Point Dume Los Angeles
Tranquil coastal preserve in Malibu with blufftop trails, rocky coves, and stunning ocean vistas.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Fewer crowds, easier parking
Point Dume Los Angeles
Best Time
Fewer crowds, easier parking
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Tranquil coastal preserve in Malibu with blufftop trails, rocky coves, and stunning ocean vistas.
"Point Dume offers breathtaking ocean views and easy hikes, a must-visit for any LA coastal explorer."
🚗 Parking Strategy
Opt for the large beach parking lot or try street parking on nearby roads. Arrive early!
🥾 Easy Hiking Trails
Enjoy scenic, accessible trails with stunning ocean views. Great for all fitness levels.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Blufftop Ocean Views
Cliffside trails
Panoramic vistas of the Pacific, Santa Catalina Island, and the coastline. Perfect for sunset.
Pirates Cove Beach
Base of the cliffs
A secluded, hidden beach accessible via a trail. Ideal for a quiet escape.
Whale Watching Spot
Blufftop
Prime location for spotting migrating whales during winter and spring months.
Planning Your Visit
Beat the Crowds at Point Dume
Parking and Access Tips
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🚗 Parking Strategy
Opt for the large beach parking lot or try street parking on nearby roads. Arrive early! +1
🥾 Easy Hiking Trails
Enjoy scenic, accessible trails with stunning ocean views. Great for all fitness levels.
📸 Sunset Photo Ops
The blufftop offers incredible sunset backdrops. Bring your camera!
🤫 Secluded Beach Finds
Explore Pirates Cove for a more private beach experience.
Tips
from all over the internet
🚗 Parking Strategy
Opt for the large beach parking lot or try street parking on nearby roads. Arrive early! +1
🥾 Easy Hiking Trails
Enjoy scenic, accessible trails with stunning ocean views. Great for all fitness levels.
📸 Sunset Photo Ops
The blufftop offers incredible sunset backdrops. Bring your camera!
🤫 Secluded Beach Finds
Explore Pirates Cove for a more private beach experience.
🐳 Winter Whale Watching
Visit during migration season for a chance to see whales from the bluffs.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors rave about Point Dume's stunning ocean views, easy hiking trails, and the chance to spot whales. The secluded Pirates Cove is a hidden gem. However, parking can be a significant challenge, especially on weekends, and crowds can detract from the tranquility.
"We arrived at Point Dume parking lot at 7:30 pm, plenty of parking spaces available, paid $3 at the prepaid ticket paying station. There were a lot of photo shootings right at the cliffs, the sunset was beautiful and unforgettable, we even saw some whales passing by. It took us about 10 minutes easy hike to get on top of the cliff. WOW! The panorama of the pacific ocean and the sunset was the best I have ever seen, come experience it yourself!"
Yan Zheng
"I visited this area many years ago and although a lot has changed in Malibu, I love this park. The park is very well preserved and maintained and the views are stunning. The only issue is the parking is very limited and I am not sure how well others follow the two hour parking time limit but since there were two of us we were able to takes turns and not use the on-site parking. I highly recommend and recommend going early to beat the crowd😁"
Scott Burbank
"What a great experience.I went there thinking small it ended up being big. I got some great pictures of the surfers.Be prepared to walk down and up a lot of stairs. After that I took the little hike.And got to see a bunch of seals. That was a surprise. Then
Just on the other side was a public beach. It was really nice.I was able to sit on the cliff and just people watch for a little."
Jamie Occhionero
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Point Dume is located in Malibu, about a 45-minute to 1-hour drive north of Santa Monica, depending on traffic. Take the Pacific Coast Highway (PCH) north. You can also use ride-sharing services, though parking availability is a consideration.
While there are bus routes along PCH, they can be infrequent. It's generally recommended to drive or use ride-sharing for easier access and flexibility. Check local transit schedules for current options.
The main beach parking lot is quite large and often has availability, especially on weekdays or early mornings. Street parking on nearby residential streets is also an option but requires a walk. +1
Parking in the main beach lot typically costs around $15 for the day. Some street parking spots might be free, but be mindful of signage and restrictions.
Absolutely! Point Dume is a perfect day trip destination from Los Angeles, offering beautiful scenery and a relaxing coastal experience without requiring an overnight stay.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
No, Point Dume State Preserve and its trails are free to access. There is a fee for parking in the designated beach lot.
