Point Dume State Parks on the Beach - Guide to Point Dume State Beach

Point Dume State Beach in Malibu, California

Point Dume is a promontory on the coast of Malibu, California that juts out into the Pacific Ocean.

Point Dume, a long bluff, forms the northern end of the Santa Monica Bay, and Point Dume Headlands Park affords a vista of the Palos Verdes Peninsula and Santa Catalina Island. Zuma Beach lies to its immediate northwest.

Point Dume State Preserve features headlands, cliffs, rocky coves and vast beach access. The beach is presently operated by Los Angeles County, which also operates Zuma County Beach. These facilities are noted for swimming, surfing, scuba diving and fishing. Point Dume is a perfect place to watch for California gray whales during the December - March migration period.

At the end of Westward Beach Road, access to Point Dume State Preserve begins from the cul-de-sac. A gradual ascending trail leads to an ancient coastal bluff sand dune. Visitors are asked to stay on the trail in an effort to help reserve this unique sand accumulation. An incredible view encompassing the entire Santa Monica Bay, north Malibu Coast, inland Santa Monica Mountains and distant Catalina Island may be enjoyed from the top on a clear day. A boardwalk, just below the summit, leads to a viewing platform - it tends to be more sheltered on a windy day. A stairway from the east side of the bluff-top preserve allows access to a more isolated beach and fine tide- pooling opportunities.

More information on Point Dume State Beach refer to this brochure.

State Preserve in Point Dume State Beach

The northwestern most tip of Point Dume was designated a California State Preserve, the Point Dume State Beach. Located along Cliffside Drive, very limited parking is available. Its beach is protected by the Lifeguard unit of the Los Angeles County Fire Department. Street parking is available on Grasswood, a short walk from the headlands. The cove, located just south of the point, was once a popular clothing optional meeting spot in the sixties and seventies.

Rock Climbing in Point Dume State Beach

Rock Climbing by the Beach in Point Dume State Beach in Malibu, California (in Los Angeles County)

Point Dume is home to a handful of very moderate single pitch rock climbing routes that are usually climbed on top rope from established fixed anchors. It's a common place to take novice climbers due to the ease of access, ease of routes, as well as the beautiful and unique setting for rock climbing.

Location of Point Dume State Beach

The Point Dume State Beach is located at 34°0'3.14'N 118°48'24.62"W. The Point Dume State Beach is From Santa Monica follow Pacific Coast Highway 18-miles west to Westward Beach Road. Turn toward the ocean, go beyond the fee collection station to the very end of the road.

From the 101-Freeway, exit at Kanan Road, follow it south 12-miles to Pacific Coast Highway, then turn right. Westward Beach Road is over the rise, at the foot of the hill.

Point Dume State Beach can be contacted at 805-488-1827 or 818-880-0363.

Here is a driving map to Point Dume State Beach.

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Here is a detailed list of other state beaches of California besides Point Dume State Beach.