Dillon Beach Overview
A mile-long sandy shoreline at the mouth of Tomales Bay, 90 minutes north of San Francisco. Open-ocean surf on the south end, calm protected water around the headland. Unlike many Point Reyes beaches, parking is close to the sand with a gentle slope to the water.
Water Temperature
Cold year-round: 50–54°F in winter/spring, 54–58°F in late summer/fall. Wetsuit required for extended water activity. Surfers: 4/3mm year-round, 5/4mm with booties and hood in winter.
Beach Access
Primary access: Dillon Beach Resort at the south end. Day-use parking fee (cash or card), restrooms, picnic area. You can also walk in via Beach Avenue.
Lawson's Landing at the north end has separate parking, camping, and a boat launch (fee required). Walk the bay side or cross to the ocean beach.
Dogs on the Beach
Dogs allowed — keep under voice control, clean up after them, leash near crowds. Lawson's Landing has its own pet policy; check before arriving.
Lifeguards
No lifeguards. Swim at your own risk. Cold water, strong currents, sneaker waves. Supervise children and never turn your back on the ocean.
Beach Areas
Main Beach (South End)
Ocean-facing sandy-bottom beach break, 2–5 ft waves (bigger in winter). Go-to spot for surfing, boogie boarding, and skim boarding. Wide sand at low tide for beach games. Restrooms and parking right behind the dunes.
North Beach / Tomales Bay Side
Round the sand spit into Tomales Bay for calmer, sheltered water — better for families, kayakers, and paddleboarders. Gentle sandy slope with milder current. Good clamming during season (CA fishing license and clam report card required).
Lawson's Landing
Campground and recreation area at the tip of the sand spit. RV and tent camping, boat launch, beach access on both bay and ocean sides. Popular for fishing (perch, halibut, leopard shark), clamming, and kayaking. Day-use and camping fees apply. lawsonslanding.com
Monthly Weather & Conditions
Cool Mediterranean climate. Summer fog burns off by early afternoon, winter brings rain and storms. Warmest, clearest weather: September and October.
| Month | Avg High | Avg Low | Rain (in) | Ocean Temp | Conditions / Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| January | 56°F | 42°F | 5.2 | 51°F | Wettest month. Storm watching, gray whale migration begins. Dramatic surf. |
| February | 58°F | 43°F | 4.5 | 50°F | Still rainy with occasional clear breaks. Whale watching peaks. Wildflowers start. |
| March | 59°F | 44°F | 3.8 | 50°F | Variable—mix of sun and rain. Wildflower season begins on coastal bluffs. |
| April | 61°F | 45°F | 1.8 | 51°F | Drier, more sun. Great for hiking. Spring wildflowers in full bloom. |
| May | 62°F | 47°F | 0.7 | 52°F | Fog season starts. Mornings overcast, afternoons often clear. Fewer crowds. |
| June | 64°F | 49°F | 0.2 | 52°F | Peak fog month. "June Gloom"—mornings gray, afternoons warm. Summer begins. |
| July | 65°F | 50°F | 0.0 | 53°F | Driest month. Fog persists mornings. Busy weekends. Pack layers. |
| August | 66°F | 51°F | 0.1 | 55°F | Warmest ocean temps. Fog starts to lift. Peak tourist season. |
| September | 69°F | 50°F | 0.3 | 57°F | Best weather—clear skies, warm days, warmest water. Fewer crowds than Aug. |
| October | 67°F | 48°F | 1.5 | 56°F | Often the warmest month. Indian summer days. First rains possible late month. |
| November | 61°F | 44°F | 3.8 | 54°F | Rainy season returns. Fewer visitors. Dramatic skies and sunsets. |
| December | 56°F | 41°F | 5.0 | 52°F | Cold, wet, quiet. Storm watching. Gray whale southbound migration. |
Data represents typical conditions for the Dillon Beach / Tomales area. Coastal microclimates can vary; always check forecasts before your visit.
Best Time to Visit
Most Popular
Summer (June – August)
Morning fog, afternoon sun. 60–70°F. Weekends fill up fast — arrive early. Bring layers; mornings are chilly even in July.
Best Weather
Fall (September – October)
Clearest skies, warmest days (70s possible), warmest ocean water. Crowds thin after Labor Day. Ideal for beach walks, surfing, and photography.
Dramatic
Winter (November – February)
Storm watching, powerful waves, gray whale migration. Temps in the 50s. Rainy but broken by clear spells. Prime whale spotting from the headlands.
Wildflowers
Spring (March – May)
Variable weather with sunny breaks. Coastal hills covered in lupine, poppies, and iris. Great hiking season. Fewer visitors and lower rental rates.
Tides & Surf
Why Tides Matter
Low tide: wide beach for walks, games, and tidepooling. High tide: beach narrows significantly. Plan beach days around a falling or low tide. Tidepooling is best on minus tides (below 0.0 ft), which occur a few times monthly.
Tide Information
Nearest NOAA station: Tomales Bay Entrance (Station 9415253).
Surf Conditions
Sandy-bottom beach break, beginner- to intermediate-friendly on smaller days. No rocks or reef. Summer: 2–4 ft. Winter: 4–8+ ft. Best on west/northwest swell with light winds. Morning glass before afternoon onshore breeze.
Current reports: Surfline — Dillon Beach.
Nearby Beaches Worth Exploring
All within an easy day trip from Dillon Beach.
Kehoe Beach
~20 minutes south (Point Reyes National Seashore)
Half-mile trail to a remote, cliff-backed beach. Great for beachcombing and solitude. Dogs on trail but not beach Mar-Sep (plover nesting). Free parking.
Stinson Beach
~45 minutes south
One of Marin's few swimmable beaches with seasonal lifeguards, shops, and restaurants. Parking fills early on warm weekends.
Bodega Head Beaches
~30 minutes north
Cliff-top views, sheltered Horseshoe Cove, access to Salmon Creek Beach. Prime whale watching in winter/spring. Sonoma Coast State Park.
Drake's Beach
~35 minutes south (Point Reyes National Seashore)
Sheltered, south-facing beach with white sandstone cliffs and calm water. Visitor center on-site. Great for families. Free parking.
Beach Safety
Important Safety Information
NorCal coast conditions are different from Southern California. Take these seriously.
- Cold Water: Rarely exceeds 58°F. Causes rapid fatigue and hypothermia. Wetsuit required for any extended water activity.
- Rip Currents: Form any time, especially near sandbars. If caught, swim parallel to shore — don't fight it.
- Sneaker Waves: Large waves surge up the beach without warning, especially in winter. Never turn your back on the ocean.
- No Lifeguards: At Dillon Beach or any nearby Point Reyes beaches. Swim with a buddy. Supervise children closely.
- Sun Protection: UV penetrates fog. Wear SPF 30+ even on cloudy days.
- Cliff Edges: Bluffs are undercut and unstable. Stay behind fences.