Sunrise to Sunset
Point Dume State Beach
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.
This park unit is partially open. Please take the time to read the information contained on this webpage to find out what is open and closed, and what COVID-19 guidelines are in place. - (October 18, 2022)
What is open now?
- Day-use, trails, beaches and parking lot.
- The new beach stairway is now open
What is currently closed?
- The old stairway access trail and the Coreopsis Trail are closed for habitat restoration work.
COVID-19 Guidelines - (February 16, 2022)
Recreate Responsibly
Protect yourself, family, friends and your community by following these prevention measures:
Recreate Responsibly
Protect yourself, family, friends and your community by following these prevention measures:
- Know Before You Go – Prior to leaving home, check the status of the park unit you want to visit to find out what restrictions and guidelines are in place. Have a back-up plan in case your destination is crowded. Stay home if you are sick
- Plan Ahead – Some restrooms will be temporarily closed to keep up with cleaning schedules. Bring soap/hand sanitizer.
- Play It Safe – Find out what precautions you should take when exploring the outdoors, especially if this is your first time visiting the State Park System. Learn more at parks.ca.gov/SafetyTips.
- Be COVID-19 Safe – State Parks continues to meet guidance from local and state public officials as COVID-19 is still present and still deadly. Effective March 1, 2022, state guidance recommends that all individuals, regardless of vaccine status, continue masking in indoor settings, such as museums and visitor centers. Universal masking remains required in specified high-risk settings. Please plan ahead as local county guidelines may differ from state guidance and visitors are urged to follow county guidelines when required. Read the latest COVID-19 guidance at COVID19.ca.gov.
- Leave No Trace – Leave areas better than how you found them by staying on designated trails and packing out all trash. Do not disturb wildlife or plants.
Phone Number
(310) 457-8144
Park Hours
Dogs Allowed?
No
Driving Directions to Point Dume SB
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.
At the end of Westward Beach Road, access to Point Dume State 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 reserve this unique sand accumulation.
Online reservations are not available for this park.
Upcoming Park Events
No events scheduled at this moment.
TRAIL USE
Hiking Trails
Hiking Trails
DAY-USE ACTIVITIES & FACILITIES
Picnic Areas
Guided Tours
Scuba Diving/Snorkeling
Beach Area
Swimming
Nature & Wildlife Viewing
Windsurfing/Surfing
Family Programs
Picnic Areas
Guided Tours
Scuba Diving/Snorkeling
Beach Area
Swimming
Nature & Wildlife Viewing
Windsurfing/Surfing
Family Programs
OTHER FACILITIES & VISITOR INFORMATION
Parking
Parking
Point Dume State Beach features headlands, cliffs, rocky coves and vast beach access. 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
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.