San Gregorio Creek widens to form a small freshwater lagoon in the park behind a sand berm, or barrier beach, which typically blocks the mouth of the creek, forcing the creekwaters to flow underfoot as they seep into the Pacific Ocean.

During the rainy season the creek often cuts through the sand berm and flows directly into the ocean.

Dogs are not permitted on the beach, as it has been identified as an itinerant nesting habitat for the locally underpopulated western snowy plover.

It is considered a self-registered fee area, although there is a kiosk which is staffed during summer months.

A stone marker with a plaque (now missing) commemorates the three days Spanish explorer Gaspar de Portolà's expedition camped at the beach to rest and treat their sick in 1769, during their (failed) attempt to locate Monterey Bay.