-N-Out

  • Raising Canes

  • Subway

Outdoor Spots Near Campus

  • Garin Regional Park – Hiking trails, picnic spaces, panoramic East Bay views

  • Don Castro Regional Recreation Area – Swimming lagoon, fishing, shaded trails

  • Sulphur Creek Nature Center – Wildlife rehabilitation center & nature trails