Glass of wine side of cottage, following the setting sun over the Pacific Ocean.
Location: Dillon Beach, San Francisco Bay Area, California, USA (San Francisco 45 Min; Petaluma 20 Min; Wine Country 35 Min) View Map
Accommodations: Cottage, 2 Bedrooms + Convertible bed(s), 1 Bath (Sleeps 4-6)
Keywords: vacation home rental, beach cottage, getaway, casita, oceanview cottage
Think February! It is suddenly available due sadly to a health crisis in the family of one of our loyal beachcomber couples.
We are on our way to spring at Dill 'n Thyme, after experiencing a spring-like winter! There's still whale watching time from the deck (or the sofa) with feet up and a nice glass of Napa or Sonoma wine.
We welcomed guests last summer from the Netherlands, Tasmania, Italy, and, of course, various US states & our California loyals. Without exception, all entered into the spirit of Dill 'n Thyme as a source of fun and worry-free time away from stress and gloomy economic woes.
Our 2-bedroom little jewel, Dill 'n Thyme Cottage, is noted in the history books as the second cottage built for his family in 1911 by a Norwegian sea captain, whose estate sold it to the present owners in 1982. It underwent an architectural remodel in 1992, with special instructions to keep the New England cottage feel at the same time as maximizing the spectacular view, creating a totally secure seismic structure (after all, Tomales Bay is the San Andreas fault!), and providing all the carefree conveniences to vacationers. We provide the cappuccino maker, the margarita blender & for our guests who stay a week, a free bottle of wine. New range & microwave & a workhorse of a dishwasher and a fully stocked kitchen make k.p. duty a breeze! We even have an outdoor shower (hot water!) to wash all the sand away to avoid sharing it with all your other houseguests. In the same spirit, we ask that you leave your shoes outside the front door & go sock-footed inside! Beach flipflops are outside the front door in a basket right next to our beloved big blue "Blu-ga Whale" BBQ!
We guarantee joy, laughter & restoration of spirit - a perfect get-away from stress, noise, traffic, grime, & daily grinds... a creative spot to read, write, photograph, tidepool, gather around a beach bonfire, stroll on the beach with or without your pup, or just reconnect with those you love. Our children and their friends walked safely to the beach and the beach store on their own, feeling quite grown up, but all the while within view of their parents (us!) from our deck.
Not to tempt you to overdo dependence on stressful tools, but the news is that Dillon Beach has now joined the 21st century with cell phone service and reliable wireless internet! Just don't forget there's a big ocean (view!) out there.
Dillon Beach is always such an amazing adventure! To share a slice of our life at the beach...my husband, David, & I and our daughter, Caitlin, home on a break from a Fulbright year in Sicily, and needing a salty Pacific Ocean breeze to restore her, recently made a quick run out to our jewel of peace and tranquility defying daily stress & madness. After dropping off our groceries and tearing ourselves away from our hypnotic ocean view, we decided to stray a little south to historic Marshall. While David made his traditional beeline for Hog Island Barbecued Oysters, Caitlin & I opted for a repeat excursion of Tomales Bay in our rented kayak from Blue Waters Kayaking. Last year, we were delighted to encounter a baby grey whale just off Hog Island where we saw other kayakers doing the "roll" so they could view the little guy underwater; we wisely decided to remain upright! We beached our kayak at Pat Kuleto's Nick's Cove to make dinner reservations. Pat also owns Farallon and Boulevard in San Francisco. It is about a 15 minute car ride south of Dillon Beach.
Another absolute favorite stop for us is Tomales Bakery where the expatriate pastry chefs have escaped from San Francisco to the idyllic village of Tomales on Highway One, just 3 miles from Dillon Beach and on the way. It is not a surprise that San Franciscans, having long memories for the best in culinary experiences, still search them out, driving all the way from the City. Grab a loaf of warm bread for breakfast while you are there! Open Thursday-Sunday only, hours dictated by when they sell out their bakery goods.
Last winter we discovered another great eatery only 3 miles north up Hiway One in Valley Ford - it's cleverly called Rocker Oysterfellers, right across the road from a wonderful home gallery, West County Design. Coincidentally, we have run into some real rock stars the few times we have made the run up there for an excellent dinner with exceptional service. Very fun bar also. For additional local color and great food, go on up to The Casino in the tiny town where Hitchcock filmed The Birds - Bodega. Play pool while you wait to be served.