Point Dume is generally open from sunrise to sunset. The parking lot may have specific hours, so it's best to check local park information if you plan to visit very early or late.
Dogs are generally not allowed on the beach at Point Dume State Beach. However, they may be permitted on leash on some of the trails within the preserve, but it's always best to check current park regulations.
The main trails on the blufftop are relatively easy to navigate, but some areas may be uneven. The beach access can be challenging due to sand. Check with the park service for the most up-to-date accessibility information.
Yes, restrooms are typically available in the main beach parking area. It's advisable to bring your own hand sanitizer as facilities can vary.
🎫 🏞️ Onsite Experience
Enjoy hiking the blufftop trails for stunning ocean views, relax on the beach, explore Pirates Cove, and keep an eye out for whales during migration season.
Yes, Point Dume offers easy to moderate hiking trails along the bluffs with breathtaking coastal scenery. It's a popular spot for short, scenic walks.
You might spot dolphins, sea lions, and various seabirds. During migration season (winter/spring), Point Dume is an excellent location for whale watching.
Absolutely! The panoramic ocean views, dramatic cliffs, and beautiful sunsets make Point Dume a photographer's paradise.
It can get quite crowded, especially on weekends and holidays. Weekday mornings are your best bet for a quieter experience.
📸 📸 Photography
The blufftop trails offer the most iconic panoramic shots of the coastline and ocean. The rocky outcrops and Pirates Cove also provide unique photographic opportunities.
Golden hour, just before sunset, provides the most dramatic and beautiful lighting for photos. Early morning also offers soft light and fewer crowds.
A wide-angle lens is great for capturing the expansive ocean views. A telephoto lens can be useful for wildlife spotting, like whales or dolphins.
Generally, personal photography is allowed. However, commercial photography or drone usage may require permits, so it's best to check with the park authorities.
Drone usage is often restricted in state parks and nature preserves. It's crucial to check the specific regulations for Point Dume State Preserve before flying a drone, as permits may be required.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
While the main beach is great for playing, keep a close eye on children near the water due to ocean currents. Pirates Cove, being smaller, might feel more manageable for families looking for a slightly more contained beach experience. The natural beauty and open spaces make it an engaging environment for kids to explore and connect with nature.
📸 Photographers and Content Creators
For those capturing video content, the panoramic views and the natural beauty of the coastline are ideal. Consider visiting during the week to minimize background distractions from other visitors. Remember to check local regulations regarding drone usage if you plan to incorporate aerial footage into your content.
💍 Couples and Romantic Getaways
For a truly memorable experience, plan a visit during sunset. The vibrant colors painting the sky over the Pacific create an unforgettable ambiance. Consider packing a small blanket and some snacks to enjoy the moment together. Some visitors have even suggested nearby restaurants for a romantic dinner post-proposal.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
Exploring Point Dume's Trails and Beaches
At the base of the bluffs, you'll find several beach access points. The main beach is a wide expanse of sand, ideal for sunbathing and enjoying the ocean breeze. For those seeking a more secluded experience, a short, somewhat hidden trail leads down to Pirates Cove Beach. This charming, smaller cove is often less crowded and offers a more intimate beach experience, making it a favorite for those in the know.
When planning your visit, remember that beach access can involve navigating stairs or sandy paths. The trails themselves are mostly paved or well-trodden dirt paths. Wear comfortable shoes, especially if you plan to explore multiple areas. The natural beauty of Point Dume is its primary draw, offering a tranquil escape with stunning coastal landscapes.
The Best Times for Whale Watching and Sunset Views
Beyond wildlife, Point Dume is also a spectacular location for sunset. As the day winds down, the sky often transforms into a canvas of vibrant colors, casting a warm glow over the ocean and the surrounding landscape. The blufftop provides an unobstructed view, making it a popular spot for photographers and couples seeking a romantic setting. Arriving about an hour before sunset allows ample time to find a good spot and capture the changing light.
While both whale watching and sunset are prime attractions, they draw crowds. For a more peaceful experience, consider visiting on a weekday. If your primary goal is whale watching, aim for the cooler morning hours. For the most dramatic sunset photos, the hour leading up to dusk is ideal, but be prepared for company.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit