Dog Friendly Dillon Beach
Do laid back coastal vibes, a 1.5 mile long dog friendly sandy beach, and delicious seasonal eats sound like the perfect getaway? We think so! Dillon Beach in Marin county has all this and more without the crowds of more popular area beaches. Here are some of our tips!
Luna at Dillon Beach
WHERE TO STAY:
We recently stayed at the Dillon Beach Resort which offers cozy cottages and cabins with room for 2 to 6 people—some with ocean views—all dog friendly and just a short walk from the beach.
Other nearby accommodations include camping at Lawson’s Landing in Dillon Beach and the waterfront cabins at Nick’s Cove in Marshall.
DOG FRIENDLY DINING:
Dillon Beach Coastal Kitchen-This casual restaurant is right at the resort with a selection of local and seasonal dishes like tacos, salads, sandwiches and burgers. Dogs are allowed in the outdoor dining area.
Hog Island Oysters-The Boat Oyster Bar in Marshall about a 20 minute drive away, serves delicious grilled and raw oysters outdoors with views of Tomales Bay. Leashed dogs are welcome, and you can’t get fresher oysters!
Out the Door-This takeout-only spot in Tomales, about a 10 minute drive from Dillon Beach, offers tasty meat, veggie, and fish tacos. With a rotating menu, there’s always something new to try! Grab a seat on the outdoor benches, or even better, head back to the Dillon for a beachside picnic.
DOG FRIENDLY HIKING
Dogs can explore the sandy shores and gentle dunes of the 1.5-mile Dillon Beach off-leash! There are a handful of picnic tables and fire pits on the beach which are first come first serve., and a paid parking lot onsite. Both Luna and Linus have enjoyed running along the shore, swimming in ocean, and digging in the sand at Dillon.
REACTIVE NOTE
While Dillon Beach is less crowded than many other Bay Area beaches, you’ll still find a fair number of dogs enjoying the sand and surf at any given time. The farther away from the parking lot, we walk, the less people and dogs. Additionally, while the parking lot is open from sunrise to sunset, the beach is open anytime. So if you’re staying in the area and can walk down to the beach, there are much fewer people and dogs once the parking lot closes. Just don’t forget your light up collar and flashlight. You may even be able to see the Milky Way!
Milk Way over Dillon Beach, photographed on a Sony 6400 with a 16 mm lens
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