From Eve
Know before you go
Hi, I'm Eve. Here are a few practical things to know before exploring Point Dume State Beach.
Local know-how to help you travel smarter and make the most of every moment.
Point Dume State Beach: A Coastal Paradise
Explore Malibu's scenic Point Dume State Beach: cliffs, coves, beaches, and whale watching on the California coast.
Point Dume State Beach in Malibu offers stunning views, scenic trails, and a chance to spot whales during migration season. With its cliffs, coves, and sandy beaches, it's a perfect spot for swimming, surfing, and exploring the natural beauty of the California coast.
Plan your visit
A brief summary to Point Dume State Beach
Opening times, essentials, and a few local tips gathered into one calmer, easier-to-scan planning section.
Plan your visit
6800 Westward Beach Rd, Malibu, Central Malibu, California, 90265, US
Discover more about Point Dume State Beach
Point Dume State Beach is a 63-acre park on the Malibu coast, offering a diverse landscape of headlands, cliffs, rocky coves, and wide sandy beaches. The area is known for its panoramic views of the Santa Monica Bay, the Malibu coast, and even Catalina Island on a clear day.
The beach is a popular destination for swimming, surfing, and scuba diving. Point Dume is also an excellent spot for whale watching during the gray whale migration from December to April. Visitors can observe these majestic creatures from the bluffs above, getting close enough to potentially count their barnacles.
History buffs will appreciate that the area was once inhabited by the Chumash Native Americans and later named by George Vancouver in 1793 after Padre Francisco Dumetz. During World War II, the U.S. Army used the site as an anti-aircraft artillery training area. Today, Point Dume is a California Historical Landmark, carefully maintained to preserve its natural state.
The Point Dume Natural Preserve features trails through grasslands and coastal bluff scrub, offering views of rare plants and animals. The volcanic rock cliffs provide habitats for birds, while the tide pools teem with marine life.
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Getting There
Driving
From Pacific Coast Highway (PCH), head west on Westward Beach Road towards the ocean. Continue to the end of the road where you'll find parking options. Limited free 2-hour parking is available at the top of Point Dume. If that's full, paid parking is available in the lot at the end of Westward Beach Road. Parking fees typically range around $8 per day. Be aware that parking can be limited, especially during peak season.
Public Transport
Los Angeles Metro bus line 534 stops near Point Dume. From the bus stop on PCH, walk west on Westward Beach Road towards the beach. The walk is approximately 1 mile to the entrance of Point Dume State Beach. A single ride on the Metro bus is $1.75 [https://www.metro.net/riding/fares/].
Walking
If you are already near Zuma Beach, you can walk south along the beach to Westward Beach. Continue along Westward Beach Road to reach Point Dume State Beach. Be prepared for a walk of approximately 1-2 miles, depending on your starting point. Note that you will be walking on sand for a portion of the route.
A brief summary to Point Dume State Beach
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