Less than an hour drive from Los Angeles, tucked behind a quiet residential neighborhood in Malibu, lies a magical place with dramatic cliffs, hidden coves, and sweeping views of the Pacific. Point Dume Natural Preserve is a cinematic icon where you can stand on a windswept bluff, feel like you’ve genuinely escaped the city, and watch gray whales if you get lucky — all for free.
Natural wonders and wildlife
The high vantage point of the summit offers more than just a photo op — it’s a prime location for nature enthusiasts.
Point Dume’s position, jutting out into the Pacific, makes it a special location for viewing marine life directly from the shore. If you’re lucky, you’ll catch a glimpse of the migrating grey whales in winter.
The preserve is also home to:
🐬Marine Mammals: Sea lions, harbor seals, and dolphins frequently feed in the surf just below the cliffs.
🐇Terrestrial Animals: Coyotes, rabbits, skunks, and the rare silvery legless lizard inhabit the scrub.
🦅Birds: Over 100 species have been recorded here, including burrowing owls, falcons, and brown pelicans.
A cinematic legacy
If Point Dume looks familiar, it’s because you’ve likely seen it on the screen!
- Planet of the Apes (1968): The iconic closing scene featuring a half-buried Statue of Liberty was filmed on the sands of Westward Beach, right at the base of the Point Dume cliffs.
- Iron Man: While Tony Stark’s futuristic mansion was digitally added to the cliffside, the real-life location of his “Malibu home” is the very tip of the Point.
- The Big Lebowski: Site of Jackie Treehorn’s garden party in The Big Lebowski.
Practical information
The preserve is open daily from sunrise to sunset. Because of its protected status, visitors must adhere to strict guidelines:
- Access: You are encouraged to park at Westward Beach, where paid lots and free street parking are available, and use the connecting trail to reach the bluff.
- Facilities: There are no restrooms or public phones within the preserve itself. Facilities are located at Westward Beach.
- Regulations: To protect nesting birds and the fragile ecosystem, dogs are strictly prohibited. Visitors must remain on fenced trails to prevent cliff erosion and habitat destruction.
ℹ️For more information, you can visit the California State Parks website.
