This 347-acre park is situated next to the picturesque main street the Mendocino village. Its known for its open grassy headlands, impressive coastal rocks, and secluded beaches. Locals and visitors alike make use of the gentle trails. In the winter, the bluffs provides a good place for whale watching. The park is accessible from multiple spots, especially through designated openings through a white-painted fence line. At Heeser and Main Street, the secluded Portuguese Beach is accessible by an informal staircase. From the park’s southern-eastern tip, the wider Big River Beach is accessible by a solidly-built wooden staircase. From there, the beach extends a little more upriver. Due east is a much bigger area of the park that makes up the Big River Property where redwood tree forests dominate.
The park’s Ford Visitor Center & Museum, built in 1854, is located on the park grounds along Main Street. Wildlife and historical information about the area is available at this location.
