Why visit
Point Dume packs bluff-top panoramas, a beautiful cove beach, tide pools, and seasonal whale watching into one compact, jaw-dropping headland. It is the kind of view that makes Malibu legendary, and it rewards visitors willing to arrive early and walk a little.
The point itself is a rocky promontory protected as a natural preserve, with a short trail and stairway climbing to a bluff-top overlook and viewing platform. Below stretches Point Dume Beach, also known as Westward Beach, a long crescent of sand backed by sandstone cliffs that glow gold in the afternoon. From the headland, visitors scan for migrating gray whales in winter and spring, watch dolphins and pelicans, and explore tide pools at low tide. The bluff is a scramble of trails through coastal scrub leading to several overlook points, and the rocky base is popular with climbers. The beach has appeared in countless films, most famously in the closing scene of the original Planet of the Apes shot along this coast. Access and parking are limited, with a paid lot at Westward Beach plus some roadside parking, so arriving early matters, especially on weekends.
History
The headland was named by explorer George Vancouver in the late eighteenth century, and the surrounding land has long been part of the Chumash people's coastal homeland. The point is preserved today as a state natural reserve to protect its sandstone bluffs, native plants, and the seabirds and marine life that depend on the rocky shore.
Insider Tips
- ✦Arrive early to claim a spot in the small paid lot before it fills
- ✦Time your visit with low tide to explore the tide pools at the base
- ✦Bring binoculars in winter and spring for whale and dolphin watching
Photo Tips
- 📸Shoot from the bluff overlook down onto the curving cove beach in golden afternoon light
- 📸Frame the sandstone cliffs with crashing surf below from the viewing platform
- 📸In winter, watch the horizon for whale spouts to capture with a long lens
Before You Go
- ✓Check the tide schedule before visiting, since tide pools and beach width depend on low tide
- ✓A common mistake is arriving midday on a weekend when the small lot is already full — come early
- ✓Confirm whale-watching season timing if that is your goal, as gray whale migration is roughly winter into spring
Visiting with family
Kids enjoy the tide pools at low tide and the wide beach, but watch them closely near the cliff edges and rocky climbs. Check the tide schedule so you arrive when the pools are exposed.
Where to Eat Nearby
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Point Dume FAQ
Can you see whales from Point Dume?
Yes, the bluff is a well-known whale-watching spot, with gray whales often visible during their migration roughly from winter into spring. Bring binoculars for the best chance.
Is there parking at Point Dume?
There is a paid lot at Westward Beach plus limited roadside parking, both of which fill early on weekends. Arrive in the morning for the best chance at a spot.
Is the Point Dume beach the same as Westward Beach?
They are part of the same area. Point Dume is the headland and overlook, and the long sandy cove below it is commonly known as Westward Beach.
Nearby Neighborhoods
WestsideSanta Monica
Santa Monica is a breezy beachfront city famous for its historic pier, wide sandy beaches, and walkable shopping. It blends classic Southern California seaside leisure with a polished, pedestrian-friendly downtown. Visitors come for the ocean, the sunsets, and the easygoing coastal energy.
WestsidePacific Palisades
Pacific Palisades is a serene coastal neighborhood where the Santa Monica Mountains meet the sea, prized for hiking, ocean bluffs, and a cozy village center. It's home to cultural gems like the Getty Villa and the Self-Realization Fellowship Lake Shrine. The pace is calm, scenic, and outdoorsy.
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