Point Dume: Malibu's Coastal Crown Jewel

Discover Malibu's iconic Point Dume: panoramic ocean views, scenic hiking trails, abundant wildlife, and pristine beaches await at this coastal paradise.

4.8

Looking to book tours, experiences or hotels? Let me help you...

Point Dume, a promontory in Malibu, California, offers stunning panoramic views of the Pacific Ocean, Santa Monica Bay, and the Santa Monica Mountains. This iconic landmark is a haven for nature lovers, hikers, and beachgoers alike. Explore tide pools teeming with marine life, hike scenic trails with breathtaking vistas, or simply relax on the sandy shores and watch for migrating whales. With its rich history, diverse wildlife, and unparalleled beauty, Point Dume is a must-visit destination for anyone seeking an unforgettable coastal experience. The area is also known for its surfing, diving and scuba diving opportunities, as well as its proximity to Hollywood, making it a popular filming location. Limited parking is available, so plan accordingly and consider alternative transportation or parking at nearby Westward Beach.

A brief summary to Point Dume

Cliffside Dr &, Birdview Ave, Malibu, Central Malibu, CA, 90265, US
+1916-445-7000

Monday 5 am-7 pm
Tuesday 5 am-7 pm
Wednesday 5 am-7 pm
Thursday 5 am-7 pm
Friday 5 am-7 pm
Saturday 5 am-7 pm
Sunday 5 am-7 pm

Local tips

Visit during low tide to explore the tide pools and discover fascinating marine life, but remember to tread carefully to protect the delicate ecosystems.
Bring binoculars for whale watching during the migration season (December-April) and keep an eye out for seals, dolphins, and other marine mammals.
Parking is limited, especially on weekends and holidays. Arrive early or consider parking at Westward Beach and hiking to Point Dume.
Wear comfortable shoes for hiking the trails and exploring the rocky areas. Sunscreen, a hat, and water are also recommended.
Check the park's website or call ahead for information on trail closures, seasonal events, and accessibility updates.

Getting There

Driving

From Pacific Coast Highway (PCH) in Malibu, turn south onto Heathercliff Road. Then, make the first left onto Dume Drive, followed by a right onto Sea Lion Place. Turn left at Birdview Avenue, which curves into Cliffside Drive. Limited free 2-hour parking is available along Cliffside Drive near the entrance to Point Dume Natural Preserve. Be aware that parking is extremely limited, and ticketing is strictly enforced. As an alternative, continue along Cliffside Drive to Westward Beach Road. Paid parking is available at the Westward Beach lot, from where you can walk along the beach to Point Dume. Parking at Westward Beach costs around $3 for 6 am - 9 am and $8 for 6 am - 4 pm.
Public Transport

The Metro Bus 534 stops at Cliffside Drive/Dume Canyon Road, a short walk to Point Dume. From the bus stop, walk along Cliffside Drive towards the Point Dume Natural Preserve entrance. Be mindful of traffic as you walk along the road. The bus fare is $1.75 per ride.
Walking

If you are already at Zuma Beach, you can walk south along the shoreline to reach Point Dume. The walk takes approximately 20 minutes. Alternatively, from Westward Beach, follow the trail towards the Point Dume Natural Preserve. This scenic walk offers stunning views of the coastline. Note that parts of the walk may involve navigating sandy terrain.

Discover more about Point Dume

Point Dume, a promontory jutting into the Pacific Ocean on the Malibu coast, is a destination that seamlessly blends natural beauty, historical significance, and recreational opportunities. This iconic landmark, marking the northern end of Santa Monica Bay, offers visitors a chance to immerse themselves in the stunning coastal scenery of Southern California. Named in 1793 by British explorer George Vancouver in honor of Padre Francisco Dumetz of Mission San Buenaventura, Point Dume boasts a rich history. Interestingly, a clerical error misspelled the name on Vancouver's map as "Dume," a detail that has persisted through the centuries. The area was originally inhabited by the Chumash Native Americans, who considered it a sacred space. During World War II, the U.S. Army used the site as an anti-aircraft artillery training area, and the top of the headlands was flattened for commercial construction purposes. In 1979, the State of California acquired Point Dume, and since then, it has been carefully restored to its pristine state. Today, Point Dume State Beach and Natural Preserve encompasses 63 acres, showcasing diverse ecosystems, including grasslands, coastal bluff scrub, and southern foredune areas. The volcanic rock cliffs provide habitats for cliff-roosting birds, while the tide pools teem with marine life, such as sea stars, octopi, anemones, sea urchins, mussels, and crabs. The preserve also marks the southern limit for the giant coreopsis and other rare plant species. One of the main draws of Point Dume is its unparalleled panoramic views. From the top of the bluffs, visitors can gaze out over the entire Santa Monica Bay, the north Malibu Coast, the inland Santa Monica Mountains, and even distant Catalina Island on a clear day. The preserve features two miles of scenic trails, including a gradual ascending trail to an ancient coastal bluff sand dune and a boardwalk leading to a viewing platform. These trails offer opportunities to observe the diverse wildlife that calls Point Dume home, including coyotes, skunks, raccoons, ground squirrels, rabbits, butterflies, snakes, lizards, and over one hundred bird species. Point Dume is also a prime location for whale watching, particularly during the gray whale migration season from December to April. The promontory provides one of the few dry-land viewing sites where visitors can get close enough to count the barnacles on these majestic creatures. Sea lions, harbor seals, and dolphins can also be spotted in the surf below. For beach lovers, Point Dume offers a variety of options. Westward Beach, located adjacent to the point, is known for swimming, surfing, and scuba diving. A stairway from the east side of the bluff-top provides access to a more isolated beach with fine tide-pooling opportunities. Little Dume Cove, within the Point Dume State Marine Reserve, is another excellent spot for exploring tide pools and observing marine life. Outdoor enthusiasts can enjoy a range of activities at Point Dume, including hiking, rock climbing, and surfing. The area is also popular for filming, with its dramatic cliffs and stunning ocean views serving as a backdrop for numerous movies and television shows. Despite its many attractions, Point Dume faces challenges related to parking and accessibility. The small parking area on Cliffside Drive fills up quickly, especially during peak season, and street parking is restricted. Visitors are encouraged to park at Westward Beach and hike to the preserve or take advantage of the free shuttles that operate on weekends, holidays, and during the summer months. It is also important to stay on designated trails to protect the fragile ecosystems and wildlife habitats. Point Dume continues to evolve, with luxurious mansions replacing the simple homesteads of earlier decades. However, the community remains committed to preserving the area's natural beauty and historical significance. The Point Dume Marine Science Elementary School reflects this commitment, fostering environmental awareness and education among local students. Whether you're seeking breathtaking views, opportunities for outdoor recreation, or a chance to connect with nature, Point Dume offers an unforgettable experience. Its unique combination of natural beauty, historical significance, and recreational opportunities makes it a true gem of the Malibu coast.