Point Dume Trail

Point Dume State Beach, California

Point Dume State Preserve features headlands, cliffs, rocky coves and vast beaches - a short hike along the 1.5-mile Point Dume Trail exposes the hiker to all of these wonderful features.

The trailhead can be accessed via Cliffside Drive, where a mere ten two-hour curbside parking spaces are located. Getting one of these highly sought after spaces requires patience and/or good timing. Generally, there are several other hikers vying for a coveted spot as well, so, if the lot is full, simply circle around the residential area a few times - a spot usually opens up every 20 minutes or so.

As you make your way past the sign that marks the entrance, California coastal scrub will give way to spectacular views of the Malibu coastline—eventually the path reaches a junction, veering left leads to a dilapidated staircase that descends toward a rocky beach at the base of the cliffs. Take this path to reach the pebble beach where you can search for tidepools and shorebirds hunting for a meal.

A right at the junction leads to the highest point of the hike and the remainder of the loop.

The trail to Point Dume is a gradually ascending, 1.5 mile roundtrip sandy path/boardwalk that leads to an ancient coastal bluff sand dune with fantastic views - the incredible view encompasses the entire Santa Monica Bay, north Malibu Coast, inland Santa Monica Mountains, and distant Catalina Island.

On the hike, you will pass through a community of sea fig, sage, prickly pear cactus, poppies, and coreopsis, on your way to a high cliff where sea lions and dolphins can be seen playing in the surf below. In addition, from October to March it is also possible to see migrating gray whales passing by the point.