If you’re looking for the perfect spot along the Northern California coast to relax with your pup, Dillon Beach Resort is a hidden gem worth adding to your dog-friendly bucket list. Just 60 miles north of San Francisco, this laid-back beach town combines cozy accommodations, a stunning stretch of shoreline, and a welcoming atmosphere for both humans and dogs. With its off-leash beach, delicious onsite dining, and pet-friendly cottages and cabins, Dillon Beach Resort makes it easy to escape the city and enjoy a coastal getaway with your furry travel companion.

How to Get to Dillon Beach

Dillon Beach is tucked away in Marin County, about a 1.5-hour drive from San Francisco and a little over 2 hours from Sacramento. The scenic route winds through rolling hills, redwood groves, and charming small towns before arriving at the coast. Once you pull into the resort, parking is included with your stay—so you can skip the hassle and head straight to your cottage (or the beach) with your pup.

What’s the Weather Like in Dillon Beach?

The weather at Dillon Beach is classic Northern California coast: cool, breezy, and refreshingly crisp year-round. Summer tends to bring mild 60–70°F days with morning fog that burns off by the afternoon, while winter is chillier and occasionally rainy. Don’t forget to pack layers for both you and your dog—a cozy sweater or jacket will make evening walks along the dunes extra comfortable.

Lodging Options at Dillon Beach Resort

Dillon Beach Resort offers a few distinct lodging styles—from full-size coastal cabins to charming cottages of various sizes. Each option comes with its own ambiance, amenities, and nightly rate, making it easier to find something that fits your budget and travel style. (Rates below are approximate and subject to change depending on season and availability — always confirm when booking.)

Cottages

• Coho Cottages – Sleeps up to 7, starting around $629 per night for ocean-view units.

• Sweetwater Cottages – Sleeps up to 4, starting near $529 per night.

• Osprey Cottages – A cozy 2-person option, starting from about $399 per night.

• Sandpiper Cottages – Non-ocean view cottages that begin at roughly $429 per night.

• Cypress Cottages – The more modest non-ocean view option, starting from $199 per night.

Each cottage typically includes features such as kitchen or kitchenette, living area, deck or patio, and standard comforts like Wi-Fi and linens. Many also offer ocean views and easy walking access to the beach.

Cabins

• Coastal Cabin – The flagship cabin option, sleeping up to 6, is priced from about $1,050 per night. These cabins are more spacious (around 700 sq ft), and come with full kitchens, living areas, private outdoor fire pits, and more premium amenities.

• Because cabins are a premium lodging choice, their rates may fluctuate more dramatically based on demand and season, so booking early can often secure you a better deal.

Tip: This is a very family-friendly resort, so if you’re dog isn’t used to kids running around I’d recommend a private cabin. 

Dog-friendly Policy and Amenities

The vibe at Dillon Beach Resort is very laidback and welcoming and here’s what you can expect when bringing your pup:

• Pet Fee: The resort welcomes one large or two small dogs under 20lbs for a pet fee of $150. A second large dog is welcome for a secondary pet fee of $50.

• Pet Package: Upon check-in, furry guests are greeted with special touches like dog treats, water bowls, and branded accessories.

• Potty Area: The resort has a designated pet relief area, making bathroom breaks convenient and stress-free. It is a bit tight, but there’s more grass lining the parking area and on the walk down to the beach.

On-Site Dining: Coastal Kitchen

No need to leave the property when hunger strikes—Coastal Kitchen, Dillon Beach Resort’s onsite restaurant, is a highlight of the experience. The menu celebrates fresh, local ingredients with plenty of coastal-inspired dishes. From perfectly cooked fish entrées to hearty salads and craft cocktails, there’s something for everyone. After a long beach walk with your pup, sitting down to a seaside meal here feels like the perfect reward. We were big fans of the fish tacos and fish sandwich.

Exploring Dillon Beach

The real star of the show is Dillon Beach itself. This stretch of coastline is very unique to the area because it’s dog-friendly and off-leash, giving your pup the freedom to run, dig, and play in the waves. The beach is wide and sandy, with rolling dunes that are fun for both dogs and humans to explore. And since parking is included with your resort stay, you can come and go as often as you’d like, but I’d recommend walking. Whether it’s a sunrise stroll or a sunset romp, the beach is the ultimate playground for your four-legged friend.

And when it comes time to clean up, each cottage and cabin has it’s own outdoor hose for getting off all the sand before heading inside.

Plan Your Dog-friendly Getaway

For dog parents searching for a coastal retreat, Dillon Beach Resort is the ultimate getaway. With comfortable, pet-friendly lodging, thoughtful amenities, a delicious onsite restaurant, and direct access to an off-leash beach, it’s a destination designed for both you and your pup to relax and recharge. If you’ve been dreaming of a dog-friendly ocean escape in Northern California, this is the place to book your next adventure.