About Dillon Beach

Dillon Beach is a census-designated place (CDP) in Marin County, California, United States. Dillon Beach is located 3.25 miles (5.2 km) west of Tomales, at an elevation of 89 feet (27 m). The population was 283 at the 2010 census. Dillon Beach was named after the founder, George Dillon, who settled there in 1858.

Eventually, Dillon sold out to John Keegan with the agreement that the beach would always be named Dillon Beach. Keegan plated the town, built the hotel which still stands as the store and restaurant (built of first growth redwoods). Keegan also built cottages, one of which still stands along the road to the beach. Keegan ran a stage coach from Dillon Beach to Tomales where it met the train. Keegan eventually sold the holdings to the Lawson family who owned it until the arrival of the Clines. The first post office at Dillon Beach opened in 1922. During the 1960s, Oceana Marin was developed north of town by John Keegan's grandson, James Keegan of Wells Fargo Bank and Henry Trione of Sonoma County Mortgage. Fancy modern coastal houses were built on the hillsides overlooking the quaint town of small cottages giving it a unique appeal.

Dillon Beach Resort has been owned and operated by Fred and Nancy Cline of Sonoma Valley, California since 2001. The resort consists of a cafe, general store, three beachfront cabins available for rent, and paid parking to access the resort's privately maintained beach. The resort is open year-round. It is the only privately owned beach in northern California. The undertow found at most beaches along the coast is weaker here, making swimming possible for those who can endure the coldness of the water. Surfers in wet suits are commonly seen. Fog is common in summer.

The 2010 United States Census reported that Dillon Beach had a population of 283. The population density was 94.8 people per square mile (36.6/km²). The racial makeup of Dillon Beach was 266 (94.0%) White, 3 (1.1%) Native American, 4 (1.4%) Asian, and 10 (3.5%) from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 9 persons (3.2%).