Overview
Dillon Beach is a tiny, unincorporated community on the Marin County coast. There are no hotels, motels, or chain lodging of any kind. That's part of the charm — and part of the challenge when planning a trip.
What you will find: a good selection of vacation rentals (mostly private homes and cottages), the historic Dillon Beach Resort with a handful of rooms and cottages, and beachfront camping at Lawson's Landing. For a town of maybe 200 full-time residents, the lodging options are surprisingly varied — but they are limited in quantity, and the best ones book up fast.
Summer weekends and holidays sell out months in advance. If you're flexible on dates, you'll have a much easier time — and you'll often get better rates and emptier beaches. Read on for an honest look at every lodging option in and around Dillon Beach.
Vacation Rentals
Vacation rentals are the most popular way to stay in Dillon Beach. At any given time, there are roughly 15–20 listings on Airbnb and VRBO in the Dillon Beach area, ranging from cozy one-bedroom cottages to larger family homes that sleep 8–10 people. Most are privately owned by families who live locally or have had property here for generations.
What to Expect
The rental stock in Dillon Beach falls into a few categories:
- Oceanview cottages: Smaller homes perched on the hillside above the beach. These tend to be the most popular listings because the views are stunning and the beach is a short walk downhill. Most sleep 4–6 guests.
- Family homes: Larger properties set back from the bluff, often with more interior space, multiple bedrooms, and yards. Great for groups or multi-family trips. Some have hot tubs or game rooms.
- Pet-friendly options: Several rentals welcome dogs, which is a big deal here — Dillon Beach is one of the few beaches in the area where dogs can run off-leash. If you're traveling with a dog, filter for pet-friendly listings and read the fine print on fees and breed restrictions.
Almost every rental in Dillon Beach is within walking distance of the beach — some a 2-minute stroll, others a 10-minute walk. Very few require driving to reach the sand, which is one of the best things about staying here versus a nearby town.
Featured: Dillon Beach Sea Esta
Dillon Beach Sea Esta
Top-rated beachside cottage with ocean views, a 5-minute walk to the sand. No car needed once you arrive. One of the highest-rated vacation rentals on the entire Marin coast.
2 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms — sleeps up to 6.
- Ocean views
- Heated floors
- Fire pit
- Surfboards & wetsuits
- Sonos sound system
- Smart TVs
- Full kitchen
- Washer & dryer
- Fast Wi-Fi
- Private parking
"Hosts Kellie and Brandt are Dillon Beach locals who also run the town's internet service — so yes, the Wi-Fi really is fast."
Book Direct — Best Rate Visit WebsiteFinding Other Rentals
Beyond Sea Esta, the easiest way to browse available rentals is to search "Dillon Beach" on Airbnb or VRBO. A few things to keep in mind when browsing:
- Some listings tagged "Dillon Beach" are actually in Tomales or on Tomales Bay — check the map pin to make sure you're in the actual village if walking to the beach matters to you.
- Read recent reviews carefully. Coastal properties take a beating from salt air and wind, and maintenance quality varies.
- Ask about linens, towels, and cleaning fees upfront. Some rentals charge a separate cleaning fee that can add $150–$250 to your stay.
Dillon Beach Resort
Dillon Beach Resort
The only commercial establishment in town, sitting right at 1 Beach Avenue where the road ends and the sand begins. The Resort has been part of Dillon Beach for decades and is a landmark in its own right.
They offer a small number of cottages and rooms, ranging from basic to recently updated. It's not luxury — think rustic coastal with a no-frills vibe — but the location is unbeatable. You're literally steps from the beach.
What's On-Site
- Coastal Kitchen: The Resort's on-site restaurant serves breakfast, lunch, and dinner (seasonal hours — call ahead). It's the only sit-down restaurant in Dillon Beach proper, so it's a convenient option even if you're not staying at the Resort.
- General store: Basic supplies, snacks, drinks, firewood, and beach essentials. Handy when you realize you forgot sunscreen or need a bag of ice.
- Surf shop: Wetsuit and surfboard rentals, plus boogie boards and beach gear. Great if you want to try surfing without committing to buying equipment.
- Beach access: The Resort manages the main beach parking lot ($10–$15 per vehicle, cash or card). Guests staying at the Resort have easier access.
Good For
Groups and events (they host small weddings and reunions), families who want everything in one place, and people who prefer not to cook. If you like the idea of rolling out of bed and being on the sand in 60 seconds, the Resort is hard to beat for sheer convenience.
Visit Dillon Beach Resort website for current rates and availability.
Camping at Lawson's Landing
Lawson's Landing — Camping & RV
If you want to sleep right on the coast without walls between you and the Pacific, Lawson's Landing is one of the best camping spots in Northern California. It's a working cattle ranch at the tip of the Tomales Bay peninsula, about 2 miles south of Dillon Beach village on the bay side.
The setting is wide-open grassland sloping down to the water, with views across Tomales Bay to the Point Reyes ridge. On clear nights, the stargazing is exceptional — there's almost no light pollution out here.
Camping Options
- Tent camping: Open sites on the grass overlooking the bay. No designated pads — you pick your spot. The openness is beautiful, but it means exposure to wind (more on that below).
