Dillon Beach has been my go-to beach for dog walks and family beach outings since I moved to Petaluma in the 1990s. I wrote about the history of the 1880s Dillon Beach Resort in my non-fiction Fog Valley books and it features in my first novel, Big Green Country. It's a special place along the California coast, tucked away, off the beaten path of the coastal highway. To know it is to love it. Because of its remote location, it's never inundated, except for holidays and on extremely warm weekends when the folk of the central valley wake up early and move heaven and earth to spend the day in the cooler, ocean clime.
I've been eyeing the ocean-facing upper trailer park for decades as a prime spot for a revival and sure enough, it has undergone a complete makeover with a tiny home village replacing trailers several years ago and now complete with barbecue and social patio areas.
It's not inexpensive to stay the night, but there are several options in the tiny homes, starting in the upper $200s per night to the upper $600s for the bigger units housing six guests. The good news is if you sign up for the mailing list you can be in on any mid-week specials, which, if you are local, like me, makes an overnight or two at the coast quite appealing.
Occasionally I fantasize about buying a camper van or, when I'm thinking big, a beach cabin of my own, the perfect writer's retreat, but when I break down the costs I could stay in the big cabin at Dillon Beach with my family for numerous visits over several years for the cost of property tax alone.
Lodging Director Kaleigh O'Rear and team are doing a wonderful job keeping the cabins spotless and inviting. I was lucky to have a quick tour this past weeked and I was super impressed with the style, design and comfort level of each unit.
Word is out about this wonderful resort, but not so much that you can't get a booking. Weekdays and out of school vacation season is the time to book a stay if you're looking for a peaceful get-away to the beach. Bring a book, board games, listen to music, nap, walk the beach, relax. Sounds good, doesn't it?
Guests and visitors are now able to eat at the Coastal Kitchen on-site Sunday through Thursday. The general store stocks a great selection of local foods, wine and beer, so you won't go hundry or thirsty if you arrive empty handed. The hamlet of Tomales is a ten minute drive away, with a farm stand and several good spots to enjoy takeout pizza, wood oven breads and deli foods.
Cypress Cottages - Sleeps 2 $249 per night (non-ocean view)
Sandpiper Cottages - Sleeps up to 4 $399 per night (non-ocean view)
Osprey Cottages - Sleeps 2 $399 per night (ocean view)
Sweetwater Cottages - Sleeps up to 4 $499 per night (ocean view)
Sweetwater Accessible Cottage -Sleeps 2 $399 per night (ocean View)
Coho Cottages - Sleeps up to 6 $599 per night (ocean view)
Coastal Cabins - Sleeps up to 6 $699 (ocean view)
All Cottages and Cabins Are Dog Friendly. One dog over 20 lbs or two small dogs under 20 lbs per unit with a $125 Pet Fee per stay.
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