Title: Garin and Dry Creek Pioneer Regional Park in Hayward, San Francisco, California
Preparation: 1. Bring food and water drink to picnic. This park is a perfect place for picnic. 2. You can bring balls to play, or bikes for the young kids. 3. Parking is free from Nov to Feb. A parking fee and dog fee are charged weekends and holidays from March to October. 4. Plan at least 3 or 4 hours to explore. Address: 1320 Garin Ave, Hayward, CA 94544
General opinion: It's absolutely worth to go. Breathtaking sight views.
Attractions and activities: 1. Gorgeous scenic view from the mountain! 2. Hiking: it has 20-mile system of trails. Most of them are natural, not paved. 3. Picnic: 4 large group picnic at Garin: The Cattlemen's, Buttonwood and Ranchside areas each serve 100 people, and Pioneer serves 50. The picnic areas has tables and barbecue brazier units. They can be reserved at least 14 days in advance of the planned event.
Dining: It's a natural place and no restaurants in the park.
Commute: When driving to the entrance area in the mountain, switch to D3. From Nov to Feb, no parking fee charged.
Things I wish I had known before: I wish I had known the Garin and Dry Creek park earlier and explore this area often. In the summer season, because there is not much rain, the grass is not green any more.