Point Dume

Point Dume is a dramatic coastal headland in Malibu known for its bluff-top ocean views, rocky shoreline, and access to a scenic beach and tide pools. It’s a great place to walk, watch for marine life offshore, and take in classic Southern California coastline scenery from the cliffs or the sand. The area feels especially rewarding at sunset, when the light hits the headland and the Pacific views open up in both directions.

History

Point Dume is named for Padre Francisco Dumetz, an early California missionary whose surname was later anglicized to "Dume." The headland and surrounding area have long been part of Malibu’s coastal landscape, and today they are protected as a public natural area that preserves the bluff, beach, and marine habitat for recreation and conservation.

Expert notes

• Bring layers; the bluff can be windy and cooler than the beach below.
• Check tide conditions before planning a tide-pool visit.
• Stay on marked paths and keep well back from cliff edges.
• Parking can be limited, so earlier arrival is usually easier.