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Point Dume 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.
Getting There
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.
Please be advised, Point Dume SB is one of the few California State Parks that does not accept the Annual Day Use Pass.
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.
Please be advised, Point Dume SB is one of the few California State Parks that does not accept the Annual Day Use Pass.
Operating Hours & Contact
The beach is open from sunrise to sunset.
Telephone: 805-488-1827 or 818-880-0363
The beach is open from sunrise to sunset.
Telephone: 805-488-1827 or 818-880-0363
Tips & Rules
• Always stay on fenced trails. Going off the trails creates new paths that erode the sandy cliffs and can destroy potential wildlife habitat.
• Dogs are strictly prohibited. Please don’t bring your dogs to the Preserve; even the scent of a dog disrupts wildlife and prevents migrating birds from nesting.
• Absolutely no fires are allowed at any time.
• Please do not touch or remove anything from the tide pools. Don’t turn over rocks, and walk gently - these delicate homes are very sensitive.
• All natural and cultural features are protected and may not be collected, moved or harmed.
• Always stay on fenced trails. Going off the trails creates new paths that erode the sandy cliffs and can destroy potential wildlife habitat.
• Dogs are strictly prohibited. Please don’t bring your dogs to the Preserve; even the scent of a dog disrupts wildlife and prevents migrating birds from nesting.
• Absolutely no fires are allowed at any time.
• Please do not touch or remove anything from the tide pools. Don’t turn over rocks, and walk gently - these delicate homes are very sensitive.
• All natural and cultural features are protected and may not be collected, moved or harmed.
Natural Environment
Point Dume State Beach is 63 acres in size, and is one of the last and finest examples of coastal bluff scrub in Southern California. In 1992, a 34-acre parcel of Point Dume was designated a State Natural Preserve, one of the highest levels of protection afforded by law.
The volcanic rock cliffs provide living areas for cliff-roosting birds, and the sparkling tide pools provide habitat for rich intertidal and sub-tidal marine life including protected sea stars, octopi, anemones, sea urchins, mussels and crabs.
The Natural Preserve is also the southern-most limit for the giant coreopsis (giant sea dahlia, pictured here) and also dudleya, false heather, and quite possibly the California spineflower.
Though small, the Preserve provides habitat for a surprising amount of wildlife. A visitor may encounter coyotes, skunks, raccoons, ground squirrels and rabbits in broad daylight. One may also find five species of butterflies, six types of snakes, various lizards including the silvery legless lizard, and over one hundred types of birds including brown pelicans, plovers, wrens, roadrunners, burrowing owls, falcons, and hawks.
The incredible vistas here at the point provide an opportunity to view sea lions, harbor seals and dolphins in the surf only a few dozen feet away. This promontory also provides one of the few dry-land viewing sites for migrating gray whales that lets you get close enough to count their barnacles. The best viewing time for these majestic creatures is November through April. To see the newborn whale calves migrate, be here from February on into the spring.
Point Dume State Beach is 63 acres in size, and is one of the last and finest examples of coastal bluff scrub in Southern California. In 1992, a 34-acre parcel of Point Dume was designated a State Natural Preserve, one of the highest levels of protection afforded by law.
The volcanic rock cliffs provide living areas for cliff-roosting birds, and the sparkling tide pools provide habitat for rich intertidal and sub-tidal marine life including protected sea stars, octopi, anemones, sea urchins, mussels and crabs.
The Natural Preserve is also the southern-most limit for the giant coreopsis (giant sea dahlia, pictured here) and also dudleya, false heather, and quite possibly the California spineflower.
Though small, the Preserve provides habitat for a surprising amount of wildlife. A visitor may encounter coyotes, skunks, raccoons, ground squirrels and rabbits in broad daylight. One may also find five species of butterflies, six types of snakes, various lizards including the silvery legless lizard, and over one hundred types of birds including brown pelicans, plovers, wrens, roadrunners, burrowing owls, falcons, and hawks.
The incredible vistas here at the point provide an opportunity to view sea lions, harbor seals and dolphins in the surf only a few dozen feet away. This promontory also provides one of the few dry-land viewing sites for migrating gray whales that lets you get close enough to count their barnacles. The best viewing time for these majestic creatures is November through April. To see the newborn whale calves migrate, be here from February on into the spring.
Local History
The Native Californian Chumash tribe inhabited this coastline for thousands of years and used this area as a sacred space. In 1542, the point was an important navigational marker for Spanish explorer Juan Rodriguez Cabrillo, but only received its name in 1793 when British sea captain George Vancouver named the craggy headlands Point Dume after Father Francisco Dumetz from the Mission San Buenaventura.
During World War II, the U.S. Army used this site as an anti-aircraft artillery training area. It is believed that the top of the headlands was flattened after the war for commercial construction purposes. In 1979, Point Dume was acquired by the State of California and is being carefully and gradually restored to its pristine state.
The Native Californian Chumash tribe inhabited this coastline for thousands of years and used this area as a sacred space. In 1542, the point was an important navigational marker for Spanish explorer Juan Rodriguez Cabrillo, but only received its name in 1793 when British sea captain George Vancouver named the craggy headlands Point Dume after Father Francisco Dumetz from the Mission San Buenaventura.
During World War II, the U.S. Army used this site as an anti-aircraft artillery training area. It is believed that the top of the headlands was flattened after the war for commercial construction purposes. In 1979, Point Dume was acquired by the State of California and is being carefully and gradually restored to its pristine state.
Accessible Features
Some disabled parking is available along Cliffside Drive, adjacent the bluff-top park area. For viewing platform access, negotiating a slight grade will be necessary.
Some disabled parking is available along Cliffside Drive, adjacent the bluff-top park area. For viewing platform access, negotiating a slight grade will be necessary.
Community Trips
