Point Dume
Malibu, CA
A rocky headland at the west end of Santa Monica Bay with a short boardwalk trail to the top. Gray whales pass in winter; parking is limited to a small beach lot and neighbourhood streets.
Point Dume is a rocky headland on the Malibu coast that juts into the Pacific at the northern end of Santa Monica Bay. George Vancouver named it in 1793 for Padre Francisco Dumetz of Mission San Buenaventura; his map spelled the name "Dume." The tip is a nature preserve (Point Dume Nature Preserve) and California Historical Landmark No. 965. About 1 mile (1.6 km) of trails lead to two overlooks. The views reach toward Palos Verdes and out to Santa Catalina Island.
During the gray whale migration, from December into spring, whales can be spotted from the cliffs. There are only about ten parking spaces on Cliffside Drive; when they are full, you hike up from Westward Beach. Wikivoyage also warns of heavy traffic on the Pacific Coast Highway and tight beach parking on weekends.
- Nearest town
- Malibu, CA
- Category
- Scenic viewpoints
- GPS
- 34.0014, -118.8065
Hours, fees and access change. Confirm with the operator or park before you go.
Good to know
Best time to go
The most pleasant months are usually September–May. Still fine, with some compromises, in June–August. (Estimate from long-term temperature averages, terrain and pass seasons)
Featured in these trip guides
Nearby
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Campsites nearby
- Camp SummertimeCampsite6 mi from Point Dume
- Malibu Creek Group Camp SiteMotorhome stopover8 mi from Point DumeMotorhomesShowersToiletsWaste disposal
- Malibu Creek CampgroundMotorhome stopover8 mi from Point DumeMotorhomesShowersToiletsWaste disposal
- Circle X Ranch Group CampgroundCampsite11 mi from Point Dume
- Sycamore Canyon CampgroundCampsite13 mi from Point Dume
- Sycamore Group Multi-Use AreaCampsite14 mi from Point Dume
All campsites in California · Campsite data: © OpenStreetMap contributors, ODbL 1.0 · Updated October 3, 2026
FAQs
Where is Point Dume?
Point Dume is in Malibu, CA, at GPS 34.0014, -118.8065. It is about 16 mi from Point Mugu.
Can you camp near Point Dume?
Yes. The nearest campsite listed in OpenStreetMap is Malibu Beach RV Park, about 5 mi away; within 25 mi there are 18 campsites and motorhome stopovers.
Which road trips pass Point Dume?
Point Dume is a stop on these CampingSpirit trip guides: Pacific Coast Highway south: Malibu to San Diego.
What is there to see near Point Dume?
Places worth a stop nearby: El Matador State Beach (5 mi), Santa Monica Pier (18 mi), Griffith Observatory (30 mi) and Crystal Cove State Park (63 mi).
When is the best time to visit Point Dume?
The most pleasant months are usually September–May. Still fine, with some compromises, in June–August. (Estimate from long-term temperature averages, terrain and pass seasons)