There just isn't another spot quite like California's Dillon Beach, a unique, still thriving fishing village hidden about three miles off the beaten path of Highway One! Dillon Beach has an unusually expansive beach with rocky tidal pools on one end and huge sand dunes bordering Tomales Bay on the other, both of which can be seen from the deck of Dill 'n Thyme. Because Dillon Beach is set back slightly inside the mouth of Bodega Bay on one side and Tomales Bay on the other, it lies in the sun, just out of reach of the fog belt, yet still has spectacular wave action offshore for surfing and calmer skimboarding towards the beach.
Be our guests and you will return time and again for an "all is right with the world" recharge, we guarantee it! When you come, don't worry about linens or towels. We provide one time linen service on arrival. Cleaning fee of $50-$75 is non-refundable so that you do not have to work off your vacation at the end of your stay!
Longer stays are available and negotiable, starting October 15.
Vacation Rental Features
- Amenities
- Washer : The cottage has its own washer/dryer.
- Dryer
- Linens Provided : Linens are provided for those who choose not to bring their own.
- Off Street Parking : A single car driveway is available.
- Wood Stove : Pellet Stove with glass door and fan.
- Beds
- Queen Bed : in one bedroom.
- Twin/Single Bed (2) : in the second bedroom.
- Convertible Bed : Queen-size convertible sofa bed upstairs.
- Entertainment
- Cable/Satellite TV : Flat screen High Def TV/DVD and cable are available with premium channels.
- DVD
- Video Library
- CD Player
- Kitchen
- Full Kitchen : Espresso/Cappuccino Maker; Evercold Water Filter; Brand New Range
- Cooking Utensils Provided
- Refrigerator
- Dishwasher
- Microwave
- Outdoor Features
- Charcoal BBQ Grill : We call our Weber the "Blue Moose." Charcoal & starter available also.
- Deck/Patio : Our deck overlooks the Pacific ocean, Tomales Bay, and Dillon Beach.
- View/Location
- Beach View : Ocean and beaches viewable from both inside and outside beach cottage.
- Ocean View
- Water View
- Communications
- Telephone
- Free Long Distance
- WiFi (Wireless Internet) : Satellite WiFi is available, but not always reliable (depending on weather). Enhanced speed dial-up with sonic.com as backup.
- Other Amenities
- Our 1200 square foot beach cottage was architecturally designed to enhance the best ocean view in the Village and is only a 3-minute walk to beach (no driving)!
- Suitability
- Pet Friendly : There is a nonrefundable $25 pet deposit. Pets must be well behaved and completely housebroken.
- Kid Friendly : Our children loved the cottage and its proximity to the Beach and the Beach Store!
- Smoking Not Allowed : Smoking allowed outside on deck or on front porch.
- Activities
- Shelling
- Hiking
- Rock Climbing
- Restaurants
- Kayaking
- Boating
- Swimming
- Surfing
- Biking
- Mountain Biking
- Wildlife Viewing
- Fishing
- Antiquing
- Horseback Riding
- Other Activities
- Clamming and tidepooling are musts at low tide. Quality Art Galleries, such as Wren Brown are available up the road in Bodega Bay (ask to see the Japanese gardens), as is golf, and top restaurants. One of the best, part of the Slow Food Movement, is Seaweed Cafe. Tomales has one of the Bay Area's top bakeries, open bright and early every morning,that attracts loyal customers who drive out from San Francisco; closed when they run out - no guarantees! Also, slightly down Hwy One at Marshall, is Nick's Cove, run by one of the Bay Area's most famous restaurateurs, Pat Kuleto.
Rate Details (In US Dollars)
Spring/Summer .. May-Sep & Holidays .. $1085/week, extra night $200
Spring/Summer Season ..$225/night...two night minimum; Sunday thru Thursday).
Spring/Summer Season .. $535/weekends & holidays, extra night $200
Fall/Winter Season..Oct 01-May 01..$1030/wk, extra night $175, (ex.holidays)
Fall/Winter Season..Oct 01-May 01...$515/weekends, extra night $175
Fall/Winter Season ..$200/night...2 night minimum; Sun thru Thurs, (ex holiday)
Winter short-term rental at $2400/monthly. Hotel tax incl. in all pricing
Note: Until confirmed, rates are subject to change without notice.
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Credit Cards Accepted:
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Map & Owner's Profile
Panoramic Ocean View-3 Min Walk to Beach. Pet Friendly!
