Ben Lomond Park sits right in the heart of town, a quiet 1-acre spot where the San Lorenzo River runs through and gets dammed up during the summer months, creating a nice water feature to look at while you walk around. It’s genuinely dog-friendly, so you can bring your dog along without any fuss. The park has a permanent dance slab that the Lucky Steppers use for performances, which gives it an interesting local character — you might catch something happening there depending on when you visit.

The grounds are well-maintained and easy to navigate, with year-round public restrooms available, which matters when you’re out for a few hours with your dog on a warm day. There’s plenty of shade from the trees, and the overall vibe is mellow and relaxed rather than crowded or heavily developed. You’ll see locals treating it as their neighborhood gathering spot, which tells you something about how the community actually uses the place.

If you’re staying in Ben Lomond or passing through on Highway 9, this is a straightforward stop for a quick walk and some time by the river. It’s not a massive park with elaborate trails, but that’s kind of the point — it’s the kind of place where you can spend thirty minutes or a couple hours without much agenda. The river access is nice in the warmer months when the water level drops. During winter, it’s more about walking the grounds and enjoying the quietness of the area. Picnicking is easy here too if you want to bring something and sit for a bit. The restroom situation means you’re not stuck dealing with that particular problem while you’re out with your dog.