Getting to Dillon Beach

Driving directions, parking, and practical tips for your trip.

From San Francisco

~65 miles — approximately 1.5 hours (without traffic)
  1. Head north on US-101 across the Golden Gate Bridge.
  2. Continue on US-101 through San Rafael and Novato toward Petaluma.
  3. Take the East Washington Street / Lakeville Highway exit in Petaluma.
  4. Turn left onto Petaluma Boulevard South, then right onto Western Avenue, which becomes Bodega Avenue.
  5. Follow Bodega Avenue west as it becomes Valley Ford Road.
  6. At Valley Ford, turn right onto Highway 1 North.
  7. Drive through the small town of Tomales.
  8. Just past Tomales, turn left onto Dillon Beach Road.
  9. Follow Dillon Beach Road approximately 4 miles to the coast.
Tip: Weekend mornings and Sunday afternoons on US-101 through Marin can be congested. Leaving San Francisco before 9 AM on weekends will save you 20–30 minutes.

From Oakland

~80 miles — approximately 1 hour 45 minutes
  1. Take I-580 West across the Richmond-San Rafael Bridge into Marin County.
  2. Merge onto US-101 North toward Petaluma.
  3. Follow the same route as from San Francisco: exit at Petaluma, take Bodega Avenue / Valley Ford Road west to Valley Ford.
  4. Turn right onto Highway 1 North, drive through Tomales.
  5. Turn left onto Dillon Beach Road and follow it to the coast.
Tip: The Richmond-San Rafael Bridge toll is collected westbound only. As of 2026, the toll is $7 for FasTrak users and $8 for pay-by-plate. There is no cash toll option.

From Sacramento

~100 miles — approximately 2 to 2.5 hours
  1. Take I-80 West toward San Francisco / Bay Bridge.
  2. Before reaching the Bay Bridge toll plaza, merge onto I-580 West toward the Richmond-San Rafael Bridge.
  3. Cross the Richmond-San Rafael Bridge into Marin County.
  4. Merge onto US-101 North toward Petaluma.
  5. Exit at Petaluma and follow Bodega Avenue / Valley Ford Road west.
  6. At Valley Ford, take Highway 1 North through Tomales.
  7. Turn left onto Dillon Beach Road and continue to the coast.
Tip: The I-80 corridor between Sacramento and the Bay Area is one of the most congested in California. Avoid Friday afternoon departures if possible. Saturday mornings are typically much smoother.

From Santa Rosa

~40 miles — approximately 1 hour
  1. Head south on US-101 South to Petaluma.
  2. Take the East Washington Street exit.
  3. Follow Bodega Avenue west (becomes Valley Ford Road).
  4. At Valley Ford, turn right onto Highway 1 North.
  5. Drive through Tomales, then turn left onto Dillon Beach Road.

Alternate scenic route: Bodega Highway west from Sebastopol to Bodega, then Highway 1 North along the coast. Adds ~30 minutes but great coastal views.

Skip the Day-Trip Parking — Stay Overnight

Dillon Beach Sea Esta is a 5-minute walk to the beach. No parking pass needed when you stay with us.

Book Your Stay

Parking

All beach parking managed by Dillon Beach Resort. No free street parking near the beach.

When Fee Notes
Weekdays (non-summer) $10 Plenty of space; rarely fills up
Summer weekends & holidays $15 Can fill by 11 AM on peak days
Before 9 AM (any day) Free Early arrivals park at no charge

Main lot at the end of Dillon Beach Road, adjacent to the beach. Overflow lot on busy days. Cash or card at the kiosk.

Tip: If you are staying at a vacation rental in Dillon Beach, you typically will not need the paid parking lot — most rentals have their own parking and beach access is a short walk.

What to Bring

Dillon Beach has very limited commercial services. Come prepared.

  • Layers: Fog and wind drop temps into the mid-50s even in summer. Bring a windbreaker.
  • Sunscreen: UV is high even on overcast days.
  • Firewood: Bonfires allowed at Lawson's Landing in designated rings. Bring your own — nowhere to buy it in Dillon Beach.
  • Groceries and drinks: No grocery store in town. Stock up in Petaluma or the small Tomales market.
  • Water: No water fountains at the beach.
  • Beach chairs and blankets: No rentals available.
  • Trash bags: Pack it in, pack it out.

Gas & Essentials

No gas stations in Dillon Beach or Tomales. Fill up before you arrive.

Last Gas — Petaluma

Multiple stations on Petaluma Blvd and E. Washington St. Last reliable fuel, ~25 miles out.

Valley Ford

No gas station. Valley Ford Market has limited snacks and drinks.

Nearest Groceries

Petaluma: Safeway, Grocery Outlet, Whole Foods. Tomales: Small general store with basics and sandwiches.

Hardware & Supplies

Nearest hardware store is Petaluma. Buy beach gear, ice, and charcoal before the final drive.

Tips for a Smooth Trip

  • Arrive early: Summer weekend parking fills by late morning. Before 10 AM is best.
  • Avoid Friday evenings: US-101 northbound through Marin is jammed 4–7 PM. Saturday morning is better.
  • Cell service is limited: Spotty at best. AT&T and Verizon are the least bad. Download offline maps before you leave.
  • Dillon Beach Road is narrow: Two lanes, no shoulder, blind curves. Drive carefully.
  • Best months: September-October. Fog lifts, warmest weather, fewer crowds. Locals call it "second summer."
  • Dogs welcome: Leashed on the beach. Clean up — bags not provided.
  • Restrooms: At Dillon Beach Resort near the parking lot.
Local tip: Weekdays or shoulder months (April-May, September-October) for long stretches of beach to yourself.

Make It a Weekend

Sea Esta — modern beachside cottage with ocean views and a fire pit. 5-minute walk to the sand.

Check Availability