Year Purchased: 1982
Why the Owner Chose Dillon Beach
On one of our typical California coastal rides, we stopped at Tomales Bakery for coffee and a cinnamon twist and noticed as were sitting outside that we were right across from the only cross street in town, Dillon Beach Rd...no fanfare signs, no tourist arrows, just a simple street sign! How had we missed it on our many rides up Hiway One? After our coffee, go west is what we did and what a delight! Fields of newborn lambs hopping playfully under & around their ewes, cows and deer grazing together, until 3 miles later, we came upon one of the most exquisite views of the Pacific I had ever seen! As we wound our way down the road toward the beach, we came upon the quaint Village of Dillon Beach, nestled into the lush, emerald hillside. I could not believe a place like this still existed in California! As we walked around the village, coincidentally this was the day an annual B.B.Q. was taking place on the beach. There we met our future neighbors who invited us back to their cottage. As I looked out over the ocean from their living room, I instantly fell in love! Not long after, the owner of Dill 'n Thyme next door passed away and when the cottage was put up for sale by her heirs, the neighbors contacted us and Dill 'n Thyme was ours! Who says you can't go home again? Though it wasn't carefully thought out, it was one of the best things we have ever done.
The Unique Benefits at this Cottage
Our babysitter, sitting on our deck with a glass of wine, staring out to sea at sunset, noticed a small flare. Dialing 911, minutes later, she sat back & watched an expert US Coast Guard helicopter rescue of a fishing boat. Morning sun hits the front patio of Dill 'n Thyme Cottage, so we often like to relax with a cup coffee & chat with the neighbors who pass by. Sometimes, our chats turn into moving brunches. Following the sun, we end up on the deck for writing, reading, sketching, or just relaxing, looking out to sea. Our only assignment is to take the dogs for a jog on the beach! We enjoy good food, fishing, water sports & art. We never fail to stop at Tomales Bakery for a freshly baked loaf of bread & a treat on our way. We also venture south to Nick's Cove, newly refurbished and offering spectacular food, wine & views. Wonderful sunsets here too. Pick up oysters at Hog Island Oyster Co. to bring back to BBQ & serve with sourdough bread. Down Hiway One is Blue Waters Kayak Rental. Don't miss kayaking on Tomales Bay. Nearby art galleries are fun. We usually make a day of it & follow Hwy One to Russian River, turn inland a short way to Duncan Mills galleries. 4th of July is a big unofficial extravaganza fireworks event rivaling any Bay Area fireworks & time for a big BBQ at Dill 'n Thyme. When our kids were young, we & our guests would troop to huge sand dunes to fly kites, shoot off rockets & watch our kids form one grand wave & surf the dunes on shiny bottom skimboards! Then off for wave action & BBQ. Nightfall took us to the beach for kid-sized fireworks then watching spectacular fireworks from beach blankets or from our living room & deck for at least 2 hrs! But, if one craves solitude, step into Dill 'n Thyme cottage & close the front door for privacy & contemplation, a spectacular view from our living room & a sip from a complimentary bottle of wine on us!
Restaurant in Valley Ford...also wonderful drive along the Valley Ford Estero/School Road
Award wining pastries and bread. Open Thursday through Sunday from early until they run out!
Just after the Marshall Boat Works and just before Hog Island Oyster Company. Beautiful way to explore Tomales Bay.
Owner's Map of Dillon Beach
When I discovered Dillon Beach, I had found my childhood home. I was raised in a remote northern California beach community where we walked daily on the beach after school, rain or shine, jumped off huge sand dunes, built bonfires encircled by weekend beach parties, and fished and tidepooled in between! I wanted my children to have some of the same carefree adventures I had and they and their friends did just that at Dill 'n Thyme. It feels so removed from the bombardment of stresses the world delivers up daily. Dillon Beach is more than just a place; it is a state of mind. My family loves it and our beach cottage is our little gem that is beloved by our friends and our extended family as well.
