Point Dume

Point Dume, near 7103 Westward Beach Rd in Malibu, California, is a rocky headland that juts into the Pacific Ocean and forms part of Point Dume State Beach and a nearby natural preserve. A cliff-top trail with a wooden staircase leads to the headland's summit, where an open viewpoint looks east along the Malibu coast, west to the cliffs and Zuma Beach, and down onto a cove and the rocky shoreline below. The frame is a wide coastal panorama with the curve of the bay, the sea and, in the right season, gray whales passing offshore. In winter, from roughly December through April, gray whales migrate along the coast and can be seen from the headland, so a long telephoto lens such as a 70-200mm is useful for whale photography. In spring, wildflowers bloom on the bluff and add color to foreground compositions. Light is best at sunrise and sunset: sunrise light comes from behind the viewer across the coast, while at sunset the sun drops toward the horizon over the bay, creating warm side-light on the cliffs. Clear days after winter storms offer the best visibility, while summer mornings often bring marine-layer fog. The headland draws moderate crowds, particularly on weekend mornings, and the viewpoint at the top is compact, so arriving early helps secure a position for a tripod. Parking is available at the Westward Beach lot, which charges a day-use fee, and it can fill quickly in summer. Tripods are generally allowed, while commercial photography requires a permit and drone flights are restricted in state park units. Visitors should stay on marked trails, as the bluffs are fragile and eroded in places. Restrooms are located near the beach parking area, and water should be brought along, as sources are limited.