Best Guide on Point Dume for Easy Parking & Views
Last Updated: April 8, 2024
Thinking of things to do near Los Angeles or Malibu? Point Dume in Malibu is THE spot to visit near Los Angeles if you’re visiting LA from out of town, or if you’re a local in need of some date ideas. We’ve been to Point Dume at least 5 times at this point, so we want to make sure you have all your Point Dume questions answered, instead of skimming Google Reviews.
The biggest misconception on Google Reviews about Point Dume is that it does not offer parking. This is not true. Point Dume has plenty of parking! More information on this below.
Best Guide to Point Dume, Malibu
When you first hear the name, Point “Doom” can sound pretty ominous. But don’t worry, there’s no doom here. On the contrary, Point Dume is a beacon of beauty, elegance, and perfection on the southern coast of California. And for history lovers out there, the name Point Dume is just a misspelling of “Dumetz”, named after Father Francisco Dumetz, a late Spanish missionary.
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Best Guide to Point Dume — Your Top Questions, Answered:
- What is Point Dume famous for?
- What movies have been filmed at Point Dume?
- Is visiting Point Dume free?
- Is there parking at Point Dume?
- How much does parking cost at Point Dume?
- Is there street parking near Point Dume?
- How long is the hike to Point Dume?
- What wildlife should I expect to see at Point Dume?
- Are there bathrooms at Point Dume, Malibu?
- How crowded is Point Dume?
- Is there food or water at Point Dume?
- Is it safe to swim at Point Dume?
- Is Point Dume dog friendly?
What is Point Dume famous for?
Point Dume is a historical California landmark known for its unforgettable beauty. The Point Dume park in Malibu offers epic photo opportunities of the coast line and—most prominently— a massive long bluff, to which visitors and birds alike flock. Point Dume offers visitors the opportunity to enjoy nature via hiking, swimming, rock climbing, surfing and plenty of other activities!
What movies have been filmed at Point Dume?
Many scenes have been recorded at Point Dume! Some noteworthy movies include Iron Man, Planet of the Apes, and an episode of Modern Family.
Plus, here are some other highly rated activities nearby if you want to do some more exploring in Malibu:
Is visiting Point Dume free?
Other than parking fees, Point Dume, Malibu is free to visit.
Is there parking at Point Dume?
Yes, there is plenty of parking at Point Dume. The easiest parking lot to visit Point Dume is called “Modern Parking, Inc.” located at 7103 Westward Beach Rd, Malibu, CA 90265. I have visited on weekdays and weekends alike and I can always easily find a spot.
The further into the Point Dume parking lot you drive, the closer you will be to Point Dume itself. So follow our pro tip: If you want to reduce your time walking in the parking lot, park as close to the end of the parking lot as possible. You can see the ‘Modern Parking’ lot in the photo below!
Note that if you follow Google Maps to “Point Dume,” it will take you to the tiny lot along Cliffside Drive at the top of the bluff.
Many people have done this and left frustrated because they could not find parking. This is an odd quirk of visiting Point Dume. So we do not recommend mapping to “Point Dume.” Instead, map it to the Modern Parking, Inc. lot mentioned above. Alternatively, you can map to Point Dume State Beach, and you should end up at the entrance to the Modern Parking lot.
How much does parking cost at Point Dume?
The parking fee at Point Dume changes depending on what season you choose to visit. If you visit Point Dume in the winter, you’ll pay $8 for the day. If you visit in the summer, you’ll end up paying up to $15 per day to park at Point Dume.
Is there street parking near Point Dume?
Yes! If you want to avoid paying for parking at Point Dume, park along the coast of Zuma Beach, instead of turning into the Point Dume State Beach parking lot. However, this option usually requires you to walk about 1.5 miles to get from Zuma Beach to the bluff at Point Dume. The distance will vary some depending on where you parallel park along the coast.
How long is the hike to Point Dume?
It depends what you’re in the mood for. If you want to enjoy the views at Point Dume with as little strenuous activity as possible, your best bet is to ascend directly from the parking lot, which ends up being an incline of about 20-30 minutes depending on your fitness level.
If you’re looking for a moderately challenging hike, the Point Dume Cove Trail is a good option as it takes about 45 minutes to complete at 1.4 miles round trip. The trail offers views of lizards on the ground ahead of you and sea lions roaring from the water down below.
What wildlife should I expect to see at Point Dume?
So many! We’ve spotted plenty of sea lions and pelicans. If you look closely, others have spotted even whales and dolphins at Point Dume! The sea lions are definitely a regular occurrence at Point Dume. You have to hike up the trail a little ways beyond the initial viewpoint to see the sea lions, but it’s been worth the extra walk every time for us.
Are there bathrooms at Point Dume, Malibu?
There are several bathroom buildings at Point Dume’s parking lot. Each restroom hut has 3 restroom stalls. Bathrooms at Point Dume have running water, a sink, soap, and a full-sized door.
How crowded is Point Dume?
Point Dume is popular but never feels crowded. You’ll be sure to walk by other visitors on your way to Point Dume, but there’s never a line. Although you may have to wait a minute or two for the perfect photo opportunity if you visit Point Dume on a weekend.
Is there food or water at Point Dume?
Yes! There are water fountains for you to refill your water bottle in front of the bathrooms in the parking lot of Point Dume.
If you’re hungry, the closest restaurants near Point Dume are located in front of Zuma Beach including the Sunset Restaurant, and Spruzzo Restaurant & Bar. If you don’t mind driving a bit more, Le Cafe de la Plage Malibu is located at Point Dume Village and is absolutely tasty!
Is it safe to swim at Point Dume?
Yes! Point Dume is perfect for swimming. Just be careful, as the currents and tides can be quite strong, and the cliffs can be dangerous. However, there is plenty of coastline along the beach at Point Dume that is not near the cliffs themselves. We have seen plenty of people swimming at Point Dume.
Is Point Dume dog friendly?
Unfortunately dogs are not allowed on the Point Dume Trail or on the beach.
Overall, we love visiting Point Dume. It is one of our favorite views near LA. And Point Dume is the destination where we bring all our friends who visit LA from out of town. You won’t regret visiting Point Dume.
If you’re looking for similar experiences in the area but with more cliffs & caves, check out El Matador State Beach for equally lovely views!