The long days of summer are especially conducive to Sunday drives, and this year might we suggest a day trip up the coast to the community of Dillon Beach. The area includes a sliver of white sand on the upper shore of Tomales Bay that’s Marin’s northernmost beach; it’s a great dog-walking spot during low tide and, for those hardy enough to handle the strong swells, cold water and potential sharks, a coveted place to surf. On arrival at the only private beach in Northern California, it’s hard to miss the 13-foot bronze sword-wielding statue, “Captain Dillon,” procured at a charity auction by the Cline family, who also bought the property with its store, trailer park, cabins, restaurant and parking lot back in 2000. The current landowners thought the Captain an apt landmark and, having a large family of their own, hope he beckons other parents to bring their children to visit the area, hear some pirate stories and possibly dig for their own treasure on the wild sandy shore.
Mimi Towle has been the editor of Marin Magazine for over a decade. She lived with her family in Sycamore Park and Strawberry and thoroughly enjoyed raising two daughters in the mayhem of Marin’s youth sports; soccer, swim, volleyball, ballet, hip hop, gymnastics and many many hours spent at Miwok Stables. Her community involvements include volunteering at her daughter’s schools, coaching soccer and volleyball (glorified snack mom), being on the board of both Richardson Bay Audubon Center. Currently residing on a floating home in Sausalito, she enjoys all water activity, including learning how to steer a 6-person canoe for the Tamalpais Outrigger Canoe Club. Born and raised in Hawaii, her fondness for the islands has on occasion made its way into the pages of the magazine.
