Highlands County Park in Ben Lomond sits on 26 acres with enough variety that you’ll find something to do whether you’ve got energy to burn or just want to relax. The park has tennis courts, a playing field, picnic areas perfect for groups, and a playground for kids. There’s a historic house on the grounds worth checking out too.

The trails wind through the property and give you decent walking options with your dog. The open spaces are genuinely spacious—not cramped or overly manicured, which dogs seem to appreciate. You can do a casual loop or just find a quiet spot under the trees. The coastal location means you get a bit of that California freshness in the air, though you’re inland enough that it’s not windy like some exposed beach areas.

Ben Lomond itself is a small mountain community nestled in the redwoods, so the park has that quiet, local feel rather than being a major tourist draw. That means it’s usually not packed, even on weekends, which makes it comfortable for dogs who get anxious around crowds. The terrain is relatively gentle, so it works fine for older dogs or those not used to serious hiking.

Picnic areas are scattered throughout, so if you want to settle in for lunch with your dog nearby, that’s easy to arrange. The group picnic areas are good if you’re bringing extended family or friends. Just keep in mind it’s a county park, so standard leash rules apply—you can’t let your dog run loose, but that’s pretty standard everywhere.

The park gets moderate use from locals, which means the trails stay reasonably maintained without feeling overdeveloped. Parking is straightforward, and the entrance is easy to find coming in from the main road through Ben Lomond.