Property Photos
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- Glass of wine side of cottage, following the setting sun over the Pacific Ocean. - Dillon Beach, California - Cottage Rental in the San Francisco Bay Area
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- Fully Equipped Kitchen Underneath Vaulted Ceiling - Dillon Beach, California - Cottage Rental in the San Francisco Bay Area
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- View from Dill 'n Thyme Deck - Dillon Beach, California - Cottage Rental in the San Francisco Bay Area
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- Living Area and View
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- View of Living Area/Vaulted Ceiling
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- Moonlit View of Ocean
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- Dining Room/Living Room View, Overlooking Pacific Ocean & Dillon Beach
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- Romantic pellet stove in living area
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- Master Bedroom
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- Dill 'n Thyme Double Vanity Separated by Door from Bath & Shower
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- Queen Bedroom Looking towards bath
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- Dill 'n Thyme Twin Room
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- Front entryway greets morning sunrise & Dillon Beach denizens with a.m. coffee
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- Front of Cottage and Off Street Parking; view of Tomales Point & Dillon Beach
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- Graduated Staircase and Landing to Lower Level
Traveler Reviews (9)
History, Comfort, Unforgettable
Guest: jayne
(maryland)
Date of Stay: 01/25/12
Review Submitted: 02/08/12
It was an especially memorable birthday spent with family at the Dill 'n Thyme for many reasons. First and foremost the owners were kind, helpful and welcoming from the very first inquiry and throughout the pre-visit correspondence. My delight in being able to stay in this particular cabin had much to do with its history, charm and location in the village. One of the first (if not the first) cabins to be built in the village, it stands next door to the cabin my father built when I was born..around 1947..and the Dill 'n Thyme was then home to our friend and neighbor, Betty, as I grew up in the years that followed. (Staying in the village is, in my estimation, the true experience of Dillon Beach as one is treated to the sweet walk to the beach, down Bumble Bee path, or "Lawsons" store (as we used to all it) just down the hill.) Betty would be smiling now as she would see the perfect and first rate renovations that her home has undergone with the loving and talented care of the present owners. The view remains superb and unchanged over the years and is, I think, the best in the village. The Dill 'n Thyme has been made to feel as though it is "home away from home" for all who are fortunate enough to stay there. It was squeaky clean, airy, sunny, warm and inviting from the first moment we stepped through the door. A fine kitchen for great meals enjoyed and wonderful "bitsiys" by car to Bodega Bay for Lucas Wharf's best fish and chips in the world, Marshalls for oysters and the magical drive to Pt. Reyes complemented our stay. By the way, the weather was beautiful in January! So, thank you, Dill 'n Thyme, for one of the best birthdays at one of my most beloved places.. .Dillon Beach
Owner response:Hi Jayne...I am so happy you had such a wonderful homecoming to Dillon Beach. Your story was so much more than a review; it was a heartwarming history lesson. I didn't know, for example, that the path to the beach was called "Bumble Bee Path!" I love it...the name just fits so perfectly into the magic lore of Dillon Beach.~joy
Recommended for:Romantic getaway, tourists without a car, sightseeing, pet owners, age 55+, families with young children, families with teenagers.
Thanksgiving at the Beach
Guest: cjt
(fresno, ca)
Date of Stay: 11/23/11
Review Submitted: 12/04/11
This little house was wonderful. It's located near the beach -- just a nice little walk gets you on the sand. The house is well-equipped and comfortable. The fact that it is dog-friendly is a plus, too. We would return for sure.
Recommended for:Romantic getaway, pet owners, girls getaway, families with young children, families with teenagers.
Incredible Beach House
Guest: The Beagle-loving Family
(Citrus Heights, CA)
Date of Stay: 11/11/11
Review Submitted: 11/13/11
We stayed at another house three months ago, that cannot hold a candle to Dill n thyme. Dill n Thyme is a quaint beach house with all the luxuries of home. The view from the living room, bedroom and deck are fabulous. We enjoyed coffee in the morning on the deck and then wine in the late afternoon. Just a short walk to the beach, which our dog, Bond, loved! We thank Joy for the use of this lovely house. We will be back!
Owner response:Gosh, Natalie. Thank you so much. I just got your email as well; I am so happy you had such a wonderful time and lucked out on the weather! Isn't it such a great de-stressor?
Recommended for:Pet owners, families with young children, families with teenagers.
Perfect Cottage by the Sea
Guest: Rosie
(Ca)
Date of Stay: 08/18/11
Review Submitted: 09/01/11
Recently returned from a week long stay at Dill n Thyme (Aug 2011). The cottage is fully stocked, just bring your groceries. Plenty of cooking utensils, pots and pans. View is spectacular...I sat on the deck with my feet up and read all afternoon. We went one day to Hogback for oysters and barbecued them the following day when family came to spend the day with us. Another day we drove to Wild Oats Bread in Freestone for wonderful scones. What a great relaxing week! Thanks Joy for sharing your wonderful home away from home! Rosie
Owner response:Thank you, Rosie, for choosing our Dill 'n Thyme. You really made the most of your time out at the beach! And thanks for the tip about Wild Oats scones in Freestone.
Recommended for:Romantic getaway, pet owners, girls getaway, age 55+.
