Getting to Dillon Beach: Directions, Tips, and What to Know Before You Go

Dillon Beach sits at the western edge of Marin County where Tomales Bay meets the Pacific Ocean. It’s a small, unincorporated community with no traffic lights, no public transit, and no Uber. Getting here takes a little planning — but the drive is half the experience, and once you arrive you’ll understand why people keep coming back.

Here’s everything you need to know about getting to Dillon Beach, regardless of where you’re starting from.

From San Francisco — About 1.5 Hours

The most popular route from San Francisco is north on US-101, then west through Lucas Valley. Take the Lucas Valley Road exit in San Rafael and follow it all the way to Point Reyes Station. From there, head north on Highway 1 through the hamlet of Tomales, then turn left on Dillon Beach Road. The whole drive is about 70 miles.

Lucas Valley Road is a winding two-lane road through gorgeous golden hills dotted with oaks. It’s scenic and mostly empty, but take it easy on the curves — there’s no shoulder and the occasional cyclist. The last stretch through Tomales is pure ranch country.

An alternate route goes north on US-101 to Petaluma, then west on the Bodega Highway through Valley Ford to Highway 1 south. This takes about the same time and is a wider, easier drive if you’re not comfortable with winding roads. It’s also the better route for stocking up on groceries in Petaluma on the way.

From Sacramento — About 2.5 Hours

Take I-80 west toward San Francisco, cross the Carquinez Bridge, and continue on I-80 to US-101 north. Exit at Petaluma and head west on the Bodega Highway. Follow it through Valley Ford to Highway 1, then south to Tomales and west on Dillon Beach Road. Total distance is about 130 miles.

The drive from Sacramento is straightforward freeway until Petaluma, then transitions to quiet rural roads for the last 45 minutes. Plan for Bay Area traffic if you’re leaving on a Friday afternoon — the stretch through Vallejo and Novato can add 30–45 minutes.

From Sonoma County — 30 Minutes from Petaluma

If you’re already in Sonoma County, Dillon Beach is surprisingly close. From Petaluma, take the Bodega Highway west through Valley Ford to Highway 1, then south through Tomales. The drive is about 28 miles and takes 30–35 minutes. From Santa Rosa, add another 20 minutes north to south on US-101 before heading west.

This route passes through some of the prettiest farmland in Northern California — rolling green hills, dairy cows, and the occasional roadside farm stand.

Road Conditions

All routes to Dillon Beach end with narrow, two-lane country roads. The roads are paved and well-maintained, but there are no streetlights once you leave the highway. If you’re arriving after dark, take it slow — deer and cattle are common on the road at night.

Winter storms occasionally bring downed trees or minor flooding on the low-lying sections near Tomales Bay. Highway 1 rarely closes, but check Caltrans QuickMap for conditions if heavy rain is forecast. Cell service drops off once you pass Tomales, so download directions before you lose signal.

Parking

Dillon Beach Resort operates the main public beach parking lot. Day-use parking is $10 per vehicle (cash or card). The lot fills by mid-morning on summer weekends and holidays. Arrive before 10 AM to guarantee a spot. There is no street parking along Dillon Beach Road — parking on the road shoulder will get you towed.

If you’re staying at a vacation rental in the village, your rental should have its own parking. Confirm with your host before arriving.

No Public Transit

There is no bus, train, or rideshare service to Dillon Beach. You need a car. The nearest Marin Transit bus stops in Point Reyes Station, about 20 miles south, and even that is infrequent. If you’re visiting from San Francisco without a car, rent one — you’ll need it for groceries and day trips anyway.

What to Bring

Dillon Beach has no grocery store, no gas station, and no pharmacy. Stock up before you arrive.

• Groceries and drinks. Petaluma is your last good stop. Hit Petaluma Market or a grocery store on your way through.
• Layers. Coastal temps run 50–65°F year-round. Morning fog and evening wind are the norm, even in July.
• Sunscreen. The fog burns off and UV reflects hard off the water and sand.
• Cash. Some vendors at the beach and Lawson’s Landing prefer cash, though card is increasingly accepted.
• Firewood. If your rental has a fire pit, grab a bundle at a gas station in Petaluma.
• Downloaded maps. Cell service is limited to nonexistent in Dillon Beach. Download Google Maps or Apple Maps for the area before you leave the highway.

Cell Service

Cell coverage in Dillon Beach is spotty at best. AT&T and Verizon get occasional bars in the village; T-Mobile is essentially nonexistent. Most vacation rentals have Wi-Fi, so you won’t be completely off the grid — but don’t count on streaming or making calls from the beach. Embrace it. It’s part of the charm.

Where to Stay