Point Dume Nature Preserve
Experience breathtaking coastal vistas and easy hikes at Point Dume Nature Preserve, a Malibu gem with stunning ocean views and tide pools.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Wildflowers & whale watching
Point Dume Nature Preserve
Best Time
Wildflowers & whale watching
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Experience breathtaking coastal vistas and easy hikes at Point Dume Nature Preserve, a Malibu gem with stunning ocean views and tide pools.
"Point Dume offers a tranquil coastal escape with stunning nature and panoramic views."
🚗 Parking Strategy
Arrive early for limited bluff parking or use Westward Beach lot & walk. :car:
🥾 Wear Comfortable Shoes
The trails are easy, but good walking shoes are recommended for exploring. :athletic_shoe:
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Panoramic Ocean Vistas
Promontory viewpoint
Sweeping 360-degree views of the Malibu coastline, Santa Monica Bay, and Catalina Island. Spot dolphins and sea lions!
Dume Cove Beach Access
Steep staircase descent
A secluded beach with tide pools, perfect for exploring marine life at low tide. Stairs can be steep, use caution.
+1
Wildflower Trails
Various walking paths
In spring, the trails burst with colorful wildflowers, adding to the scenic beauty of the coastal hike.
+1Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Parking Pointers
Best Time for Views & Wildlife
+1Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🚗 Parking Strategy
Arrive early for limited bluff parking or use Westward Beach lot & walk. :car:
🥾 Wear Comfortable Shoes
The trails are easy, but good walking shoes are recommended for exploring.
🧥 Bring a Jacket
It can get breezy and cool, even in summer. A light jacket is a good idea. :windblowingface:
📸 Capture the Views
Bring your camera or phone for stunning coastal shots and wildlife.
Tips
from all over the internet
🚗 Parking Strategy
Arrive early for limited bluff parking or use Westward Beach lot & walk. :car:
🥾 Wear Comfortable Shoes
The trails are easy, but good walking shoes are recommended for exploring.
🧥 Bring a Jacket
It can get breezy and cool, even in summer. A light jacket is a good idea. :windblowingface:
📸 Capture the Views
Bring your camera or phone for stunning coastal shots and wildlife.
💧 Pack Water & Snacks
Stay hydrated and enjoy a picnic with ocean views. :water_pistol:
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Point Dume Nature Preserve is lauded for its breathtaking coastal views, easy walking trails, and opportunities for wildlife spotting. Visitors appreciate the natural beauty and the chance to explore tide pools. However, the extremely limited parking is a significant drawback, often requiring visitors to park further away and walk. The steep stairs to Dume Cove are also noted as a potential challenge.
"A very pleasant place for a fairly easy walk around the point. It is part of the California State Park system. The trail is a loop around Point Dume, offering some great views up and down the Malibu coastline. Parking is very limited and there is a two hour posted time limit. No restroom facilities there. It does have stairs down to the beach. Well worth the time to visit if you are in the area..."
John Pobursky
"As a wedding photographer in Los Angeles I really recommend this place for any kind of couple photo shoot. Easy to achieve very creative photographs. Beautiful view at the option on the top of the hill with various locations at the cliff and walking path."
Nemanja Zdravkovic
"I recently visited Point Dume Natural Preserve in Malibu and it was simply spectacular!
From the well-marked parking area atop Cliffside Drive, I embarked on the short but scenic 0.8–1 mile loop up to the promontory. The ascent is gentle with about 100 ft of elevation gain, and the boardwalk trail leads to a viewing platform with sweeping 360‑degree vistas across Zuma Beach, Santa Monica Bay, and even Catalina Island on a clear day.
The coastline views are breathtaking—and on my visit I spotted dolphins surfacing and sea lions perched on rocks below. In spring, migrating whales pass by close enough to see from the lookout, and wildflowers like coreopsis and poppies add seasonal color to the trail.
There’s also a steep staircase descending to Dume Cove and tide pools—where I observed starfish, urchins, and colorful marine life at low tide. Be cautious on the narrow, rusty stairs, but the payoff is worth it for the secluded beach spot
Parking is limited—there are just about 8–10 spaces on Cliffside Drive, and they fill up fast. If those are full, I parked in the larger paid lot at Westward Beach Road and walked up (about 0.5 mile)—worth the effort to access this peaceful preserve.
Pros:
Gorgeous ocean and bluff views
Easy, well-maintained trail and boardwalk
Excellent whale and wildlife spotting opportunities
No entry fee
Cons:
Very limited parking at the bluff
Beach stairs are steep and not ideal for small children or mobility-impaired visitors.
Tips:
Visit in spring for wildflowers and whale watching
Bring water, sunscreen, and good walking shoes.