ABSOLUTELY AMAZING! NO DISAPPOINTMENTS.
Guest: Ryan & Jen
(Sacramento Region)
Date of Stay: 08/07/11
Review Submitted: 08/12/11
My wife and I stayed at Dill and Thyme for a week (summer of 2011). When we arrived the property was very well kept, very clean and tidy, and the incredibly inviting. There was even a GOOD bottle of cab waiting for us on the counter! Let me say this, we have been coming to Dillon Beach for nearly 10 years, in all the times we have stayed, NEVER have we had a view like the one from the deck and living room of Dill and Thyme. Believe the description, the view is absolutely amazing! Not only is the view wonderful, but the convenience is perfect as well. You have complete privacy, yet everything is very close and easy to get to within a 2-3 minute walk. The beach is steps away and the feel of the village is very coastal small town. The place is fully equipped and very modern. The architecture is wonderful, the views are by far the best available, and the location is top notch. Our only complaint is that we had to leave! WE WILL BE BACK! Our thanks to the owner for such a wonderful stay and being so helpful. We can't wait to come back next summer!
Recommended for:Romantic getaway, sightseeing, pet owners, adventure seekers, girls getaway, age 55+, families with young children, families with teenagers.
Our stay at Dill n Thyme
Guest: Smitty
(Lathrop California)
Date of Stay: 05/15/11
Review Submitted: 05/18/11
My wife and I have rented Dill n Thyme on at least 4 times. We just returned home from another very nice time from Dillon Beach. The cottage is perfect for us. It is always comfy and cozy. It was a very relaxing time. Since the last time I was there, the owners have made some very nice changes with the floors and decorations. It is always a great start of your day when you look out the patio door and see the surf crashing on the beatiful Dillon Beach. I can't wait to go again.
Owner response:It is so wonderful to see repeat guests to Dill 'n Thyme that cherish and love it as much as we do. It has always been a cottage with heart and it seems like it only gets warmer with each visitor!
Recommended for:Romantic getaway, sightseeing, pet owners, adventure seekers, girls getaway, age 55+, families with young children, families with teenagers.
Just in Thyme!
Guest: Stevo
(Healdbsurg, CA, USA)
Date of Stay: 07/30/10
Review Submitted: 08/09/10
I was really looking forward to a mini-getaway and was thrilled when we pulled up to the house. The location was perfect; and inside it could not have been more charming or inviting. My girlfriend and I brought my two kids (ages 4 and 9) plus my two dogs (ages 3 and 11). As promised, the house was only a few minutes walk to the beach, where we spent the majority of our time. When at the house, we played games on the table with a spectacular view of the ocean, watched movies on the DVD/TV, ate, drank and had a relaxingly great time. The beds were comfy, the place was quiet and all the amenities were as good, our better, than described. We also enjoyed lunch at the local cafe as well as a wonderful family-style dinner at Dinucci's in Valley Ford, about a ten-minute drive inland. We will definitely be returning!
Owner response:Thank you so much for your wonderful review, but most of all, for enjoying it as much as our family has over the years. Our guests' good times means the legacy lives on, supporting the heart and soul of Dill 'n Thyme!
Recommended for:Romantic getaway, pet owners, families with young children.
Guest: Anonymous
Date of Stay: 05/18/09
Review Submitted: 05/18/09
We had a fantastic stay in Dillon Beach. The beach house was very clean and the views were amazing. The beach is a short walk from the house. The owner was quite friendly and called to make sure we were satisfied. It can get a little windy there, so plan on bringing some kites. I recommend a short drive up Highway 1 to the Candy & Kite shop. Also make sure to grab some family friendly Italian food at Dinucci's and pick up a chocolate devil from the Tomales Bakery. Overall a great experience. I have rented vacation homes in the past and been disappointed. This house was actually nicer than we were expecting!
Recommended for:
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Guest: Anonymous
Date of Stay: 06/21/08
Review Submitted: 06/21/08
We spent 4 nights at this place. It was one of the best houses in Dillon's Beach we have rented in the last 12 years. Great views from Deck. Kitchen was adequate but could have used a few more utensils. Would recommend this place.
Owner response:Thank you for your wonderful words. They are even more special, knowing that you have been renting in Dillon Beach for the last 12 years! Also, thanks for the heads-up on the kitchen utensils...they seem to migrate along with the waterfowl. As of your writing, kitchen utensils have been restocked.
Recommended for:
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Vacation Rentals by Owner Listing #107764
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