Tucked away on the western edge of Marin County, Dillon Beach is one of Northern California’s quietest coastal escapes. There are no stoplights, no chain restaurants, and no crowds — just a long stretch of sand, reliable surf, and the kind of stillness that makes you forget you’re only ninety minutes from San Francisco.
If you have a weekend to spare and want to trade noise for ocean air, here’s how to make the most of two days at the coast.
Getting There
Dillon Beach is roughly 70 miles north of San Francisco, an hour and a half without traffic. The route takes you through Petaluma on Highway 101, then west on the Tomales–Petaluma Road through open ranch land that feels a century removed from the freeway. The last stretch winds past dairy farms and rolling hills before the road drops to the coast.
Stop in Petaluma on the way for groceries — there is no grocery store in Dillon Beach itself. Whole Foods, Trader Joe’s, and Safeway are all right off the highway. Load up the car, then enjoy the drive in.
The Beach
Dillon Beach is a wide, sandy crescent facing due west. The surf breaks are consistent but forgiving, making it a solid spot for both experienced surfers and beginners on boogie boards. The sand is soft and clean, and even on summer weekends you can find space to spread out without feeling crowded.
The beach is also one of the best spots in Marin County for sunset. On clear evenings the sky goes orange and pink over the Farallon Islands, and you can watch it happen without another building in your line of sight.
Lawson’s Landing
Just north of the main beach, Lawson’s Landing is a privately operated campground and recreation area at the tip of the Dillon Beach peninsula. It’s a great place to launch kayaks or paddleboards onto Tomales Bay, fish from the shore, or explore the dunes. Day-use access is available for a small fee, and the bay side offers calmer water that’s ideal for families with young children.
Tide Pools
The rocky outcrops at the south end of Dillon Beach reveal a rich intertidal world at low tide. Sea stars, anemones, hermit crabs, mussels, and small sculpins are all common. Check a tide chart before you go — you want a minus tide or at least a tide below one foot for the best viewing. Wear water shoes with good grip; the rocks are slippery with algae.
Hiking and Point Reyes
Point Reyes National Seashore is a short drive south and offers some of the finest coastal hiking in California. The Tomales Point Trail starts near the historic Pierce Point Ranch and runs along dramatic bluffs with views of the Pacific, Tomales Bay, and the Tule elk herd that roams the peninsula. The trail is about nine miles round-trip, but you can turn around at any point and still feel rewarded.
Closer to Dillon Beach, Bodega Head has shorter trails with equally stunning views. The headland loop is about two miles and is one of the best whale-watching spots on the Sonoma coast, especially from December through April when gray whales migrate south.
Dining
Dillon Beach is a small community, but the surrounding area has excellent food. The town itself has a general store and a café for basics. For a sit-down meal, drive fifteen minutes south to the Marshall Store on Tomales Bay for oysters and smoked fish right on the water, or head to Tomales for a wood-fired pizza at the Tomales Deli.
Petaluma, about thirty minutes east, has a thriving food scene with farm-to-table restaurants, craft breweries, and some of the best coffee in the North Bay. It’s worth a lunch trip if you have time.
Best Time to Visit
Every season has something to offer at Dillon Beach. Summer brings the warmest temperatures (though “warm” means low 60s at the coast) and the longest days. Fall is often the sunniest and least foggy, with warm afternoons and golden light. Winter delivers dramatic storms, whale watching, and the quietest beaches you’ll ever see. Spring brings wildflowers to the headlands and the tail end of whale migration.
If forced to pick, we’d say September and October are the sweet spot — warm, clear, and uncrowded.
Where to Stay
There are no hotels in Dillon Beach, which is part of its charm. Vacation rentals are the way to stay here, and they let you settle in like a local rather than a tourist. Sea Esta is our modern beach cottage with ocean views, a fire pit, heated floors, and a fully stocked kitchen — everything you need to make a weekend feel like a real escape.
Ready to plan your Dillon Beach weekend? Sea Esta is a modern beach cottage with ocean views, heated floors, and everything you need for a perfect coastal getaway.