Jackson Triangle - Hayward, CA

Originally the home of the Costanoan Indians, Hayward was settled by the Spanish rancher Guillermo Castro in 1843. During the Gold Rush, Castro sold 40 acres of his 27,000-acre homestead to a newcomer, William Hayward, who built a small trading post, which soon prospered into a stagecoach shop, a post office, and a small hotel. Before long, the area became known as Hayward's Place, and in 1928, incorporated as the City of Hayward. Throughout the 20th century, Hayward's temperate climate and vast natural resources drew thousands to the area, where crops of all kinds flourished easily. Soon, the city became a true melting pot, and it maintains that spirit of diversity to this day. In the city's newly revitalized downtown, Hayward's Center for History and Culture celebrates the tradition of acceptance that makes Hayward the true "Heart of the Bay" in numerous exhibits and collections of historical artifacts.

Hayward's Jackson Triangle offers a large number of restaurants that serve authentic ethnic cuisine, especially Asian and Mexican fare. Fast-food restaurants are plentiful as well. Nightlife tends to be quiet in this bedroom community, but you can always stop in at a local bar for a quick drink after work.

For a hearty Mexican lunch, try Taqueria el Mezcal on Harper Road, where the offerings include inexpensive tacos, burritos, quesadillas, and a variety of entrees in a casual south-of-the-border atmosphere. Dig into a plate of camarones diabla, consisting of spicy-hot shrimp, rice, beans, and chips, for a zesty treat. Order the steak quesdaillas for a hearty entree big enough to share with a friend. Wash it all down with creamy horchata, an authentic Mexican drink made with rice, sesame seeds, nuts, and a variety of flavorings.

If Asian cuisine tops your list of favorite foods, stop in at TinFu Chinese Restaurant, located right down the street on Harper Road. The menu trends towards classic Chinese and includes dozens of popular favorites, such as lemon chicken, prawns in garlic sauce, and Mongolian beef. Everything is freshly made, including the dumplings and the hand-rolled lo mein. Try the sweet-and-sour soup with a batch of crispy fried wontons and a glass of the scrumptious bubble tea to become a Tin Fu fan for life.

Stop by Cecil's Famous Burgers when you have time to enjoy a casual al fresco lunch, or grab a bag to take back to the office. This humble diner's special hamburger sauce transforms the ordinary sandwich into a memorable midday treat. When you're not in the mood for a hamburger, try the Alaskan salmon burger or turkey avocado melt. Don't leave without a chocolate or vanilla shake or a soft-serve ice cream cone.

For a night out, head to the Bijou Restaurant & Bar, an upscale bistro in the heart of downtown. Featuring a head chef straight from Paris and a plush interior with Italian leather chairs, the Bijou adds an air of San Francisco sophistication to Hayward's revitalized downtown. Try the steak tartar with a pinot noir from a local vineyard, or enjoy a hand-crafted cocktail made with locally distilled artisan spirits and fresh, seasonal fruit. Treat yourself to a glass of award-winning Delerium Tremens, a craft beer with a rich texture, gorgeous head, and subtle aromas of citrus, banana, and spice. If you feel like dancing or playing a game of pool afterward, try the World Famous Turf Club, a local favorite that features DJ music, karaoke, a pool table, and an outdoor tiki bar.

The Jackson Triangle sits between Jackson Street and SR-238, two busy state roads that provide direct access to three of the Bay Area's major freeways -- I-880, I-580, and I-680. From almost any location within the triangle, residents can reach San Francisco, Oakland, or San Jose by car in under 60 minutes, making this section of Hayward one of the most commuter-friendly neighborhoods in the East Bay. The city of Hayward also hosts two Bay Area Rapid Transit stations, an Amtrak station, and the city-owned Hayward Executive Airport, home to about 400 commercial aircraft that range from single engine planes to corporate jets. The airport provides a variety of services, including aircraft leasing, rentals, and charters to local residents and visitors.