Arrive early for better chances at bluff parking—otherwise use the Westward Beach lot and hike in
Stay on the designated paths—off‑trail hiking is prohibited
Overall, Point Dume Natural Preserve offers a tranquil coastal escape with stunning nature and panoramic views. Perfect for a short hike, wildlife sightings, or just a peaceful moment above the Pacific. Highly recommended!"
Asif Iqbal
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Point Dume Nature Preserve is located at 29208 Cliffside Dr, Malibu, CA 90265. Many visitors use GPS to navigate there.
Parking is very limited at the top of the preserve, with only about 8-10 spots. It fills up quickly, especially on weekends.
An alternative is the paid parking lot at Westward Beach, which requires a short walk to the preserve.
Public transportation options to Point Dume are limited. It's generally recommended to drive or use ride-sharing services.
Yes, you can park at the Westward Beach parking lot and walk to Point Dume. This is a good option when parking at the preserve is full.
Absolutely! Point Dume is a perfect quick stop on a road trip along the coast, offering stunning views and photo opportunities.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
No, there is no entry fee to access Point Dume Nature Preserve itself.
Point Dume Nature Preserve is generally open from sunrise to sunset. It's a natural preserve, so official hours are not as strictly enforced as a typical park.
No, tickets are not required for Point Dume Nature Preserve as there is no entrance fee.
Yes, the parking spots at the top of the preserve have a posted two-hour time limit.
There are no restroom facilities directly at the Point Dume Nature Preserve overlook. You may find restrooms at nearby Westward Beach.
🎫 🥾 Onsite Experience
The main trail is a short, easy loop around the point, approximately 0.8 to 1 mile long with about 100 feet of elevation gain.
Yes! Visitors often spot dolphins, sea lions, and migrating whales (in spring) from the lookout points.
Point Dume offers an easy and scenic hike, perfect for a short walk with breathtaking ocean views.
At low tide, Dume Cove reveals fascinating tide pools filled with starfish, urchins, and other colorful marine creatures.
While the main trail is easy, the steep stairs down to Dume Cove may not be ideal for very young children or those with mobility issues.
📸 📸 Photography
The promontory offers stunning 360-degree views perfect for landscape photography.
Yes, Point Dume is highly recommended for sunset photos, offering beautiful golden hour light over the Pacific Ocean.
Drone usage may be restricted in California State Parks. It's best to check local regulations before flying a drone.
Point Dume is excellent for landscape, nature, wildlife, and even couple's photo shoots due to its diverse scenery.
The main viewpoint at the top of the bluff and the staircase leading down to Dume Cove are popular and picturesque spots.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
+1 Consider bringing snacks and water, as there are picnic tables available. 📸 Photographers & Content Creators
+1 The preserve is particularly popular for sunset photography, offering spectacular golden hour light. +1 Many creators on TikTok and Instagram have showcased the beauty of Point Dume, using it as a backdrop for travel content and nature photography. Remember to be mindful of the limited parking and potentially steep access to Dume Cove when planning your shoot. 🚶♀️ Casual Strollers & Nature Lovers
+1 You can enjoy the fresh sea air, listen to the waves, and appreciate the natural beauty without strenuous effort. Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
Navigating Parking and Access
For those lucky enough to snag a spot at the top, be aware of the posted two-hour time limit.
The preserve itself is part of the California State Park system, and while there's no entry fee, parking fees at adjacent lots may apply. The Best Times for Wildlife and Scenery
+1 This season also coincides with the migration of whales, making the preserve an excellent vantage point for whale watching. Visitors have reported seeing dolphins and sea lions year-round from the overlooks. For photography enthusiasts and those seeking the most dramatic light, early mornings and late afternoons are highly recommended.
The 'golden hour' before sunset bathes the coastline in warm hues, making it a prime spot for sunset viewing and photography. +1 While the preserve is beautiful year-round, visiting during these specific times can significantly enhance the experience, offering both stunning visuals and the chance to witness local wildlife in its natural habitat. +1Exploring Dume Cove and Tide Pools
Reaching this cove involves descending a steep staircase from the bluff. While this offers a rewarding experience, reviewers caution that the stairs can be narrow and rusty, making them less suitable for very young children or individuals with mobility challenges. +1At low tide, Dume Cove transforms into a fascinating natural aquarium, revealing numerous tide pools.
These pools are home to a variety of marine life, including starfish, sea urchins, and other colorful creatures, offering a fantastic opportunity for close-up observation and learning about coastal ecosystems. Visitors are encouraged to tread carefully and respect the delicate environment when exploring these natural wonders. 
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit