Dillon Darling

Relax at Dillon Beach in Marin

dillon beach in marin

Hankering to hit the beach? Don’t dilly dally—Dillon dally! Often overlooked, Dillon Beach in Marin can be magical in fall when the mist lifts to reveal a 1-mile swath of wide and sandy terrain backed by dunes and dotted with picnic tables.

dillon beach in marin

The size of the beach means people can disperse even when the parking lot is totally full. Stroll seaside, soaking in views of Point Reyes and sea stacks rising from the ocean.

Dillon Beach in Marin

Low tide brings good tide-pooling on the north end. Bluffs offer more private hideaways. And the bow-wow bonus—your dogs get to roam with you, or sit on your lap to enjoy the scenery. That’s some Dillon chillin’.

dillon beach in marin

dillon beach in marin

BONUS FOOD AND DRINK: Not only is it Marin County’s Oldest Saloon and Inn, William Tell House, located in the nearby town of Tomales, now has a new patio with firepits for autumn warmth. Belly up for some Buttermilk Fried Oysters & Chips or a Stemple Creek Burger, and wash it all down with their signature cocktail or a Ghost Town IPA beer.

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 $15. Dog-friendly!

Trending Stories NorCal

View all Stories
  1. Talk of the Town

    We're spilling the tea on this bountiful 5.5-mile loop to Gossip Rock in Hayward’s Garin Regional Park (currently whispering all the right springtime notes).

    View
  2. Swing into Spring

    Swing into this 7.1-mile hike in the hills of Half Moon Bay! It’s got gorgeous views, fields of spring wildflowers, and a hidden rustic tree swing.

    View
  3. The Carson Show

    Carson Falls is ready for primetime. This three-tiered, 100-foot stunner is hidden back in a canyon outside of Fairfax and reached on a 3.25-mile (round-trip) hike.

    View
  4. woman kneeling and signing peak book at Mount Olympia in Mount Diablo State Park

    Double Up on Diablo

    Set the tone for 2024 with this twofer summit hike at Mount Diablo State Park. Embark on a 7-mile out-and-back up Mount Olympia and Diablo’s lesser-known summit, North Peak.

    View

Trending Stories SoCal

View all Stories
  1. Hiker overlooking Bear Gulch Reservoir at Pinnacles National Park near Monterey

    Pinnacles of Spring

    Why hike at Pinnacles National Park? Spring's a beautiful time of year here. And you might spy the magnificent California condor soaring while you gain soaring views from the High Peaks Trail.

    View
  2. Caves in Mojave

    No one expects to see caves when they visit the desert, and that’s part of what makes Mitchell Caverns in the Mojave Desert such an interesting place. Go on a two-hour guided adventure tour through Mitchell Caverns in Providence Mountains State Recreation Area.

    View
  3. Hikers by the reservoir at Triunfo Creek Park near Thousand Oaks

    Triumphant in Triunfo

    Go on a hike with a peaceful reservoir, charming meadows, and beautiful spring blooms at Triunfo Creek Park near Thousand Oaks.

    View
  4. William Kenyon Overlook

    Some of the best vistas of Anza-Borrego Desert State Park are easily accessible via a short and sweet 1.25-mile (round-trip) hike just off the CA-78. Enter your next favorite desert viewpoint: the William Kenyon Overlook.

    View