Point Dume State Beach
*HEAT ALERT: With temperatures set to exceed 110 degrees throughout much of the state this week, California is urging everyone to take extra precautions as they celebrate the Fourth of July. Governor Newsom has directed the Office of Emergency Services to activate its State Operations Center. Read about how California is preparing for this heatwave. The National Weather Service has issued an excessive heat warning for parts of California from 11 a.m. on Tuesday, July 2, through Sunday, July 7, at 8 p.m. PDT. Please be sure to take extra precautions when heading outdoors and know before you go by checking the park’s webpage ahead of time. Visit our safety tips webpage and get the latest on the weather at weather.gov.
The Park is currently OPEN.
Updated October 18, 2022-Point Dume Staircase Replacement Project: The new staircase access to Big Dume Beach from the bluff is now open. Habitat restoration work on the old access trail and staircase construction areas continue. Due to ongoing work crews and the sensitive natural and cultural resources present on the bluffs, Superintendent’s Order No. 915-22-034 has been issued to limit public use to designated trails, walkways, overlooks, boardwalks and beaches at Point Dume Natural Preserve.
Park Facilities
Parking
Point Dume State Beach features headlands, cliffs, rocky coves and vast beach access and is part of a Network of Marine Protected Areas. Westward Beach is presently operated by Los Angeles County, which also operates Zuma County Beach. These facilities are noted for swimming, surfing and scuba diving. Point Dume is a perfect place to watch for California gray whales during the December to mid April migration period.
Point Dume Nature Preserve
At the end of Westward Beach Road, access to Point Dume Nature 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 preserve 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.
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.
Location/Directions and Parking
Free 2-hour parking is available at the top of Point Dume. Parking is extremely limited and there is no parking is reseidentail areas. Additional parking can be found at Westward Beach.
Directions for additional parking:
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.