- RV sites: Spaces for RVs and trailers, some with hookups. These can be reserved in advance, which is smart for summer and holiday weekends.
- Bonfires: Fires are allowed on the beach in designated areas — one of the few places on the Marin coast where you can have a beach bonfire. Bring your own firewood or buy it at the Resort's general store on your way in.
Facilities
Restrooms are available but basic. There's a boat launch for kayaks and small watercraft, and Tomales Bay is excellent for kayaking, clamming (in season), and fishing. No showers on-site, so plan accordingly for multi-day stays.
The bay side has calmer water than the ocean beach, which makes it better for kayaking and wading with kids. The trade-off is more wind, especially in the afternoons — Lawson's sits at the mouth of Tomales Bay where the coastal breeze funnels through.
Reservations
Tent camping has historically been first-come, first-served, but in recent years Lawson's has moved toward requiring reservations during peak season (roughly May through September). Check their website before showing up, especially on weekends.
Visit Lawson's Landing website for reservations and current policies.
Prefer a Roof Over Your Head?
Modern comfort steps from the beach. Explore Lawson's Landing and Tomales Bay by day, come home to ocean views and heated floors.
Check Availability at Sea EstaNearby Alternatives
If everything in Dillon Beach is booked — or if you want more dining and shopping options nearby — there are several towns within a 15–30 minute drive that make good base camps. That said, staying in Dillon Beach itself is the best experience. No morning drive to the beach, no parking hassle, and you can walk home for lunch.
Tomales
4 miles east — 10 min drive. A quiet crossroads village with a handful of vacation rentals and the occasional B&B listing. Home to the excellent Route One Bakery & Kitchen. Tomales feels genuinely rural — rolling ranch land, almost no traffic. The closest option to Dillon Beach if you can't find lodging in town.
Point Reyes Station
20 miles south — 30 min drive. The most charming nearby town, with a walkable main street full of good restaurants, shops, and galleries. Several inns and B&Bs, plus vacation rentals. If you want to split your trip between beach days and town exploring, Point Reyes Station is a great pick. More dining options than anywhere else in West Marin.
Marshall
12 miles south on Hwy 1 — 20 min drive. A one-road waterfront hamlet on Tomales Bay, famous for oyster bars (Hog Island, Tony's, The Marshall Store). Very limited lodging — mostly a handful of vacation rentals — but worth mentioning if you're an oyster lover and can find a place. Beautiful drive along the bay.
Bodega Bay
15 miles north — 25 min drive. The largest town in the area, with actual hotels, inns, and a wider selection of vacation rentals. Also has gas stations, a grocery store, and several restaurants. If you need more infrastructure or can't find anything closer, Bodega Bay is a reliable fallback.
Valley Ford
12 miles east on Hwy 1 — 20 min drive. A tiny hamlet with a few rental listings and the beloved Rocker Oysterfeller's restaurant. Very quiet, very rural. A good option if you want to disconnect completely.
Tips for Booking
When to Book
- Peak season (June–September): The most popular rentals book 2–3 months in advance for summer weekends, and even further out for holidays like July 4th, Memorial Day, and Labor Day. If you have specific dates in mind for summer, start looking early.
- September–October is the sweet spot: Locals call it "second summer." The fog burns off earlier, temperatures are warmer than July, and the summer crowds have gone home. Availability is better and rates are often lower.
- Off-season (November–April): The best value by far. Winter storms can be dramatic and beautiful if you're into that. Whale watching season runs December through April. Rates drop 30–50% compared to summer, and you'll have the beach nearly to yourself.
- Weekdays are always easier: Tuesday through Thursday stays mean empty beaches, lower rates, and no parking stress at the Resort lot. If you can swing a midweek trip, do it.
Money-Saving Tips
- Book direct when possible: Many Dillon Beach rentals, including Sea Esta, offer lower rates when you book through their own website instead of Airbnb or VRBO. You skip the 10–15% platform service fee, and the host often offers more flexible policies.
- Watch for cleaning fees: A listing that looks affordable per night can get expensive once you add the cleaning fee. Always check the total cost before comparing options.
- Longer stays, better rates: Many hosts offer weekly discounts of 10–20%. A 5-night stay can sometimes cost less per night than a 2-night weekend booking.
Practical Considerations
- Minimum stays: Most rentals require 2 nights minimum, and 3–4 nights during peak season and holidays. One-night stays are rare in Dillon Beach.
- Cancellation policies: Coastal weather can be unpredictable — sunny one day, socked in with fog the next. Check the cancellation policy before booking, especially for longer stays.
- Pet policies: If you're traveling with a dog, confirm the pet policy upfront. Some rentals welcome dogs enthusiastically; others have breed or size restrictions or charge an extra pet fee. Dillon Beach itself is very dog-friendly, but not every rental is.
- Bring supplies: There's no grocery store in Dillon Beach. Stock up in Petaluma on the way in — it's the last town with a full supermarket. See our Getting Here guide for details on what to grab.
- Cell service: Spotty at best. Verizon has the most coverage; AT&T and T-Mobile are unreliable in parts of town. Make sure your rental has Wi-Fi if you need to stay connected.
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