Just a little over an hour from the city is an idyllic coastal escape perfect for couples, friends, families—and you.
Right at the edge of the scenic Marin County coastline is a haven for vacationers seeking tranquility, creatives looking for inspiration, and even adventure-seekers with furry friends in tow. The embodiment of casual coastal living, Dillon Beach Resort is perched on a bluff above a mile-long privately owned beach that the resort preserves, protects, and operates publicly. Originally built in the late 1800s, the historic property has only changed hands three times in nearly a century and a half—most recently shifting to proprietor Mike Goebel, a longtime hospitality entrepreneur.
The resort offers a range of accommodations designed to cater to different preferences and group sizes. From its newer “tiny home” style cottages—built in collaboration with Oregon-based builder Tru Form Tiny—to its spacious cabins, each lodging option provides a unique way to experience the beauty of Dillon Beach. Its Sweetwater, Sandpiper, Cypress, and Osprey cottages are cozy, yet fitted with all the modern amenities you’ll need for an ultra-comfortable stay. Suitable for two to four guests, enjoy pour over coffee in the morning as you sit outside on your porch, or watch the tide roll in from floor-to-ceiling windows in your ocean view cottage. For larger groups, opt for the Coho Cottage or Coastal Cabins, which have room for up to six. Perfect for a getaway with family or close friends, the cabins have a private backyard and fire pit—great for grilling up some of the region’s famed oysters. Traveling with a furry family member? Dillon Beach Resort is ultra-dog-friendly!
Outdoor enthusiasts will find plenty to do at Dillon Beach Resort, with opportunities for hiking and wildlife watching—be sure to ask reception about the secret beach hike. The resort’s proximity to Point Reyes National Seashore provides access to an extensive network of trails that wind through rugged coastal terrain and offer breathtaking views of the ocean. Bird watchers and nature lovers will delight in the abundant wildlife, including seabirds, harbor seals, and occasionally even whales.
Dillon Beach itself is a short walk away. Ideal for surfing or leisurely strolls, it is also one of few beaches allowing fully off-leash dogs. Rent a surfboard from the resort’s Surf Shack, then relax and unwind in the evening at one of the first-come, first-serve fire pits on the beach. The resort is also launching a new series of Open Fire Beach Dinners, with its first event kicking off September 19, 2024. Held in an intimate cypress grove nestled on Dillon Beach, the dinner will feature a seasonal menu by Chef Lee Desrosiers of Hell Chicken, paired with natural wine from local winemakers, Dirty Gold. Prepared completely over live fire, the dinner will showcase regional produce and proteins sourced the day of the feast—think grilled oysters and rockfish, Sonoma County meats and cheeses, grilled seasonal vegetables, and fresh-picked herbs.
If you miss one of these lovely open fire dinners, don’t despair—Dillon Beach offers plenty of other options to indulge in the local cuisine. The resort features a General Store stocked with fresh-baked goods from Pastry Chef Luiza Rodrigues, as well as a well-curated selection of other local goodies. For a heartier meal, visit the resort’s onsite restaurant, Coastal Kitchen, serving a variety of dishes made with fresh, locally sourced ingredients from farm and sea. The menu highlights Marin and Sonoma County’s culinary bounty, with options ranging from clam chowder to beer battered fish. The café’s relaxed setting make it an ideal spot for a leisurely lunch or a low-key dinner.
Beyond the resort, the stretch of coast from West Marin through Southern Sonoma boasts a number of charming eateries. Though you may already be familiar with the iconic Nick’s Cove Restaurant, you’ll want to make a trip to discover Chef Chris Cosentino’s fresh take on seaside dining. A mash-up of the local institution’s West Coast tastes with his East Coast roots, indulge in novel offerings such as a lobster roll stuffed with crab and Bay shrimp (plus a dollop of caviar, if you’re so inclined). Finish off a meal with their fish bowl sundae, featuring Straus Family Creamery soft serve topped with shredded halva and chocolate pearls. Another worthwhile stop is Hog Island Oyster Farm. Immerse yourself in oyster farming and learn about its sustainable aquaculture techniques with a tour, before learning how to shuck fresh oysters. You can also pick up oysters directly from its retail shack to take back to the resort. Don’t forget to grab some of their signature hogwash mignonette if you plan to eat them fresh, or its house-made miso nori butter and chipotle bourbon butter if you prepare them on the grill. You’ll also want to budget in some time for Toluma Farms & Creamery, a 160-acre goat and sheep dairy and educational farm offering both public and private tours. Enjoy a guided walking tour which includes a visit with the animals inside its historic barn and a look into the milking parlor and its creamery, followed by a tasting of its artisanal goat and sheep cheeses.
One of the most cherished aspects of Dillon Beach Resort is its strong sense of community. The resort’s staff and management foster a welcoming atmosphere that makes visitors feel like part of the family. Whether it’s sharing stories around a beach bonfire or mingling at one of the resort’s weekly events (from wine and cheese tastings to live music), guests are encouraged to connect with each other and with the natural environment. This sense of belonging is what makes Dillon Beach Resort more than just a destination. As you explore the property and its surroundings, you’ll find that it isn’t just a place to visit—it’s a place to call home, even if only for a short while.
