The park is near picturesque downtown Mendocino. The park features grass-covered headlands and a beach, with access from the mouth of the Big River south of town.
Trails are popular with hikers and joggers.
In winter, the park provides a site for whale watching. The Ford Museum features weekend lectures on area wildlife. Volunteers operate the historic Ford House on Main Street in Mendocino. Current and historic information about the area is available to Mendocino visitors, including a scale model of 1890 Mendocino. Interpretive walks, led by docents.