Dillon Dally

Dillon Beach in Marin

01.20.2015

If you're going to go to a beach north of the Golden Gate, chances are it's one of the Big 3 in Marin: the Headlands, Stinson, Point Reyes. But oft-overlooked Dillon Beach is also Marin magical. Regularly shrouded in fog during summer, the mist lifts on Dillon a little more in winter, unveiling a one-mile swath of wide, sandy terrain backed by beautiful dunes that make nice buffers if there's wind. The size of the beach allows people to disperse, so even when the parking lot seems full, the beach still allows solitude—a prime spot for strolling seaside and enjoying views of Point Reyes. Sea stacks rise from the ocean, and low tide brings gentler surf plus nice tide-pooling on the north end. You can find picnic tables here, and the bluffs make for more private hideaways. A bow-wow bonus: There are no leash laws at Dillon Beach so if your furry pal is friendly, you both get to roam free. That's some chillin' at Dillon.

Dillon Beach is located between Bodega Bay and Tomales Bay. Take Hwy. 1 to Tomales and then go west on Dillon Beach Rd. Parking at Dillon Beach is $8. Dog-friendly! 

Trending Stories NorCal

View all Stories

  1. Gentle Giants

    Some people visit national parks to marvel at the iconic sights, while others come seeking solitude in nature. With visitation on the rise, it can be hard to find both. But in Sequoia & Kings Canyon National Parks, this pair of trails offers both....

    View

  2. Screaming Good Garden

    Combine a classic scary movie backdrop and life-size elephant garden sculptures in beautiful downtown Sonoma.

    View

  3. A Hike to the Past

    This 5.2-mile redwoods hike through El Corte de Madera Creek Open Space combines a relaxing stroll with unique geologic formations and historical artifacts.

    View

  4. Golden Mile

    Dubbed the Golden Mile, this car-free stretch of road in Golden Gate Park features rotating art installations of murals, sculptures, and abundant bright yellow Adirondack chairs for kicking back to relax. See Naga, the recent new addition here, an impressive sea serpent art installation at Golden Gate Park's Rainbow

    View

Trending Stories SoCal

View all Stories
  1. Sponsored

    Chase Fall Colors & Family Fun in Reno Tahoe

    Ready to Reno? We’re so with you! Reno Tahoe is the ultimate urban basecamp for gathering family and friends for all kinds of fall fun and festivities.

    View

  2. Welcome to the Ice Age

    Only in LA can you stumble upon a lake of bubbling black goo right in the middle of the city—complete with a life-size family of mammoths frozen in time. Take a whiff and you’ll catch the unmistakable scent of asphalt: Yep, you’ve made it to the La Brea Tar Pits & Museum.

    View

  3. Griffith's Golden

    With over 4,200 acres and hundreds of trails, Griffith Park is the gold standard. Opt for the lesser-hiked northwestern end of the park and visit the 2.25-mile Skyline and Oak Canyon loop from Travel Town.

    View

  4. Mulholland's Most Majestic

    Take a leisurely drive along Mulholland Drive to discover beautiful urban scenery and unexpected wild beauty, right in the middle of the city. 

    View