With a walk score of 57, the Jackson Triangle ranks as the fifth most walkable neighborhood in Hayward; however, most residents use a car for shopping, errands, and getting back and forth to work. Alameda County Transit provides bus service throughout the city of Hayward and easy access to other communities within Alameda County as well as several routes that service BART. On BART, travelers can reach most East Bay communities, including Oakland and Berkley, the San Francisco and Oakland International Airports, downtown San Francisco, and CalTrain, which provides service to most Silicon Valley communities and San Jose.

If you need a lift after-hours or public transportation doesn't suit your mood, Bay Driver and Mission Cab Company provide door-to-door service around town and shuttles to and from the airport. Both Uber and Lyft also provide rides to locations throughout San Francisco, Oakland, and the East Bay.

Hayward enjoys a beautiful temperate climate and ample open spaces, so the city's abundance of parks comes as no surprise. For a delightful afternoon, take the kids to the Sulphur Creek Nature Center, a wildlife refuge located in a quiet residential neighborhood on D Street. Enjoy interacting with the dozens of rescued and protected birds, insects, snakes, rabbits, coyotes, foxes, and more in this quiet, natural setting just minutes from downtown.

Enjoy the serenity of the Japanese Gardens, a peaceful oasis right in the heart of downtown. With a gazebo, koi ponds, and pristine paths for walking and quiet reflection, the park provides a calming refuge in the middle of your busy day. Head to the Hayward Regional Shoreline to explore 1,180 acres of marshes and wetlands on over five miles of public trails. Bring your bike, or just walk along the marshlands and watch the local shorebirds.

For a challenging weekend adventure, head out to Garin and Dry Creek Pioneer Regional Park for a hike through some pristine wilderness and some stunning views of the bay.

The City of Hayward Parks and Recreation Department features a number of activities for the whole family to enjoy, including an aquatics program that provides a year-round pool, the Hayward Plunge, and three seasonal pools. Water fitness, swim lessons, and other activities for children aged toddler to adolescent run year-round. In the summer, the city-sponsored concert and movie series delights audiences of all ages, as does the annual Battle of the Bands, held at the Reed L. Buffington Performing Arts Center at Chabot College in Hayward.

Life in Jackson Triangle tends to be a more affordable than in the rest of the City of Hayward, which, in turn, runs slightly cheaper than the Bay Area as a whole. Rent for a one-bedroom apartment in Jackson Triangle runs about $1,214.05. Groceries and food cost about the same as they do in most of the country, but you can expect to pay about 15 percent more at the pump for gas. A beer at a local tavern runs anywhere from $4 to $6, while craft beers and imports cost $10 and up.

Ride the bus from Hayward to any destination in Alameda Country for a $2.10 each way, or take BART for between $1.85 and $6.05 from Hayward to most East Bay communities. A ride to the San Francisco airport is $10.20 each way. Transfer from BART to any AC bus and get 25 cents off regular bus fare.

From big box stores to thrift shops, Hayward provides plenty of shopping for the whole family. The city's revitalized, pedestrian-friendly downtown features vintage clothing stores and small boutiques, while nearby department stores offer everything from fashion to home decor.

Stop by Vintage Alley on Main Street for fashions of all kinds, including dresses, scarves, hats, and jewelry, and then take a seat in salon and get a new hairstyle to go with your brand-new look.

At nearby Southland Mall, shop for fashions at dozens of retailers, big and small. Shop Macy's or J.C. Penney's for everything you need for the whole family in one place, or browse dozens of smaller shops, such as Forever-21, Catherine's, and Body Gear. Stop at Bath and Body Works for some beauty supplies, then pick up some good-for-you health foods at GNC.

Shop for everyday groceries at any one of several Safeway or Lucky Stores, or try the Grocery Outlet, which stocks brand-name frozen foods, milks, and cheeses at significant discounts. For the best selection of fresh produce, homemade breads, and baked goods, head to the Hayward Farmer's Market on B Street. Open every Saturday from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m., the market also features dozens of food booths where you can sample everything from pasta dishes to Filipino food.